Halloween – the traditional observance/celebration occurring at the end of October in many Western countries, with its roots tied to ancient Celtic/Gaelic harvest festivals, is a day dedicated to the remembrance of the faithful dead (including saints – and hence also goes by the name ‘All Hallow’s Eve’ or ‘All Saint’s Eve in some Western countries)
In the contemporary sense, Halloween is enjoyed more in the forms of costumed parties with kids (and adults) going trick-or-treating around their neighbourhoods in the West. In Japan, the fun-and-partying practice has spread to involve larger-scaled celebrations like the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival 2017. Even public figures and celebrities join in the ghostly/costume-y spirit of fun, like how GACKT did for his performance in one such party in 2015.
This year, fans may look forward to another rocking good time of Halloween fun at the 3-days Halloween Party 2018 concert/live-event happening on 26 ~ 28 October at Halls 9 – 11 of the Makuhari Messe International Convention Centre. Into its 10th year, the “Halloween Party” concerts are large-scale rock/music live concerts that span the duration of two to three days in October annually. It first started in 2005, produced by HYDE, who was then also involved in music production work with VAMPS besides being the vocalist of the rock-band L’Arc~en~Ciel (aka. ‘Laruku’). 2006 and 2007 were skipped out but the event returned in 2008, and since then have became an extravagant rocking and fun event for fans of both Laruku and VAMPS, as well as many others of the collaborative units and artistes that the event invited to perform at. Fans also have speculative fun guessing what characters HYDE himself would cosplay as for his annual Halloween appearances – so far there’s been Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean series, Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad, Suigintou from Rozen Maidens, Chrollo from Hunter x Hunter, Ciel Phantomhive from Black Butler, Maleficent from Disney’s live-action adaptation of the tale of Sleeping Beauty of the same title… well the list (with photos!) can be seen in this compilation here. Many fans are already speculating in barely-suppressed excitement on what the 49-year-old rock star will appear as for 2018’s Party!
The stellar line-up of collaborating artistes performing this year have been announced on the event’s website – this include opening acts, main showcases and members of the ‘Halloween Junky Orchestra’. Let’s take a look!
HYDE
YOSHIKI (X-JAPAN)
Shinya (DIR EN GREY / SERAPH)
Ryuji Aoki
Gesu no Kiwami Otome (ゲスの極み乙女。)
Kishidan
Takuya Yamanaka (THE ORAL CIGARETTES)
TERU (GLAY)
……….and many more!! The complete line-up of performing artistes/bands is listed on the event’s official site; along with ticketing information and transportation details to access the event’s venue. In the meanwhile, let’s look forward to what kind of surprise cosplays HYDE will pull for this year’s event! Readers are welcomed to comment with your speculations/ideas.
Source: Music Natalie
