One of New York City’s most iconic street celebrations features a “Thriller” dance performance — but only a lucky few get chosen to join the choreographed spectacle. NHK World correspondent Inoue Yuki met a Japanese academic who took quite the journey to participate.

Zombies dance in unison

The annual Halloween parade is led by towering puppets, and crowds flood the streets in costumes ranging from famous movie characters to spooky ghosts. It’s a show of creativity and fun.

One of the highlights is the “Thriller” dance — featuring Michael Jackson’s iconic choreography.


“Thriller” dance

It started with just a handful of participants in 2004. But when the city’s Halloween parade made its return in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the dancers became a global hit on social media.

Since then, competition to join the lineup of 160 zombies has grown fierce. This year, all spots sold out within just 60 seconds of online registration opening.

One week ahead of the event, a rehearsal was held at a pier on the Hudson River.


Participants rehearsed their moves.

Participants came from all walks of life, including aspiring Broadway musical actors, construction workers, lawyers, IT professionals, retirees, senior citizens, and carers. A first-time participant beamed with excitement: “I’ve never done anything like this before.”


A first-time participant

A returning participant from Argentina described the event as “magic.” “It’s amazing to be here again,” she said.


A visiting “zombie” from Argentina

Japanese scholar beats the odds

Among those to secure a spot in the highly competitive lineup was Mine Maiko, an associate professor at Chuo Gakuin University in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. She moved to the United States in September.


Mine Maiko from Japan

Mine won a Fulbright scholarship, jointly funded by the governments of Japan and the United States, to research African American literature at Columbia University.

But her journey to New York was itself a thriller.

Just as things seemed to be falling into place, she received unexpected news: her visa application had been refused.

Coupled with reports on the Trump administration’s new policies, Mine found herself in limbo for a few months, anxious about her status.


Mine at her home

“I had 99% given up, but somewhere deep down, 1% of me still believed that if it’s the America I know, it would be okay,” she remembers of the difficult time.

Thankfully, her visa was issued at the very last minute, just weeks before her scheduled departure.

Soon after settling in New York, a social media post about the “Thriller” dance caught her eye. Having studied Michael Jackson in her research, she decided to give it a try.

And to her surprise, she was selected. Mine called herself “lucky” and “thrilled” to be part of it.

Spooky moves, hopeful message

Mine wanted a costume that represented her homeland, so she chose to channel Sadako, the ghost from a classic Japanese horror film: “It felt like the perfect choice. This is it.”


Mine poses in costume.

Everyone was expected to memorize the choreography and dance in perfect unison with the group. Keeping detailed notes, she practiced diligently, and steadily got the hang of it.


Mine’s choreography notes

Mine said her participation was about more than a spooky dance. She said she admires the fearless spirit of New Yorkers: “They do something ridiculous without worrying about being ridiculed. I wanted to do something positive and I dedicated my dance to my students and colleagues in Japan who supported me and made this journey possible.”


Mine practices her moves.

One of the organizers, Jorge Escobar, said he hoped the performance would inspire others and bring people together.

“It’s such a diverse group and everybody knows the song. I think that’s what makes it relatable for anyone in the world to be part of this. And right now, especially as the world has become bigger and bigger, this is one of the few things that is not as divisive. So anyone can be a part of it,” he said.


Jorge Escobar

A night to remember

Reflecting on her Halloween experience, Mine said, “All I was thinking about was how much I could entertain the crowd with my zombie moves. I posed, sometimes even lunging playfully at the camera filming us.

“Dancing through the streets, it made me feel like I wasn’t just living in New York…I was embodying it.”


Mine after the parade

“People often talk about the importance of community in the US, but I hadn’t really felt it until now. Compared to Japan, everyone here opens up about themselves by sharing stories about their families, work, hobbies, and pretty much everything.

“Working toward the same goal, the bond I forged with my ‘zombie’ friends brought me a sense of comfort, a feeling that I now truly belong in New York.”


Mine posing with Mr. and Mrs. Mets

That experience and the creative, collaborative spirit behind it are something that Mine wants to bring home one day.

“I’ve learned and gained so much. One day, I hope to bring this march to Japan alongside some fellow ‘zombies’…and this time, I’m sure I’ll be leading the horde!”