Christmas in Japan – A Complete Guide to Traditions and Etiquette

Are you celebrating Christmas in Japan? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Japanese Christmas traditions to help you out – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, and more.

To help you explore their Christmas traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Christmas Traditions in Japan

• Hoteiosho, the Japanese Santa: In addition to the Western image of Santa Claus, Japan has its own traditional figure of Hoteiosho—a Buddhist god of good fortune who resembles Santa. He is often depicted with a large bag of gifts and is believed to have eyes in the back of his head, watching to see if children are well-behaved.
• A Romantic Holiday: In Japan, Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day itself and is viewed as a romantic occasion akin to Valentine’s Day. Couples typically go out for special dinners, exchange gifts, and enjoy the beautiful illuminations that adorn many cities during this time. This focus on romance contrasts sharply with Western traditions where Christmas is primarily a family-centered holiday.
• Illuminations (Illumi): During the holiday season, Japan’s major cities are decorated with dazzling light displays, known as illuminations. These illuminations often start in November and attract large crowds, with impressive installations in places like Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills and Osaka’s Nakanoshima Park. Visiting illuminations is a popular holiday activity, especially for couples.

How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Japanese?

Extend Christmas wishes in Japanese with the phrase, “メリークリスマス!”

Do you need more variety of Christmas wishes? Here is our full article on Christmas Wishes in Japanese.

Japanese Christmas Gifting Etiquette

Although New Year’s is the primary gift-giving season in Japan, small Christmas gifts or “omiyage” are often exchanged among friends, classmates, and coworkers. These gifts are typically modest, such as sweets or small novelty items, in keeping with Japanese gift-giving etiquette. 

Here are the essential do’s and don’ts to consider when participating in this festive custom.

Do’s in Gifting

• Use Both Hands: Always present and receive gifts with both hands. This gesture signifies respect and sincerity towards the recipient.
• Gift Wrapping with Furoshiki: For those who do exchange gifts, furoshiki—the art of wrapping presents in decorative fabric—is a beautiful and eco-friendly option. This traditional wrapping style adds a unique Japanese touch to holiday gifts and reflects the country’s emphasis on aesthetics and sustainability.
• Give Modestly: Choose gifts that are not overly expensive. This helps avoid putting pressure on the recipient to reciprocate with a more expensive gift.
• Wait to Open: If you receive a gift, do not open it immediately in front of the giver. Instead, express gratitude and wait until you are alone to appreciate the gift fully.
• Consider Timing: Present gifts at the end of a visit or gathering. This timing shows that you value the time spent together and adds a thoughtful touch to your gesture.
• Be Mindful of Numbers: Avoid giving gifts in sets of four or nine, as these numbers are associated with bad luck (the word for four sounds like “death” in Japanese). 

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Unlucky Colors: Steer clear of using red or black for wrapping or cards, as red can symbolize funerals and black is associated with death. Instead, opt for light pastel colors which are more favorable.
• Don’t Open Gifts Publicly: Opening a gift in front of others can embarrass the giver; it’s better to wait until you’re in private.
• Skip Sharp Objects: Avoid gifting sharp items like knives or scissors, as these can symbolize cutting ties or relationships.
• Don’t Give Gifts Too Early: Presenting gifts at the beginning of a visit can seem presumptuous; it’s more polite to wait until later in the interaction.
• Don’t Overemphasize Value: Avoid making a big deal about the cost or value of your gift; modesty is appreciated in Japanese culture, and it’s customary to downplay the significance of the gift itself when presenting it.

Traditional Japanese Christmas Food

• KFC Christmas Dinner: One of Japan’s most well-known Christmas traditions is the custom of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner. This tradition began in the 1970s after a successful KFC marketing campaign. Families and couples alike order KFC in advance, making fried chicken a Christmas staple.
• Christmas Cake (Kurisumasu Keki): In Japan, Christmas cake is a light, fluffy sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. The cake is widely available in stores and is often enjoyed on Christmas Eve. The Christmas cake has become a symbol of the holiday season, with families, friends, and couples sharing this sweet treat.

Christmas Concerts and J-Pop Songs

In Japan, December is filled with holiday concerts and J-Pop Christmas songs. Many artists release special Christmas singles, and holiday concerts are a big draw, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. These concerts and music releases have created a uniquely Japanese Christmas soundtrack.

Winter Festivals and Markets

Although Christmas is not a national holiday, winter festivals and Christmas markets inspired by European traditions have become popular in cities like Sapporo and Yokohama. These markets sell holiday treats, ornaments, and hot beverages, allowing locals to experience a European-style Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas-Themed Anime and Merchandising

Japan embraces Christmas with a strong focus on anime and pop culture. During December, many shops offer Christmas-themed merchandise featuring popular anime characters, and seasonal anime episodes often incorporate Christmas themes, which fans look forward to as part of their holiday entertainment.

Conclusion

Celebrating Christmas in Japan goes beyond food and gifts. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions. Christmas is imbued with cultural richness and meaningful celebrations. Have a happy holiday!