When imagining Christmas, we tend to imagine “White Christmas” snowy evenings, Xmas carols, Charles Dickens, Home Alone, Die Hard and sumptuous holiday feasts with the family. In Japan, however, Christmas aka ‘Kurisumasu’ takes on a unique quirky charm of its own. While only a small percentage of the Japanese population identifies as Christian, Xmas as a holiday celebration is enthusiastically embraced as a secular celebration of joy, romance, and light.
This article explores the traditions that make Christmas in Japan truly unique, blending Western influences with modern Japanese culture.
The Origins of Christmas in Japan
Image Credit: Let’s Dive into Japanese History
How Christmas ended up in Japan is a fascinating story of cultural adaptation and transformation. Christmas first arrived in Japan during the 16th century when Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier arrived in Kagoshima in 1549, bringing Christianity—and with it, the concept of Christmas—to the nation.
Francis Xavier, engaged in missionary work in Yamaguchi with the permission of the Ouchi Clan. In 1552, a Christmas celebration was held at Xavier’s request. It was dubbed “the day Christmas was celebrated for the first time in Japan,”.
But Christmas celebrations in Japan, at the time, didn’t last long.
Christian Persecution
Image Credit: BBC
Under Oda Nobunaga’s rule, Jesuit missionaries were welcomed and supported. However, his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, initially protected Christianity but later changed his stance. Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Edict, banning missionary activities after visiting Kyushu and hearing claims that Jesuits were selling Japanese people as slaves, destroying shrines and temples, and forcing conversions to Christianity. Some historians also believe Hideyoshi suspected the missionaries were trying to convert Japan, overthrow its government, and turn it into a colony. This fear was shared by Ieyasu Tokugawa, who succeeded Hideyoshi.
Under Hideyoshi and later the Tokugawa Shogunate, Christians faced severe persecution. Foreign missionaries were executed, and efforts to eliminate Christianity included brutal decrees and killings. This led to the Shimabara Rebellion. This uprising, joined by peasants and Christians, became Japan’s largest rebellion. By 1638, it ended with the massacre of about 37,000 people, mostly Christians. Within 50 years, these crackdowns had more or less eradicated Christianity in Japan.
Reopening during the Meiji Period
Image Credit: Zoom Japan
When Japan reopened to the West, Christmas was reintroduced to the Japanese public. As Japan quickly modernised and industrialised, Western traditions and customs, including Christmas, started to become more well known.
During this time, Christmas was mostly celebrated by the small Christian community and foreigners living in Japan. It was viewed as a unique and unfamiliar Western holiday. Early celebrations were simple and focused on the religious aspects, including church services and small gatherings.
WW2 and Post-war Japan
Japanese Christians, wearing traditional kimonos, decorate their christmas tree in a Yokahama home, c. 1950.
During the two world wars, celebrating Christmas in Japan was discouraged because it was associated with America. However, after World War II, many American Christian missionaries came to Japan, and Christmas became mainstream. It evolved into a family-focused holiday centered around gift-giving and symbolised Japan’s recovery and economic growth after the war.
As Japan experienced economic prosperity, it embraced modern American culture and consumerism. Over time, the religious traditions of Christmas were replaced with modern customs, including the iconic Coca-Cola-inspired Santa Claus we recognize today.
Modern Japan Borrowed, Adapted and Reshaped Christmas
Image Credit: Bento and Co
Japan has transformed modern American Christmas traditions into its own unique version, reflecting its “classic Japan” approach of adopting and adapting ideas. Instead of copying Western customs exactly, Japan combined them with its own cultural practices, creating Christmas traditions that are distinctly Japanese. This ability to adapt and embrace outside influences has shaped how Christmas is celebrated in Japan today—a holiday rooted in Western origins but experienced in a uniquely Japanese way.
Christmas Day isn’t a national holiday in Japan, people celebrate it with excitement and cultural flair. The season features stunning illuminations, festive Christmas markets, and a focus on romance and commercial festivities rather than religious traditions. This blend of Western influences with Japanese culture has made Christmas in Japan a one-of-a-kind experience.
Now, let’s explore some Christmas traditions you’ll only find in Japan!
KFC: A Japanese Christmas Staple
Japan’s most famous Christmas tradition; the KFC Christmas dinner. And can you blame them? It’s a great idea! Legend has it that a group of foreigners during the holiday season in the 70s found that eating turkey in Japan was extremely difficult. Instead, they opted for a fried chicken Christmas dinner.
KFC brilliantly replaced turkey with fried chicken as the main bird for consumption during Christmas. Their campaign itself was clear, avoiding the traditional hallmarks of Christmas as recognized in the West, and instead delivering a simple message that ‘at Christmas, you eat chicken.’
“Kentucky for Christmas” is a beloved tradition. On Christmas Eve, families and couples crowd KFC locations, making it the busiest time of the year for the chain in Japan. Over time, the KFC Christmas dinner has expanded beyond fried chicken and wine to include festive additions like cake and champagne, making it a complete holiday feast.
Colonel Sanders is dressed as Santa Claus
Image Credit: TimeOut Tokyo
When visiting a KFC in Japan during the holidays, you’ll catch a glimpse of something fun and unique—statues of Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa Claus. KFC places statues outside many locations, decking them out in red and white Santa outfits to add to the festive atmosphere and welcome customers for a special Christmas meal. It’s a cheerful and quirky sight that perfectly captures Japan’s unique holiday spirit and is a popular photo spot for both locals and tourists.
And considering that they’re both jolly fat guys this obviously made sense. Another win for KFC’s marketing team on this one.
Japanese Christmas Cake
Image Credit: Japan Centre
The Japanese Christmas cake, or “kurisumasu keeki,” is another hallmark of the season. It’s a light sponge cake, layered with whipped cream and topped with strawberries. Honestly, this sounds a lot nicer than British Christmas cake of the fruit cake and marzipan variety.
Christmas cake in Japan symbolises prosperity and indulgence and is traditionally shared among couples or families on Christmas Eve.
Bakeries across the country compete to craft the most artistic and delicious cakes, making it a must-try treat during the holidays. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even try a Japanese Christmas cake recipe at home!
Romance Takes Center Stage
Fun Fact. Christmas eve is the most romantic day of the year in Japan.
Couples exchange gifts, enjoy fancy dinners, and take in the dazzling Christmas Lights that light up cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Restaurants and hotels offer special packages tailored for romantic getaways, and it’s not uncommon for couples to propose on this magical evening.
Why is Christmas a romantic holiday in Japan?
In Japan, Christmas is less about family and more about romance, resembling Valentine’s Day in Western countries. While families may enjoy festive dinners and gift-giving, Christmas isn’t a public holiday, so it’s not a major family event. Instead, New Year’s is the time for family gatherings, leaving Christmas as an opportunity for couples to celebrate with romantic dinners and thoughtful gifts.
This shift toward romance is largely due to advertising. Much like Valentine’s Day, Christmas was introduced through marketing campaigns encouraging spending.
Illuminations: Cities Aglow with Festive Lights
Image Credit: TimeOut Tokyo
Christmas in Japan is synonymous with breathtaking Christmas lights and illuminations. From the extravagant displays in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district to Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo forest, every corner of Japan sparkles with artistic light installations that transform Japan into a Winter Wonderland.
Popular spots like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan also host seasonal events, offering themed parades and activities for visitors of all ages.
Tokyo Christmas Markets and Beyond
Image Credit: Plan My Japan
Christmas markets in Japan are another growing trend. Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, these festive stalls sell handmade ornaments, mulled wine, and holiday treats. The Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park is one of the most famous, drawing both locals and tourists.
If you’re exploring other cities, consider checking out smaller markets in places like Osaka, Nagoya, or even the snowy wonderland of Hokkaido.
Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ is a Christmas carol
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” (from his Ninth Symphony) as a Christmas tradition in Japan, dates back to World War I. German prisoners of war interned in Japan performed the symphony during Christmas in 1914, introducing the piece to the Japanese. The uplifting melody and universal message of unity and hope resonated deeply with the Japanese people, and over time, “Ode to Joy” became a seasonal favorite.
Today, “Ode to Joy” is an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Japan, performed by large choirs and orchestras across the country. The tradition is particularly notable in December, with massive choral performances sometimes involving thousands of singers, known as “Daiku” (the Ninth). These concerts have become iconic events.
Japanese Christmas Gift Giving
Image Credit: Zusetsu
We already know that, in general, Japan takes gift giving to a whole new level. The tradition of gift-giving in Japan is very complex, and the Japanese are super serious about it.
Because Christmas is less of a familiar affair, gifts are generally not as big or statement making as they are in the West. Christmas also being a romantic time of the year influences the types of gifts given or better yet, exchanged during Christmas.
Japanese Christmas gifts are usually thoughtful and small, as the holiday doesn’t carry the same gift-giving expectations that we are familiar with. Christmas cards, boxes of chocolate and alcohol presents are common examples. Other popular choices include sweets, luxury items, and seasonal decorations. With many opting to give practical gifts, keeping in line with Japan’s culture of modesty and utility.
In Japan, people don’t traditionally place gifts under the Christmas tree, although gifts can be found in both city streets and homes.
Japanese Christmas Gift Giving 10
Image Credit: Zusetsu
Gifts should be beautifully wrapped in paper with colorful ribbons and presented with both hands as a sign of respect. They shouldn’t be too expensive to avoid embarrassing the recipient. It’s also customary for the recipient to politely refuse the gift twice before finally accepting it.
Gifts to avoid giving in Japan
Certain items are best avoided when choosing gifts in Japan. White flowers, associated with funerals, are inappropriate. Avoid giving potted plants, as they are believed to bring illness. Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky due to the pronunciation of these numbers in Japanese. Also, steer clear of red Christmas cards, as red is traditionally associated with funeral notices.
Pop Culture during Christmas
Beyond being a holiday to celebrate with friends and family, Christmas influences Japanese pop culture during December. Christmas is celebrated through anime, films, and merchandise. Japanese Christmas culture embraces the kawaii aesthetic, creatively infusing Christmas to appeals to fans of all ages.
Christmas in Anime
Many anime series feature Christmas-themed episodes that take advantage of the holiday’s romantic and heartfelt atmosphere. These episodes often depict characters exchanging gifts, going on dates, or confessing feelings, making Christmas a pivotal time for advancing romantic storylines or deepening character relationships. Anime like Toradora!, Clannad, and My Love Story!! showcase Christmas as a time of warmth and emotional connection, often centered around winter settings that enhance the magic of the season.
Christmas-Themed Merchandise
Image Credit: Nintendo Life
Japanese brands and licenses use the festive period to launch exclusive holiday-themed merch. Fans can find collectibles, apparel, and accessories featuring beloved characters dressed in Santa outfits or enjoying snowy Christmas scenes.
The kawaii aspect is especially prominent, with items designed to be adorable and cheerful, such as plush toys of Pikachu in a Santa hat or Hello Kitty holiday-themed decor. These limited-edition items create excitement and make Christmas even more special for pop culture enthusiasts.
Christmas in Japanese Movies
Japanese cinema also embraces Christmas as a backdrop for stories of love and transformation. Films like Miracle: Devil Claus’ Love and Magic and Future Memories: Last Christmas weave the festive spirit into narratives about reconciliation, new beginnings, and the magic of the season. These movies show how Christmas in Japan has evolved from a religious holiday into a cultural celebration filled with heartfelt emotions and new possibilities.
Japanese Christmas Music
Just like in the West, Japan has its own Christmas songs that hit the airwaves during the festive period. Shopping malls, restaurants, and even public spaces play a combination of Xmas bangers that add to the holiday spirit.
City Pop Classics for Christmas:
City Pop, Japan’s iconic music genre from the 80s, has become a staple of Japanese Christmas playlists.
Tracks like Tatsuro Yamashita’s Christmas Eve have achieved legendary status. Christmas Eve has been played during the holiday season for decades and remains a holiday favorite.
Other City pop gems include Mariya Takeuchi’s Sutekina Holiday & Special Delivery Girl, perfectly capturing the warm, 80s nostalgic vibe of Christmas in Japan.
J-Pop Christmas Hits
The 90s in Japan saw an explosion of J-pop Christmas songs that remain beloved today. Artists like Ayumi Hamasaki, Hikaru Utada, and SMAP released songs that blended contemporary sounds with holiday themes.
For example, Ayumi Hamasaki’s Merry Christmas to You and Hikaru Utada’s Can You Keep A Secret? (though not explicitly about Christmas) often feature in seasonal playlists due to their wintery and reflective tones.
In recent years, Japanese artists have continued the tradition with fresh holiday tracks. Groups like Arashi and Perfume have embraced Christmas themes, releasing festive singles and performing special holiday concerts.
Even idol groups like AKB48 and Nogizaka46 frequently include Christmas-themed performances as part of their annual repertoire, making them a hit with younger audiences.
Jetpac Keys to Christmas: The Ultimate Holiday Campaign
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The Magic of Japanese Christmas
Christmas in Japan is a festive blend of romance, lights, and unique traditions. From indulging in KFC to marveling at dazzling illuminations, the season offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance or a traveler looking for festive cheer, Japan promises a holiday celebration unlike any other.
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