Because in Japan, dressing up is no joke! Real cosplayers scoff at Halloween as Amateur Night, but for most people, the Big H is a chance to flaunt their secret zombie in public, and even ordinary citizens put serious effort into Doing It Right.
Here’s what the rather elaborate makeup “suggestions” look like up close!
Here, if you want to be slightly crossdressing Steampunk Jack or Goth Maleficent, you can just (yawn) buy them off the rack.
Even if you have zero costuming chops yourself, you can always be the All Saints version of Sexy Santa, or don a green wig and this 1980s shoulder pad-inspired Frank suit.
I’m giving the grand prize in this year’s You’re A Sexy WHAT? sweepstakes to this least-likely-to-be-adapted-for-a-fetching-costume entry. It was the blue fake fur and tail call-out that really edged this one out in front.
And of course, you could always fall back on the Buff Pumpkin look, if you don’t mind prancing about in public in puffy green choners.
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Would you like to be whisked away to Japan, wherever you are?
It’s the year 1784 and the shōgun rules with an iron fist . . . except within the walled pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara. Inside the Great Gate, samurai law does not apply, and it’s women who pull the strings
“The Samurai’s Octopus…is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page.You’re in for a treat.” —James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries
Only In Japan 
Wow, even in Japan huh?
Still an alien concept here in Aus..
Always looks like fun though 🙂
3 weeks and counting till I FINALLY get over there.. yippee…
Woo hoo! Can’t wait to read about your adventures!