Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival, known as “IKEHALO”, is scheduled to take place again this year. First held in 2014, the event has grown into one of Japan’s largest Halloween celebrations, attracting over 161,000 attendees across three days in the previous year.

Centred around the East Exit area of Ikebukuro, the festival features a wide range of cosplay-related content, including stage performances, parades, exhibition booths, and dedicated photo and gathering areas for cosplayers. The event is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, drawing participants from across Japan and overseas.

This year's edition introduces improvements to better accommodate international visitors and expands family-oriented programming, such as pre-event workshops, allowing broader participation across age groups and interests.

Main Programs:

• IKEHALO NIGHT (October 24, Friday evening): An evening program held at Sunshine City offering night-time photo sessions and cosplay community gatherings in a different atmosphere from the daytime activities. Participation in IKEHALO NIGHT is limited to those aged 18 and above (high school students not admitted).

• Niconico Cosplay Collection (Main Stage, Naka-Ikebukuro Park): A featured stage program where cosplayers present their costumes in front of a live audience.

• Halloween with Parents and Kids: A segment designed for families to enjoy cosplay together in a relaxed environment.

• Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Parade: Approximately 400 cosplayers are expected to join a city parade held along a temporarily pedestrianised zone in the heart of Ikebukuro.

Whether attending alone, with friends, or with family, and regardless of cosplay experience, a wide variety of content is available to enjoy. The event is designed to be inclusive of both long-time fans and those new to cosplay or Japanese pop culture.

Tickets are available from September 5.