Christmas in Japan may feel a little strange to those familiar with the Western holiday season. While Christmas in the West has religious roots, in Japan it is celebrated as a joyful, non-religious event focused on fun, romance, and delicious food.
Starting from November, Christmas decorations appear in shopping malls, train stations, and supermarkets. Tokyo Disney Resort also kicks off its dazzling Christmas events, creating a festive atmosphere across the country.
As December arrives, the mood changes — not only because of Christmas but also because the New Year is just around the corner. In Japanese, December is called “Shiwasu” (師走), which means “even the master runs,” symbolizing how busy and hectic this month can be.
🍗 Fried Chicken and Christmas Cake: Japan’s Must-Have Christmas Foods
If you ask what to eat at Christmas in Japan, the answer might surprise you — fried chicken and Christmas cake!
This unique tradition began as a clever marketing campaign by KFC in the 1970s, and it has since become an essential part of Japanese Christmas culture. Today, KFC is so popular in December that people pre-order their “party buckets” weeks in advance.
Christmas cakes, usually decorated with whipped cream and strawberries, are another must-have. Many families reserve them early from popular bakeries, and it’s not uncommon to see long lines on Christmas Eve.
And if you peek at a Japanese Christmas table, you might even find sushi next to fried chicken and cake — a deliciously unusual combination that perfectly reflects Japan’s creative approach to Western traditions.
💕 Is Christmas in Japan for Couples?
For many Japanese people, Christmas has long been seen as a romantic holiday rather than a family event.
From the 1980s to the early 2000s, it was almost expected for young couples to spend Christmas together on a romantic date. Those without a partner were sometimes jokingly called “lonely singles.” Some people even started short-term relationships just for the season!
Although this trend is fading, Christmas is still considered a special day for couples. Illuminated streets, Christmas markets, and city landmarks like Tokyo Midtown and Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse fill with hand-holding pairs enjoying the twinkling lights.
🎁 Spending Christmas with Family and Friends
Recently, more people in Japan have begun celebrating Christmas with family and friends rather than just as couples.
Families often gather for home parties, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals together. Among friends, it’s common to host small group parties with games and “Secret Santa” gift exchanges.
For children, the magic of Santa Claus is alive and well. Kids usually receive presents from “Santa” until around elementary school age, often finding gifts placed on their pillows or by their beds when they wake up on Christmas morning. Parents everywhere remind them, “Santa won’t come unless you’re good!” — a familiar phrase in many countries.
🎆 From Christmas to New Year’s in Japan
Unlike in the West, the Christmas season in Japan ends sharply on December 25. Overnight, shops and department stores remove Christmas decorations and replace them with traditional New Year’s displays.
Christmas in Japan may seem unusual to outsiders, but that’s exactly what makes it charming. It’s a celebration full of joy, creativity, and a unique blend of Western and Japanese culture — truly a holiday like no other!