Kawasaki Halloween is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in Japan, with numerous events towards the end of the month. Of course, the main draw is the parade, which was held just this past Sunday.
But this year’s parade featured something special, with cosplayers dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters. The Aomori Star Wars nebuta floats were even there, making their first appearance in the Kanto area! But the perhaps the coolest part was the stormtrooper marching band! Check out all the awesome photos below!
▼ Stormtroopers can play music better than they can aim…
[tweet https://twitter.com/marchingbu/status/658603693374226432 align=center]This year’s Kawasaki Halloween Parade featured a wide range of Star Wars characters and floats, but for us the most awesome part was the stormtrooper marching band, which played the Star Wars theme song as well as the Imperial march. They were also joined by 100 people in Star Wars costumes, including families set on enjoying all the Star Wars fever kicked up by the soon-to-be-released new film.
[tweet https://twitter.com/shinsuke0330/status/658193752511479809 align=center hide_media=’true’]
Though this is hardly the first time we’ve seen the Star Wars nebuta floats from Aomori, it is the first time they’ve appeared in the Kanto area. Fortunately, it looks like they survived the long trip to Kanagawa without sustaining any damage!
[tweet https://twitter.com/SAWSUI/status/658175347729428480 align=center hide_media=’true’] [tweet https://twitter.com/bcgjawa/status/658257390773497856 align=center hide_thread=’true’]
The parade apparently began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting—but unlike the kind you might see outside a newly opened supermarket or bank, this one involved light sabers with the sound effects played through the PA system. Fortunately, no one lost any hands!
▼ Kyodo News video of the parade with light saber ribbon cutting
According to ITMedia, this was the largest Kawasaki Halloween Parade yet with attendance topping 120,000 people. The Force is certainly strong with whomever organized everything!
Finally, here are a few shots of some of the cosplayers at the parade.
[tweet https://twitter.com/shinenori01/status/658209590983524352 align=center] [tweet https://twitter.com/grove_tokyo/status/658155155561385985 align=center hide_media=’true’]
If there was ever any concern that the upcoming film wouldn’t be well-received in Japan, we think those concerns can be laid to rest now. It’s clear that Star Wars fever knows no national boundaries!
Sources: ITMedia
Top image: Twitter/@shinsuke0330, Twitter/@SAWSUI
Aomori’s fabled Nebuta Festival 2015 to feature Star Wars floats
The Star Wars folding screens just unveiled at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple are amazing
Annual New Year’s Eve singing competition Kohaku will be invaded by Star Wars
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Over a billion yen in smuggled gold found inside sex dolls by Japanese investigators
TKG Debate: What’s the best way to eat Japan’s beloved raw egg comfort dish?
Will we eat the gyoza or our words at this all-you-can-eat dumpling challenge?
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]