10 Interesting Facts About Christmas in Japan Everyone Should Know

Christmas in Japan is a unique and fascinating blend of Western traditions and Japanese culture, offering a distinct celebration that differs significantly from its Western counterparts. Here are 10 interesting facts about how Christmas is celebrated in Japan.

1. Kentucky Fried Christmas

In Japan, Christmas dinner often features Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) rather than traditional turkey or ham. This tradition began in the 1970s with a successful marketing campaign by KFC, suggesting their fried chicken as the perfect Christmas meal. Today, KFC is so popular on Christmas Eve that orders must be placed weeks in advance to avoid long lines.

2. Romantic Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve in Japan is considered a romantic day, similar to Valentine's Day in Western countries. Couples typically go on dates, exchange gifts, and enjoy special dinners together. This emphasis on romance makes Christmas Eve more significant than Christmas Day itself.

3. No Holiday, Just Work

Unlike many Western countries, Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. December 24th and 25th are regular working days, and the month of December is often the busiest time of the year due to year-end deadlines.

4. Illuminations Galore

Japan is renowned for its spectacular winter illuminations, which begin as early as mid-October. These displays are massive, featuring millions of lights, lasers, and music. Popular spots include Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe, attracting large crowds of families, couples, and friends.

5. New Year's Over Christmas

In Japan, the roles of Christmas and New Year's are reversed compared to Western traditions. Christmas is a time for partying with friends and romantic dates, while New Year's (Oshogatsu) is the major family holiday, filled with ancient customs and visits to shrines and temples.

6. Unique Christmas Food

While KFC is the most popular Christmas food, other unique items include Christmas cakes, which are often strawberry shortcakes, and special Christmas-themed desserts. There is no traditional Japanese Christmas meal, but these Western-inspired foods have become staples.

7. Christmas as a Time for Couples

Christmas in Japan is primarily celebrated by couples, who enjoy romantic dinners and gift exchanges. This focus on couples is so strong that being single on Christmas Eve can be seen as undesirable, with the term "Kuribottchi" (Christmas alone) reflecting the societal pressure to be with someone.

8. Special Christmas Songs

Japanese Christmas songs often have romantic themes, reflecting the holiday's focus on couples. Popular songs include "Koi-bito ga Santa Kuroosu" (My Boyfriend/Girlfriend is Santa Claus) and "Kurisumasu Kyaroru No Koro Niwa" (Christmas Carol Time), which are widely played during the season.

9. Theme Parks and Festive Atmosphere

Major theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are popular destinations during Christmas, offering special performances, parades, and festive decorations. These parks are especially crowded during the holiday season, coinciding with the Japanese school winter break.

10. Weather and Winter Activities

December weather in Japan varies significantly by region, with southern areas like Tokyo and the Kansai region being mild, while northern areas like Hokkaido experience heavy snowfall. This makes December an excellent time for winter sports and visiting onsen (hot springs) in the Japanese Alps.