Cover photo by つばさ製作所
Halloween, originally a foreign event, only began to spread in Japan during the 1990s to 2000s. However, it’s no exaggeration to say that the key to its 'establishment' lies in the digital era culture of 'taking and sharing photos.'
This time, we’ll explore why 'photography' has played such a significant role in embedding Halloween into Japanese culture, from the perspective of those holding cameras and smartphones.
Photo by 朽蓮 kyu-ren
Halloween as a Youth Culture
In Japan, dressing up has transformed into an act of 'being photographed,' and Halloween has seamlessly integrated into youth culture. The scenes of transformation and cosplay, designed for sharing on social media, have evolved Halloween into an event enjoyed 'through photography.'
Photo by Tomoyuki
A snapshot with friends against the cityscape backdrop—this very moment might be the motivation for participating in Halloween in today’s era.
A New Halloween Born from the Joy of 'Sharing'
At theme parks and city events, setups like 'photo-friendly' and 'costume-friendly' have become the norm.
Taking photos and sharing them on social media creates a cycle of 'wanting to participate again next year,' transforming Halloween from a fleeting trend into a lasting culture.
Photo by Jo
'Taking photos' has become an integral part of participation, and costumes have gradually evolved into a form of expression within photo culture.
The Joy of 'Taking Photos' Expands Halloween's Reach
With just a smartphone, anyone can take photos today, making the combination of costumes and photography a more accessible enjoyment. For instance, selfies with neon lights at the station, group shots with coordinated themes, or street snaps capturing fleeting moments—all of these create Halloween scenes born from the simple act of 'taking and sharing.'
Photo by Stoneriver
Thanks to photography, Halloween has transformed from a 'one-time event' into a 'shared experience.'
