Every Oct. 31, Americans celebrate Halloween. It is not a national holiday and, like Valentine's Day, some people don't do anything special on that day. However, the day is noted on every U.S. calendar.

In Japan, for at least the last seven years that I have been in the country, there seems to be more Halloween goods and events every year. Flower shops, supermarkets, pastry shops, chocolate makers, department stores, restaurants all have some sort of Halloween-themed items or advertising.

What does Halloween mean to people in Japan who never grew up in American society or with American culture?

I hope our readers can help answer the question. Please write in your thoughts on Halloween by post or e-mail.

Thank you.