Danica Davidson
September 15, 2022 
Halloween may have originated in the West, but it’s become a big holiday (and season) in Japan. Halloween events, haunted houses and decorations are already rolling out, and that includes Sanrio Puroland, the theme park dedicated to Hello Kitty and her equally adorable friends.
Getting their creepy kawaii on, PURO HALLOWEEN began at the theme park on September 9 and will stick around until November 1. The theme is “Trick or Treat!” The Sanrio characters are put into “Trick Team” and “Treat Team” to go along with this. The Treat Team will have sugary goods like cookies, and the Trick Team will be on the spooky side. Though, since it is Hello Kitty, it shouldn’t get that spooky.
There’s an opportunity to take photos with Hello Kitty and her friends when they’re dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The park will have Halloween-themed merchandise to buy, as well as special foods. You can eat a pumpkin-cream cupcake while drinking a mysterious purple soda.
There is a temporary stage show called “Let’s trick or treat!” In it, “Trick Team” and “Treat Team” (along with Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel) will dance and vie against one another in games. There will also be a special parade called “Mewkledreamy March – Gather☆Dreamy Mates.” The parade can be found near the Tree of Knowledge Stage.
Free candy is available for kids three years old through elementary-school age. Older kids are encouraged to go to the “Vampire Café- Broken Commandment” where they can meet characters dressed as vampires. And because it’s a café, there will be special food there, and it’s described as “seasonal.”
Puroland is located in Tama City, Tokyo. The theme park is known for its big Halloween celebrations.
Do your Halloween celebrations include otaku interests like Hello Kitty, anime, manga, or video games?
Source: Stars and Stripes Japan
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
