It’s beginning to look at lot like … New year’s?

Temperature – 11c

With the blink of an eye the temperature plummeted, and the seasons switched into Winter mode! Winter came late this year and seemingly skipped autumn altogether. I noticed early on in October that some of the chains had started to carry Christmas goods. One thing to remember about Japan is traditionally does not celebrate Christmas. The main religion within Japan is Buddhism. Thus, most people will work Christmas day as it is another workday for them.

But Japan does enjoy its trends and fun seasonal foods. So, Christmas proves a novel event that it can get involved with on the low key. From music to Christmas cakes on early order in convenience stores to the more well-known tradition of ordering a KFC over Christmas, hats off to you Colonel you somehow managed to win big in Japan here. To even larger cities hosting Christmas fairs, the festive season can be glanced at even in the more rural spots.

Within anime, most of us know the Christmas episode as a time for love interests to sneak out and exchange gifts or share food in a low-key scene usually taking place in an apartment. Outside the snow falls and settles. Anime Christmas episodes are usually lowkey.

However, an event that is not low-key in Japan is the New Year, from huge fireworks festivals. The New Year's Day shrine visit tradition. Japan puts a lot into welcoming the new year and hoping it will bring prosperity. The new year’s episode often takes more of a main stage in the show.

My first shrine visit will be at Saga Shrine, I am glad I will be able to indulge in this tradition and hope my year Is a good one and my fortune will be good!