Be prepared for Halloween in Tokyo by reviewing our Top 10 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Etiquette. Halloween is gaining popularity rapidly in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Many shopping areas, such as; Roppongi and Omotesando offer parades and stores give candy out to kids in costumes. Great way to drive a lot of foot traffic for commercial reasons. Check out our Top Tokyo Halloween Events. However, I have noticed the last 10 years that certain neighborhoods have become known as the “Halloween Trick-or-Treat Neighborhoods”. The most popular “Trick-or-Treat neighborhoods” are ones that typically have a higher foreign population where parents want to give their children a taste of their home country Halloween experience. As the popularity of Halloween increases these neighborhoods are also attracting a huge number of trick-or-treaters from outside the neighborhood (foreigners and Japanese). It is great to see so many kids enjoying Halloween, however, we all have to remember some basic etiquette when out and about Trick-or-Treating. Tokyo is a safe city, but a busy city with lots of cars – please be careful. Fun is the goal, but safety and kindness are core! Talk to your kids about Trick-or-Treat etiquette and pass the information forward to your friends by sharing this article via social media and email. www.bestlivingjapan.com & Japanese Translation by Eriko Yamagiwa
Top 10 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Etiquette
Top 10 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Etiquette from www.bestlivingjapan.com
- Trick-or-treat is typically for ages 5-12 years. Kids should be escorted with a minimum of one parent per two kids. Do not allow your kids to run ahead of you.
- Wear reflectors so car’s headlights can see you.
- Put your phones away! Watch the kids and the street.
- If you are not giving Halloween candy out at your house or you are visiting from outside the neighborhood, bring a bag of candy to give a homeowner who is passing out candy. Halloween candy is expensive in Japan so contribute. Don’t be a taker, give some back so the fun can continue.
- Use proper greetings – “Trick-or-Treat” in a happy clear voice. Also be sure to say “Thank You“ after receiving treats.
- Have your child only take one sweet and take what is given. Do not be picky! Do not eat received candy until you return home and check packaging/ingredients (be careful of allergies).
- Behave as you go from house to house. People expect it to be a bit noisy, but no screaming, please. Also, no running and pushing.
- Only ring the doorbell or knock at houses that have lights on and Halloween decorations outside.
- Respect the neighborhood. Do not drop candy wrappers, step in people’s gardens, etc.
- Teach your kids not to talk to strangers unless you are trick-or-treating with or from them.
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