Illuminations in Odaiba. Credit:recep-bg
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When it comes to Christmas traditions, Japan’s approach is undeniably unique. Unlike many Western countries where Christmas is steeped in religious significance, Japan has embraced the holiday with a creative and distinctly non-religious twist. From fried chicken feasts to romantic escapades, Japanese Christmas celebrations offer a fascinating blend of imported customs and local adaptations.
Masayoshi Sakamoto, a seasoned Japanese writer and editor, explains the quirky and captivating ways Japan has reimagined Christmas traditions.
KFC Takes Center Stage
Japan has a knack for reinventing foreign traditions, and Christmas is no exception. Despite its origins as a Christian holiday, Christmas in Japan is more of a secular celebration focused on food, lights, and romance. According to the 2022 Religion Yearbook by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, Christians comprise only 1.1% of the population, allowing the holiday to evolve without deep cultural or historical ties.
One of the most iconic Japanese Christmas traditions is the widespread consumption of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). This curious custom can be traced back to a 1974 KFC promotional campaign that introduced the now-famous Christmas Party Barrel. With turkey—a traditional Western Christmas centerpiece—being both unfamiliar and difficult to source in Japan, fried chicken became a convenient and festive substitute.
The tradition quickly caught on, and KFC restaurants across Japan now see long lines on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For instance, in just three days from December 23 to 25, 2023, KFC Japan recorded sales of 7 billion yen (approximately $47.6 million). This enduring popularity underscores how deeply ingrained the practice has become in Japanese Christmas culture.
Read More: Visiting Markets in Japan: A Fun Introduction to Japanese Cuisine
The Strawberry Shortcake: An American Tradition, Uniquely Transformed in Japan
Another culinary cornerstone of Japanese Christmas is the strawberry shortcake. This dessert, featuring layers of fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, has become synonymous with the holiday season in Japan.
Japan’s Christmas shortcake dates back to 1912 when the founder of Fujiya, a prominent Japanese confectionery company, introduced an American-style shortcake to Japan. By the late 1950s, Fujiya had begun marketing it as a Christmas dessert, capitalizing on the festive appeal of its red, white, and green color scheme—mirroring the hues of Christmas decorations.
Today, strawberry shortcakes are a staple of Japanese Christmas celebrations. Convenience stores, department stores, and train stations set up pop-up shops selling these cakes to meet the high demand. Fujiya’s Christmas Strawberry Special Shortcake even topped the company’s 2024 Christmas cake reservation rankings, highlighting its enduring popularity.
Love Hotels: Fully Booked on Christmas Night
Beyond food, Japan’s Christmas traditions take a decidedly romantic turn. Cities across the country are illuminated with dazzling Christmas lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere perfect for couples. While the tradition of decorating with lights has its roots in Western customs, such as lighting Advent candles in Germany, Japan has embraced this practice with a modern flair.
The romantic image of Christmas in Japan gained traction in the 1980s and 90s, thanks to lifestyle magazines and popular TV dramas that depicted couples enjoying dates under shimmering lights. Over time, Christmas became less about family gatherings and more about romantic celebrations. This shift in perception led to an unusual tradition: love hotels, known for their privacy and convenience, see a surge in bookings on Christmas night.
These establishments even offer special Christmas packages, making them a sought-after destination for couples. Guides on avoiding the embarrassment of being turned away from fully booked love hotels have become commonplace online, reflecting the popularity of this tradition.
Read More: Fall in Love With Japan’s Nostalgic Vibes and Modern-Day Culture
Christmas in Japan: A Unique Blend of Culture and Creativity
Japan’s Christmas traditions, from KFC feasts to strawberry shortcakes and romantic nights at love hotels, illustrate how the country has adopted the holiday in form rather than faith. These customs, rooted in creativity and practicality, have turned Christmas in Japan into a celebration unlike any other.
If you find yourself in Japan during the holiday season, immerse yourself in these uniquely adapted traditions. Whether it’s savoring a Party Barrel, indulging in a festive shortcake, or strolling through illuminated streets, Japanese Christmas offers a delightful and unforgettable experience.
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Author Bio: Masayoshi Sakamoto is a Japanese writer, translator, and editor living in Toyama, Japan. He is the editor-in-chief of a local magazine, Hokuroku, and was the chief editor of a popular digital business magazine based in Tokyo, bizSPA!
Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries.
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