Christmas Traditions in Japan

By Taylor Ingman, Marketing & Social Media Intern

In the United States, it is common to celebrate Christmas by giving gifts, decorating trees, and spending time with family. Many Americans pray or attend church on Christmas as well. In Japan, however, there are different traditions associated with the holiday.
Christmas was first introduced to Japan with the introduction of Christianity in the 16th century. Because the majority of people living in Japan identify with Shinto and/or Buddhism, Christmas is not seen as a religious occasion and is not considered a national holiday. Japanese Christmas traditions are secular and commercial-- here are some popular ways to celebrate Christmas in Japan!

1. Kentucky Fried Chicken

KFC Japan

While many Americans eat turkey or ham on Christmas, Kentucky Fried Chicken is considered a Christmas staple in Japan. The BBC estimated that 3.6 million Japanese families eat KFC on Christmas, so it can be difficult to get fried chicken without placing an order weeks in advance!
The tradition started when Takeshi Okawara, the manager of the first KFC in Japan, came up with the idea of selling a Christmas "party barrel" inspired by the traditional American turkey dinner. The promotion was named "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii" (Kentucky for Christmas) and launched in 1974. Since there were not many established Christmas traditions in Japan, KFC quickly caught on as a unique tradition.

2. Going on Dates

In Japan, Christmas Eve is thought of as a couple's holiday, similar to Valentine's Day. It is common for Japanese couples, especially young couples, to have romantic dinners at restaurants  on Christmas Eve-- and it can be very difficult to find a table without a reservation! While gift giving is not a central part of Christmas in Japan (gifts are typically exchanged during Oshougatsu, or Japanese New year, instead), couples may exchange gifts with one another on Christmas Eve. No need to worry if you do not have a date-- people who are single often spend Christmas Eve with close friends and family.

3. Christmas Cake

While Americans often eat gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, or pie at Christmas, people in Japan prefer to eat Christmas cake, or "kurisumasu keeki." Unlike Western fruitcake, Japanese Christmas cake is a light sponge cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, similar to a strawberry shortcake. The cake slice emoji (🍰) is actually a slice of Christmas cake! The cake is typically eaten on Christmas Eve and may be topped with Christmas chocolates or festive decorations, such as Santa figurines. 

getnews.jp

Christmas cake even makes an appearance in the Netflix series Dash and Lily. Lily, a half Japanese girl living in New York, has a Christmas cake with her family on Christmas day, showing that the tradition is celebrated by some Nikkei families as well.

thecinemaholic.com

4. Unique Winter Illuminations

Christmas decorations are not a uniquely Japanese tradition, but many places in Japan will go above and beyond with their elaborate lighting displays in the winter. Winter illuminations are typically displayed in November and December, but some may be put up as early as October and remain until February. Malls, public parks, and even famous landmarks such as Tokyo Station are decorated in thousands of twinkling lights. Due to COVID-19, some illumination displays have been cancelled or altered this year to prevent further spread of the virus. Take your Christmas date on a romantic stroll and admire the winter illuminations together!

yomiuriland.com

5. Santa-san

In Japan, Santa Claus is known as Santa-san. Because most Japanese homes lack chimneys, the common Western trope of Santa coming down the chimney is practically nonexistent in Japan-- but Japanese children still look forward to presents from Santa-san on Christmas morning.
In addition to Santa-san, there is another gift-bearing figure in Japanese culture: Hotei-osho, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese mythology. You may have seen a sculpture or painting of Hotei before-- he is commonly depicted as a smiling, bald, fat man, and is often mistaken for being the Buddha. Because of his happy face and large belly, Hotei is often thought of as being the "Japanese Santa."  Just like Santa Claus, Hotei carries a large sack full of gifts wherever he goes. He is the god of fortune and guardian of children; his ability to entertain children and make them laugh is another reason why he is associated with Santa. Hotei is believed to have eyes in the back of his head, ensuring that children remain on their best behavior-- similar to how Santa can "see you when you're sleeping!"

allthingschristmas.com

However you decide to celebrate, we at GVJCI hope you have a safe and fun holiday and a very happy New Year!

Sources:
​https://www.allthingschristmas.com/christmas-around-the-world/christmas-celebrations-and-traditions-of-japan/
​https://www.businessinsider.com/how-kfc-became-a-christmas-tradition-in-japan-2016-12
​https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000770/#table_of_contents_anchor3
​https://touristjourney.com/christmas-in-japan/
​https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/japan.shtml