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Japan, a land steeped in rich history and cultural traditions, has adopted Christmas relatively recently, with most of the customs emerging in the 20th century. Since there is no religious connection to the holiday, the Japanese have carefully selected Western practices that they find appealing and fitting for their own celebrations.
The Japanese are known for their creativity and ingenuity, and they've certainly put their own spin on Christmas traditions. These unique practices often catch those from long-established Christmas-celebrating countries by surprise. Here are 10 fascinating ways the holiday is observed in Japan.
10. Kentucky Fried Chicken
Forget the typical Christmas foods like mince pies, turkey, and ham. In Japan, it's all about KFC. Be sure to place your order for a Christmas bucket of fried chicken in advance, as December 24th is KFC's busiest day of the year, with sales skyrocketing to up to ten times their usual volume. If you forget to order ahead, you’ll find yourself waiting in a long line for hours. It wouldn't be a true Christmas in Japan without gathering around for the traditional Kentucky Fried Christmas dinner.
The tale goes that Westerners craving a taste of home during the holidays sparked the tradition. Since turkey wasn't available, chicken was the next logical choice. In the '70s, a KFC executive had a brilliant stroke of marketing genius. He launched a campaign titled Kentucky for Christmas, promoting the idea that a bucket of KFC was the ultimate Christmas meal. The Japanese, already fond of fried chicken, were unsure about their Christmas meal options before this campaign. The advertisement struck a chord and became a massive success.
KFC has expanded beyond just fried chicken. Now, you can also pair your meal with wine, or even opt for a deluxe package featuring ribs or a whole roasted chicken with stuffing. In addition, there is a variety of fancy Christmas sides to choose from.
9. Christmas Eve Is for Lovers
Forget about Valentine’s Day—Christmas Eve is the night to secure a hot date. It's considered the most romantic evening in Japan for young couples, with everyone heading out for a fancy dinner, a leisurely walk to admire the Christmas lights, and perhaps even a brief hotel getaway. The last thing anyone wants is to spend this magical night without a date.
Like many Christmas customs in Japan, this one began not centuries ago, but only a few decades back. The Japanese drew inspiration from Western Christmas traditions, picking and choosing elements to make them their own. During the booming '80s and '90s, when the Japanese economy was at its peak, men would book a restaurant and hotel in November, even before finding a date. If you waited too long, you might find a date but have no reservation.
The pressure to secure a date for Christmas Eve is so intense that a group of single men, calling themselves the "Losers With Women", have marched to protest the holiday's celebrations. Their argument? "Christmas is nothing but a capitalist scam designed to cater to happy couples, leaving single men behind." Despite their Grinch-like efforts, the group’s attempt to cancel Christmas hasn't succeeded so far.
8. "Number Nine" Is the Most Popular Christmas Song
Move over, “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” In Japan, the top Christmas song is “Daiku,” meaning “Number Nine.” This refers to the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, also known in English as the “Ode to Joy.” The song became a sensation after German prisoners of war performed it during a Christmas concert in Japan during World War I. Since then, it has become a key part of year-end celebrations.
Each year in Osaka, a 10,000-member choir, consisting of both amateurs and professionals, sings “Ode to Joy.” In 2020, due to safety concerns, the city hosted a smaller, socially-distanced version with 1,000 singers in the auditorium, while 9,000 more participated virtually from the comfort of their own homes.
7. Christmas Cake Is Light and Fluffy
Both British and Japanese people look forward to Christmas Cake, but the two countries have very different ideas of what that cake is. The British version is a heavy, dark fruitcake, often associated with Christmas in America. On the other hand, the Japanese Christmas cake is a light, fluffy sponge cake covered in whipped cream frosting and adorned with fresh strawberries. If you search for cake emojis on your phone, you’ll likely spot this iconic dessert.
Following the hardships of WWII, when food was scarce and sugar was a luxury, the Christmas cake became a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The cake’s white and red colors evoke the Japanese flag. Leading up to Christmas, you can find these cakes everywhere, but after December 26th, they’re usually sold at a discount. In Japan, a woman who remains unmarried into her late 20s may be derogatorily referred to as a “Christmas cake,” implying that her time to be desired has passed.
6. Christmas Tree Lights Powered by an Electric Eel
The Japanese are known for pushing the limits of technology in unexpected ways, and Christmas lights are no exception. Tokyo boasts some of the world’s most dazzling Christmas illuminations, but perhaps the most unique display is at Enoshima Aquarium, where an electric eel powers the Christmas tree lights.
"If we gathered electric eels from all over the world, we could light up an enormous Christmas tree," said Kazuhiko Minawa, the inventor behind the eel-powered Christmas lights. While a giant eel-powered generator might not be the future of sustainable energy, it’s certainly an intriguing and fun sight to behold on a smaller scale.
5. Flip Christmas and New Year’s Around
In Western cultures, New Year’s Eve is a time for parties, and Christmas is spent with family, often including a visit to church. However, in Japan, it’s the other way around. Christmas is celebrated with friends, while New Year’s is a time for family gatherings and visiting shrines or temples.
Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday and isn’t even a public holiday for workers. Celebrations are typically held in the evening after a full day of work. The traditions surrounding Christmas are modern and enjoyable but lack religious significance. In contrast, New Year’s is the most significant holiday, steeped in ancient customs and religious practices.
Before the New Year, Japanese families thoroughly clean their homes and decorate them with traditional items, symbolizing a fresh start and welcoming the blessings of the upcoming year. Shrines and temples are packed as people rush to make their first visit of the year within the first three days.
4. Illuminations Are a Big Deal
While many places decorate with lights during Christmas, Japan takes it to another level. You could spend all of December wandering around Tokyo and still not witness every stunning high-tech light display. Every department store has its own indoor decorations, but it’s the outdoor displays that truly dazzle. They are massive, featuring lasers, millions of bulbs, and vibrant light patterns set to music.
Though Tokyo may boast the largest displays, other cities across Japan also feature impressive illuminations. Snowy Sapporo and even tropical Okinawa join in the festive fun. Bundling up and heading out to admire the lights is a beloved activity for couples, families, and seniors alike. It's a must-do experience, though be ready to brave the crowds—everyone’s out enjoying it.
3. Christmas Is Time for Shopping
One thing that remains unchanged between Christmas in Japan and the West is the shopping frenzy. Grocery stores and small shops sell festive plastic boots filled with treats for children, while department stores are adorned with beautiful decorations and packed with seasonal items and displays.
If you visit one of the traditional Christmas markets, you might feel as though you've been transported to Germany. Expect to find glühwein, beer, sausages, and all the classic European Christmas offerings. Combine a visit to the markets with a stroll to take in the spectacular illuminations, and you’ll have a holiday date to remember.
2. Is There a Japanese Santa Claus?
Just like children everywhere, Japanese kids are fond of Santa Claus. In 2020, over 80,000 letters were sent to Santa by children across Japan, all of which were delivered by All Nippon Airways. Santa-themed decorations can be seen everywhere, and outside each KFC restaurant, a Colonel Sanders statue dressed as Santa celebrates the season of fried chicken.
There is also a Buddhist deity named Hotei, who many see as somewhat similar to Santa Claus. Hotei is depicted as plump and cheerful, and with eyes on the back of his head, he can watch to see if you're behaving well. His name, 'clock sack,' refers to the sack of treasures he always carries around. Often called the 'laughing Buddha,' it’s unclear whether he ever says 'Ho, ho, ho.'
1. Send New Year’s Cards Instead of Christmas Cards
Are you running behind on your holiday cards? Just tell everyone you're following the Japanese tradition. In Japan, it’s customary to send nengajo, or New Year’s cards, to family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Special postage-paid nengajo cards can be purchased, and it’s important to mail them on time so that they’re delivered precisely on January 1st by the post office.
What if you get a card from someone you forgot to send one to? Don’t worry! Just send a card back by January 3rd. The first three days of the year are still considered part of the New Year’s celebration. However, make sure not to go past the 7th, as that marks the official end of the New Year’s season. After that, it’s best to send a simple winter greeting instead.
