Unlike the Western World, Christmas has only been celebrated in Japan for the past few decades. And it’s not recognized as a religious holiday. Instead, Christmas is a time for the Japanese to spread happiness and show love. With this in mind, our Day Translations blog explores the very unique Christmas traditions in Japan and how they’ve adapted some western customs and made them into their own Japanese version.
With the last half of the year already in full swing, let’s dive straight into it!
Fun Christmas Traditions in Japan
KFC on Christmas Day
In the true Japanese Christmas spirit, the Christmas season isn’t the same without indulging in Kentucky Fried Chicken. The tradition started back in 1974 when KFC made an effort to amp up their Christmas sales. The campaign was a great success; since then, KFC has become part of a Japanese Christmas tradition.
Every year millions of Japanese purchase KFC. As a result of the popularity of a KFC Christmas meal, people have to begin placing their orders as far back as 6 weeks before Christmas. Additionally, on the day for pick up, the lines are so long that it takes hours sometimes to get your meal.
KFC on Christmas Day in Japan brings friends and facilities together, keeping in line with the essence of a true Japanese Christmas.
Tokyo Disneyland Comes Alive
In Tokyo, Japan, Disney hosts an annual Christmas parade. There’s lots of fun and festivities that are fit for the entire family. At Disneyland, couples can be seen on dates on Christmas Eve, and even Santa Claus makes an appearance.
The celebrations at Tokyo Disney go from the second week in November and lasts until Christmas Day. There are lots of floats and decorations as well as lots of parades that go on during this period.
Christmas is a Time for Lovers and Cake!
When it comes to Christmas Eve in Japan, it means that it’s a time for couples and going on dates. We could consider Christmas Eve to be the equivalent of how we celebrate Valentine’s Day in the West. Romantic dinners are booked, couples go on romantic walks and usually spend the day with each other.
We couldn’t write about Christmas in Japan and forget about Christmas cake. In Japan, a traditional food everyone indulges in is Christmas cake. This cake is a sponge cake with a whipped cream filling and frosting on the outside. The cake is topped off with fresh strawberries. Everyone looks forward to indulging in ‘Christmas Cake’ during the season.
There are Beautiful Lights Everywhere
illuminating everywhere is a true Japanese Christmas tradition. The displays are quite breathtaking. Illuminations can be seen at malls, in the parks, and even along the streets. Famous landmarks are also beautifully illuminated, and lots of couples spend time sightseeing.
Shopping and Gift Giving
Would it be a Japanese Christmas without shopping and exchanging gifts? Everyone enjoys a little Christmas shopping. The lights, the people, and the overall buzz in the air surrounding the holiday season in Japan are a big deal.
On display are Christmas trees, Santas, ornaments, and of course, the display of gift ideas everyone will enjoy. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for couples to exchange gifts.
It’s important to note that Japan has a designated December gift-giving culture called ‘oseibo’. When it’s ‘oseibo’ , coworkers exchange gifts, which usually occurs more around the time for celebrating the new year.
Christmas Markets are a Thing
Christmas markets in Japan are based on a European version. The markets are open all holiday season, and you can get just about anything you’ll need for Christmas at these markets. In some parts of Japan, the different embassies from other countries host their own Christmas markets. Here, they sell items shoppers from other countries may be looking for that normally wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
Wrapping Up Christmas Traditions in Japan…
In Japan, they say ‘Meri Kurisumasu’ for Merry Christmas. It is indeed a festive time for everyone. Children and adults alike look forward to this time of year. They attend parties and parades and look forward to the beautiful display of lights and other Christmas decorations everywhere.
There is a very small Christian population in Japan, so Christmas isn’t a religious holiday there. They celebrate the start of a new year the way we Westerners celebrate Christmas, with family and friends sharing a meal and exchanging gifts.
Even though Japan is on the other side of the world for us, it is still celebrated as the most wonderful time of the year.
Of course, Day Translations has got you covered if you want to learn more about Japanese culture and language or if you require translation or interpreting services for any occasion. We’re here to serve you 24/7. Visit our website for a quote today.