ハロウィン (Halloween)

I was speaking with my best friend who is studying abroad in Germany today. Considering it's the 28th of October, I asked her what she was going to be for  ハロウィン this weekend. I was surprised to hear that the holiday is not a very big deal over there. This made me curious as to how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. I was reading a few articles online, and one said that Haunted Houses are big in the summer! This seemed odd to me considering summer is usually an inappropriate time to go to a Haunted House. I don't think I've ever heard of a Haunted House being open in the summer, even. O-bon, which celebrates the memory of dead relatives, is celebrated in the summer, though. This explains the seemingly odd time of celebration. 

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesefestivals/a/halloween.htm

http://www.jackolanterns.net/japanesehalloween.htm

http://blog.asiahotels.com/halloween-japan-style/

Those are some of the websites I browsed. The third website below was the most helpful:


"It is only recently that Japan is discovering the joys of All Hallow’s Eve. A traditionally American holiday with a background in respecting the wandering spirits of the earth, the Japanese decided to do away with the religious aspects altogether and adopt the pumpkins, candies, costumes, and merry-making associated with it. Though still only observed by a fraction of the population, Halloween is a growth industry, fueled by commercialism and a cultural need for another festival that has outfits going for it." 


Has anyone been to Japan during Halloween? I think it would be really interesting to see how another country, specifically Japan, celebrates this holiday.

I wonder if trick-or-treating is commonplace in Japan. Could you imagine getting pocky in your treat bag!?! I would die. They look so tasty!