By Walk Japan

Halloween might not be a traditional Japanese holiday, but in urban centers like Osaka, it has taken on a life of its own. In this immersive ASMR-style walking tour, the channel Walk Japan transports viewers to the heart of Osaka's Halloween night revelry in the bustling Namba and Dotonbori districts. The video captures the vibrant nightlife, intricate costumes, and unique Japanese take on this Western holiday as seen on October 31st.

The tradition of Halloween celebrations in Japan is relatively new, having started around 1997 with events like the Kawasaki Halloween Parade. While these celebrations are unofficial and often organized by local enthusiasm rather than commercial or municipal entities, they have become beloved annual spectacles. In Osaka, thousands of costumed participants flood the entertainment-filled Dotonbori area, transforming the streets into a kaleidoscope of spooky, funny, and imaginative outfits.

The video emphasizes that Halloween night in Osaka, particularly around Namba, isn’t without its unique cultural flavor. Due to the sheer volume of people and the festive chaos, local authorities deploy a significant number of police to manage the crowd, with occasional excitement spurred by people attempting to leap into the Dotonbori Canal. It’s a scene of energetic fun, and the visuals reflect a community embracing a global tradition in its own way.

If you're traveling to Osaka during late October, especially near the Namba area, the video strongly recommends going out after midnight to get the full experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or experiencing Japan from home, this Halloween night walk offers a fascinating look at Japan’s evolving pop culture and the way Western holidays are localized into something uniquely Japanese.