“Ha in the word Halloween is said to mean an expression of derision, laughter or surprise from the speaker. The word ‘Halloween’ has roots in ‘hallow,’ meaning to make holy, and ‘een,’ a contraction of eve. It’s a far cry from the modern, secular spectacle I’ve encountered.
Having grown up in Cape Town, South Africa, I was never exposed to Halloween, and later in Sydney, Australia, it never took center stage. Here in Tokyo, however, it’s a colossal event. In recent years, the massive, unruly crowds have even led to a ban on street partying!
When Halloween arrives, Tokyo’s streets and train stations become a parade of the fantastic. You’re sure to encounter all sorts of characters, from a grown man in elaborate floral headgear to children clutching pumpkin buckets, their eyes shining with the anticipation of candy. This spectacle feels perfectly standard for the world’s biggest megalopolis.
What’s remarkable is how people react to one another. In a culture known for its collective harmony and strict social guidelines, Halloween offers a temporary freedom. For this one night, anything goes, and no one is considered stranger than anyone else.
At our school, we celebrated in a more low-key fashion, with children and staff dressing up and playing games in the classrooms. It was a gentle, contained version of the city-wide frenzy—a perfect reflection of how this global tradition finds its own unique place wherever it lands.
We all have dreams, and this is ours.
Ohana International School was born of one-
These are the ideas that inspire us and help us live our dream each
day.
