Japan is considered one of the top countries in the world with a high proportion of ‘non-religious’ people in the population.
Even though many Japanese people say, ‘I am non-religious,’ they might hold their weddings in churches, celebrate Christmas at the end of the year, visit shrines at the beginning of the new year, pay respects to their ancestors at temples during Obon(mid-Aug), and read sutras and light incense when commemorating the dead. These customs are deeply rooted in the daily life and culture of every Japanese person.
Christmas in Japan has become an event completely stripped of its religious connotations and is one of the most exciting events of the year. Japanese Christmas culture has a unique style and charm that differs from other countries. Let me introduce you to its characteristics.
Did you know that Christmas in Japan is kinda unique?
As December begins, cities are transformed by Christmas decorations. Various places host Christmas-themed illuminations and projection mappings, making the streets sparkle. Christmas music fills the air, and stores display Christmas gifts, elevating everyone’s spirits just by walking around. During this season, events that mimic German Christmas markets are held in various places, where hot wine and Christmas ornaments are sold. You can enjoy Christmas shopping in a warm atmosphere.
People enjoy decorating their homes with Christmas trees and wreaths, preparing for winter, and spending time excitedly. They think about what presents to give to family, friends, and loved ones, creating an uplifting mood.
In Japan, Christmas Eve, especially at night, is more significant than Christmas Day. There is a strong notion that Christmas Eve is for spending time with a romantic partner, and the level of enthusiasm can significantly vary depending on whether you have someone to spend it with. There’s even a term ‘Kuri-bocchi’ for those who spend Christmas alone. ‘Kuri-bocchi’ is a term that combines ‘Christmas’ (Kurisumasu) and ‘alone’ (hitori-bocchi), describing the feeling of being alone on Christmas. When spending time with a partner, it’s common to enjoy a leisurely meal at a stylish restaurant or admire the night view at a romantic spot.
Of course, Christmas is also spent with family. The typical Japanese Christmas includes a Christmas cake and “Christmas Barrel” of Kentucky Fried Chicken. You probably wondered, “Why eat Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas?” In Japan, the “Christmas Barrel” refers to a special Christmas meal package offered by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). Every year, as Christmas approaches, TV commercials joyfully proclaim ‘Christmas is Kentucky’ along with a catchy song. Many people make reservations and order Kentucky Fried Chicken in advance. It’s not that KFC is especially rare, but it’s a tradition that has taken root in Japan, thanks to the promotional strategies of Kentucky Japan. So, I also eat fried chicken every year.
We do have Santa Claus in Japan.
As Christmas approaches and children don’t listen to their parents, it’s common to use the threat, ‘Santa won’t come if you’re not good.’ Sorry, Santa! But Santa still comes every year, so it’s okay. Children eagerly await gifts from Santa Claus. Parents ask in advance, ‘What would you like to receive from Santa?’ and then convey the message to Santa.
On the night of Christmas Eve, Santa visits homes and leaves presents by the pillows. They quietly place the gifts without being noticed. On the morning of the 25th, children are overjoyed with their gifts. They receive the toys and picture books they wanted and get very excited from the morning.
However, after a while, when they calm down, they start asking Mom and Dad questions about what time Santa came and how he got there. We tend to explain it this way: Santa came after everyone went to bed, so even Mom and Dad didn’t see him. He’s very busy because he has to deliver presents to children all around the world in one night.
In children’s picture books, Santa is depicted as coming in and out through the chimney. However, there are very few houses with chimneys in Japan, so the places where Santa could enter and exit are usually the balcony or the front door. My Santa used to come in through the balcony, so I always slept with the balcony window open on Christmas Eve.
Are similar things happening in your country?
After Christmas, the Christmas tree is quickly taken down, and we start preps for the New Year. In Japan, the New Year is more significant than Christmas. There are New Year holidays, and people spend New Year’s Eve with family and relatives. This time of the year, when one can enjoy both Western and Japanese cultures, is my favorite.
