Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2024: A Global Celebration of Cats with Parades and Lively Performances
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the famous "Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2024" was held in Tokyo, attracting both Japanese and foreign participants. This internationally popular event is not only well-known in Tokyo but has also gained global recognition. I joined the festivities myself, getting cat makeup done (for ¥1,000) and taking part in the Bakeneko Parade.
The Bakeneko Parade took place four times—at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM—on Kagurazaka Street. Each parade was led by different music groups: a brass band, a Western classical music ensemble, samba performers, and finally, a combination of all groups. People dressed in cat costumes danced and marched along the street, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
A Safe and Family-Friendly 'Cat Halloween Parade'
The Bakeneko Parade is also referred to as the "Cat Halloween Parade" in English, as it’s somewhat similar to Halloween. However, unlike many Halloween parades, no one was drinking alcohol while marching, there were no fights, and no one was shouting loudly.
Many children also participated, making it a safe and family-friendly parade. Interestingly, there were no police officers patrolling the event either, which stands in stark contrast to Halloween events in other parts of Japan, which often face issues like public drinking.
From Garçon Races to Traditional Dances
In addition to the parade, other events included the "Garçon Race," where waiters from Kagurazaka’s restaurants competed by running with trays of glasses in their hands, and the "Neko Kiriko" performance by dancers from Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture, who performed the traditional Kokiriko-bushi dance. The Garçon Race had a French flair, with a French announcer shouting, "On your marks, get set, go!" in French, adding an authentic touch to the event.
A Celebration of Diversity and Joy: Kagurazaka’s Bakeneko Festival Reflects the Serendipitous Spirit of the Town
This year’s Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival enjoyed clear autumn weather, and the event ended on a bright and cheerful note. It was wonderful to see everyone smiling throughout the day.
This kind of event, which welcomes people of all nationalities and backgrounds, is truly special. I noticed a diverse group of participants, including elderly people, children, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I hope that this celebration of diversity and the positive atmosphere of the Bakeneko Festival will continue for many years to come.
The vibrant energy of the festival is a reflection of the unique charm of Kagurazaka itself—a town that blends history, culture, and various elements in perfect harmony. I like to call Kagurazaka the "A Town of Serendipity," as it truly is a place of "happy accidents." Next time, I invite you to visit Kagurazaka, the "A Town of Happiness." While the Bakeneko Festival has come to an end, the "Kagurazaka Machi-Tobi Festa" continues until Sunday, November 3. There are many more events planned, so please come and enjoy Kagurazaka!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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