It’s Christmas in Japan?
Back when I lived in the UK I would always despair around August when our Christmas stocks started to arrive in store. It is said that Christmas in the UK would last months, especially if you work in the retail sector. To be truthful I have never really had much love for the season, I would often find it very lonely. I usually work over the period, and my family does not celebrate it beyond a few gifts and the meal itself.
Christmas in Japan arrived at a more respectful November time, it at least waited patiently enough for Halloween to do its thing. It started within the konbini’s where you could place and order your Christmas cake and then it spread to illuminations and KFC taking its orders for its Christmas day special. A tradition that has bamboozled westerners since it first came to light KFC means Christmas in Japan.
So, let’s look at Japan and Christmas. Japan is not a Christian country its main religion is Buddhism as seen with its beautiful shrines. So, the traditional meaning found in the West is not mirrored within Japan. Japan however does have its small Christmas traditions right down to its Christmas commercials and popstars singing Christmas songs. It would still be unfair to say Japan celebrates Christmas only for its commercial side. Christmas is third on the list of holidays where Japanese people spend the most money.
So, what does Christmas mean to Japan? The answer is love. It is now a famed holiday for couples and families. Couples will get together after work and exchange gifts, yes Japan treats the day like a normal one. People will go to work on Christmas. Families may eat a big dinner in the evening after work and celebrate by giving a few gifts to the children. But it is often couples and lovers who shine the most by taking a romantic walk to see the lights. Christmas trees can be found in the cities and at Konbini’s. Families may even tuck into a famous KFC meal that needs to be ordered weeks in advance.
I asked my students who among them had a Christmas tree up and the results were split. Some did and would have a meal that day and others did not and may only be giving a gift to Crush or siblings.
Japan’s pop scene has Christmas songs dating back to the 80’s and slightly earlier. One of the gems I was shown by my students was My Boyfriend is Santa Claus. Confirming the day is for lovers and family things. As children we eventually found out Santa was our parents, leaving gifts under the tree for us. But later in this cute poppy song, it is the singer’s boyfriend because he brings gifts and joy into her life. My students also recognized Santa Claus from some of the TV adverts I showed them. I received clarification on the KFC trend that amuses the West so much. Turkey is not a native bird to Japan so importing it is very expensive. The meat is not found easily. However, chicken is. KFC jumped on the Christmas train by promoting Christmas means Chicken and chicken means KFC. I still want to experience a KFC Christmas, perhaps next year. KFC makes on average 6 billion yen every Christmas in Japan! Hats off to the company for finding a gap in the market!
On the topic of TV adverts Japanese TV adverts are notorious for being gems that will make you laugh or fall a rabbit hole and beg to be released from your hell after a whole night of watching long long man. But Christmas can be found here too. There are adverts from Konbini’s advertising their new festive foods and of course KFC. I liken KFC to Coke Cola as in the West it is not Christmas until you see the Coke Cola advert or vans.
The bottom line is Christmas does exist in Japan but with more of a commercial meaning and more for children and couples. I would perhaps argue that even in the West unless you are Christian this is perhaps the identical sentiment.
All I know is Christmas will be a stressful time for me as catching 6 planes and being away from those I love will not feel festive to me. It is important to remember that this period can be hard for many, and we should be understanding with one another. Cultures aside; the spirit of the holidays remains the same. Thinking of those we care about and hoping for the best for the coming year.
