In japan, Christmas has been widely celebrated , but in a quit unique way. We developed our own Christmas tradition, which you may find it strange and funny. Today let's look at 3 things that makes Japanese Christmas special.
When did Japanese Christmas start ?
Even though the Christianity has been imported to Japan in 16th century, it was not common at all to celebrate Christmas because of nationwide ban on Chrisitianity started in 1612.
However, after meiji-era (1868), people started to show curiosity towards European culture and to give presents on Christmas and only some decades ago, "Japanese Christmas traditions" was made. What are these? Let's dig right into it.
①クリぼっち Kuribottchi - alone on Christmas？
Christmas is widely known as a holiday for family throughout the world. But in Japan, it's for lovers to have a romantic date, like a valentines day. We instead spend the new year with family eating luxurious bento called おせち osechi.
The Christmas tradition is said to have started in 1980's for commercial purposes but not everyone is happy about the tradition.
People who are single on Christmas call themselves クリぼっち Kuribottchi. The word was made by adding クリスマス kurisumasu "Christmas" to 一人ぼっち hitoribottchi "lonely". It means "to be alone on Christmas"
People who are クリぼっち Kuribottchi often gather around and spend the night together not to feel alone on Christmas.
②ケンタッキーフライドチキン - KFC fried chicken
If you ask Japanese what they eat on Christmas, they start off by saying "KFC fried chicken".
The chicken is so popular that you would have to wait in line for hours if you don't start placing orders six weeks in advance!
The tradition has 40 years of its history after KFC started an advertising campaign in the 1974 called 'Kentucky for Christmas" This was a huge success that this has become a tradition.
People often order fast food as a second choice, such as pizza, roast chicken. Click here and make your order list for you future traditional Japanese Christmas celebration😏
③Winter illuminations is huge!!
On Christmas time, cities will be covered with Christmas light. A city of lights get even brighter! It's crazy how so many malls and stores and trees are decorated in so many ways.
You can easily get in the Christmas mood when you are in Japan. And クリぼっち Kuribottchi starts to be impatient trying to get someone to date with😂
But I personally love this thing about Japanese Christmas so much!
Ebisu, Tokyo is very popular for a romantic dates.
An amusement park becomes winter wonderland."winter fantasy" in National Sanuki Mannou Park, Kagawa prefecture.
What's next?
Majority of Japanese aren't christian. But we ended up making our own Christmas and kids are waiting for Santa to come every year.
We are so flexible at taking in other culture and blend in Japanese culture making it our own unique event😂
I just love how we are so open and creative. There sure comes a new Christmas tradition we have not yen seen and I hope it happens.
Next year spending your Christmas in Japan won't let you down😁🎄
じゃあまた！ jyaamata!