ことばのいずみ~Fountain of Language

As we all know, Halloween falls on October 31. A variety of Halloween-themed products dominate the
storefronts, and there's a palpable excitement in the air as people gear up for the occasion. The vibrant
packaging of cookies, marshmallows, and chocolates particularly stands out. From a commercial standpoint,
Halloween arguably ranks third in the West, just after Christmas and Valentine’s Day. While Halloween is
gaining traction in Japan, one has to wonder if this is truly a cause for celebration.

During my tenure at an English conversation school, I found myself obliged to organize, oversee, and
participate in Halloween events annually. Teaching English meant I had to familiarize myself with Halloween,
a significant aspect of English-speaking cultures. While my lessons touched on the basics of Halloween, my
primary aim was to ensure my students had a fun and informative experience. Yet, amidst the games and
joyous interactions, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Still, I didn’t let my students
sense my mixed emotions.

Post-event, the historical and cultural significance of Halloween seldom stayed with the young minds.
They primarily looked forward to games, fun, and treats, which is perfectly fine — children will be children.
So, where did my inner turmoil stem from? I believe it's rooted in the apparent lack of Japanese authenticity
amid the fervor of celebrating Halloween. The commercial dominance of Christmas in Japan further exemplifies
our deep-seated reliance on Western culture.



Speaking of commercial value, that's the very reason Christmas finds a place in Japan. Most Japanese,
being non-Christian, don't have a religious incentive to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I suspect a
majority might not even recognize the religious significance. While Christmas is on December 25, the
festivities peak in Japan on December 24. The day is marked by festive meals, like roast chicken and
ornate cakes. For many young couples, dining at an exclusive restaurant becomes almost mandatory.
Surprisingly, by the night of December 24, what the West calls Christmas Eve, Christmas in Japan
effectively concludes. The commercial sector eagerly anticipates this spending frenzy. I have more to
share on Christmas, but I'll save that for another occasion.

Japan has a knack for shining a spotlight on specific facets of Western culture, reinterpreting them,
and capitalizing on them. This ability to import, adapt, and innovate has led to creations like omurice
and spaghetti Napolitana, which, despite their Western-sounding names, originated in Japan. This
adaptability has undeniably propelled Japan to its current global standing, especially in trade. With
Japanese culture now gaining global popularity, businesses worldwide capitalize on Japan-related products.
Has any other nation leveraged foreign cultures for economic growth as effectively as Japan? The burgeoning
Halloween industry in Japan seems to fit this trend.


(オムライス)


(スパゲティ・ナポリタン)

While embracing Western cultures and profiting from their surface aspects is a Japanese strength, the
often superficial understanding is not commendable. The term “globalization” has become commonplace,
but it shouldn’t merely denote profiting from a shallow engagement with Western norms. My concerns
stem from observing a society where many seem to miss the deeper essence. True globalization thrives on
genuine mutual understanding. To truly connect with others, a profound understanding of their cultural
roots is crucial. Similarly, to be understood, one must grasp the core of their own society and culture. Does
the celebration of Halloween in Japan serve this purpose? Its impact largely hinges on the future trajectory
of Japanese education.