Last weekend in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, thousands of hardcore cosplayers and Halloween lovers descended on the streets of Kawasaki City to take part in the Kawasaki Halloween Parade 2013, the 17th of its kind and Japan’s largest public parade dedicated to the Western festival.
The 1.5 km course was flanked by food stalls and specially decorated shops catering to the tourists and locals vying to get the best shots of the coolest outfits, and despite the somewhat inclement weather last weekend, thousands turned up to witness and take part in the event, proving once and for all that Halloween has most definitely found a permanent home in Japan.
We weren’t able to make it over to Kanagawa Prefecture to check out the parade for ourselves, but thankfully Japan’s smartphone-loving Twitter army came to the rescue and supplied us with dozens of great pictures, so let’s sit back, relax, and enjoy the parade in photo form!
▼ Shoulder-to-shoulder ghouls, ghosts and sexy vampires.
Photo: KAZU
▼ Predator came out to scare some kids.
Photo: stk_aktk
Photo: Jasmine_Makoto
▼ The “No More!” anti-piracy guys had a baby with an Instagram camera
Photo: Hazelhasi
▼ Keepin’ it classic
Photo: Akijok
Photo: Saorikalavinka
▼ And there were of course plenty of masked heroes to meet!
Photo: 9923kawab
Photo: _Je3_
Photo: Syun_ta_x
▼ Is this the Free! team we see here!? Either way this is amazing.
Photo: Komayo_j_u_r
▼ This Mario Kart group’s outfits are simply inspired.
Photo: Komayo_j_u_r
▼ Hayao Miyazaki inhabits a handful of his own creations. Now that’s scary!
Photo: yoneemon
Photo: mao_block
▼ Cute Japanese Alice and pals.
Photo: a_seara45
▼ We didn’t expect to see you guys here!
Photo: Simpsons333
Photo: Mask_jpn
▼ Good to see the pups getting involved too!
Photo: Mask_jpn
▼ It looks like these girls only eat right legs…
Photo: Mask_jpn
▼ “Halloween is fun,” writes this Twitter user. Yes, yes it is.
Photo: tattoo724
Photo: Momocky1989
Photo: DarkKnightArmer
▼ Why go as a comic book character when you can go as the entire comic book?
Photo: Chipdele0904
▼ It’s a giant Umaibou corn snack!
Photo: Slotgonta
▼ The Attack on Titan crew even showed up!
Photo: vhsic_mkll
▼ And here’s a nice close-up shot
Photo: Maejimaeji
▼ A battle-hardened stormtrooper
Photo: h_tsukago
▼ Ol’ Spidey’s looking a bit bored without anyone to fight
Photo: Kusumin_rei
▼ Over-protective boyfriends?
Photo: Moon_913
▼ The gang from Castle in the Sky looking smiley!
Photo: hanagasakutoki
▼ Killer(s) bee
Photo: hanagasakutoki
▼ Zombie military police.
Photo: Macoto_kato
▼ At least someone remembered to keep Halloween scary!
Photo: Oidonbx
Just two more days until it’s officially halloween, boys and girls. We hope you’ve been making the most of the chance to get creepy!
Halloween parade invaded by the Dark Side with marching band stromtroopers and Star Wars floats
Costumes from everyday life on parade once more in “Jimi Halloween 2021”
Hyakki Yagyo: Night Parade of 100 Demons scares tourists in Kyoto【Videos】
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
German woman rescued from Mt. Fuji after suffering altitude sickness symptoms, hiking to peak anyway
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】