Pumpkin Panic party pulls all stops for Halloween

Everyone is guaranteed to have a good time at the 4th Pumpkin Panic at Koza Music Town on Saturday.

Everyone is guaranteed to have a good time at the 4th Pumpkin Panic at Koza Music Town on Saturday.

As anyone who has watched Japanese TV recently could see, Halloween is gaining hugely in popularity in Japan, although by western standards it’s far from the “scary” of the west but rather “kawaii” or cute, which is more typical of things Japanese. One could even say that the Japanese version of Halloween is closer to a costume party than horror.

Halloween in Japan means as much 'cute' as 'scary.'

Halloween in Japan means as much ‘cute’ as ‘scary.’

Halloween on Okinawa reaches its climax this Saturday, Oct. 31st when many Halloween events take place at various parts of the island. One of the biggest parties is called Pumpkin Panic that will be held at Koza Music Town. The party this year is organized for the fourth time, and about 700 people attended last year,

The party venue is on the 3rd floor of Music Town and organizers are expecting the same full-capacity 700 participants to gather for the revelry. Participants must over 20 years old.

The party features a costume contest with cash prizes totaling ¥200,000!! The contest is divided into a team and individual competition. Entry to the event is ¥3,000 per person that includes all drinks. The event starts at 19:00 with doors opening half an hour earlier at 18:30, and it ends at 23:00.

Although the party is only for adults over 20 years of age, this year there’s a special for those who want to join the fun with the whole family. Anyone regardless of age can join a free Pumpkin Panic Jr. that runs from 11:00 to 17:00 in the open space in front of the Music Town. This event is absolutely free, and features a costume contest, performance contest, free photo shoot and many Pumpkin Panic games.

A popular Okinawan TV program that appears on the local RBC channel will be shot at the party, so don’t forget your scariest smile!

Tickets for the evening party are available at door on the day of the event, or at all FamilyMart convenience stores from their Fami-Port terminals in advance.

The Music Town is located at Goya Intersection straight out of Kadena Air Base Gate 2.  The event also has a Facebook page.  Enjoy your Halloween party on Okinawa!!

08:17 04 Dec , 2024