While December globally marks the season of Christmas celebrations, Japan is no exception.
Many Western Holiday season traditions have permeated Japan, the Japanese have reimagined and reconstructed these customs to create a unique culture of their own.
Christmas: A Season for Lovers in Japan?
Globally known as a Christian festival, Christmas in Japan is celebrated secularly, independent of religious affiliations. With few Christians in Japan, Christmas is enjoyed purely as a festive event. Unlike the family-oriented celebrations common worldwide, in Japan, Christmas is more associated with romantic celebrations. Couples often spend the evening enjoying special dinners at restaurants and walking through streets adorned with Christmas lights, basking in a romantic ambiance.
For Christians visiting Japan, there are numerous churches in major cities hosting Christmas gatherings, ensuring a familiar celebration is within reach.
Illuminations: Lighting Up the Japanese Winter
Japanese winter streets are illuminated not exclusively for Christmas but are closely associated with the season. These lighting displays, now predominantly using environmentally friendly LED lights, create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Recently, large-scale projection mapping has also become a popular Christmas attraction.
Watch the Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas
Christmas Trees and Decorations
While setting up Christmas trees at home is not common in Japan, shopping centers and stores often feature beautifully decorated trees and Christmas-themed displays, offering a magical shopping experience.
Does Santa Visit Japan?
The tradition of Santa Claus is widely embraced in Japan. Like children around the world, Japanese children eagerly await Santa’s visit and presents on Christmas Eve. While gift exchange is practiced among lovers, it’s not as widespread as in other countries.
Fried Chicken: The Japanese Christmas Delicacy
In contrast to the traditional turkey or ham dinners, fried chicken has become the staple Christmas meal in Japan. The demand for fried chicken is so high during the season that fast-food chains start taking reservations in November. Furthermore, supermarkets and convenience stores also stock an array of fried and roast chicken, making it easy for anyone to partake in this unique tradition.
The Japanese Christmas Cake
While gingerbread, cookies, and pies are common Christmas desserts, the strawberry shortcake has become the quintessential Christmas cake in Japan. This tradition started in 1922 when Fujiya, a confectionery company, launched a campaign with the tagline “Let’s eat cake for Christmas!” featuring cream-decorated cakes. Today, a variety of flavors and decorations are available, including chocolate, various fruits, meringue, and ice cream cakes. Character-themed cakes are also popular.
Christmas in Japanese Pop Culture
Japanese Christmas has evolved over the years, incorporating traditional customs and developing its own identity. From traditional carols to Japanese Christmas songs, the season’s music reflects this blend. Additionally, television and anime often feature Christmas-themed episodes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Visitors to Japan during winter can experience this unique “Merry Christmas,” a testament to Japan’s ability to adapt and evolve foreign customs into something distinctly its own.
