Christmas in Japan

Comparing major holidays around the world is always fascinating, and when it comes to Japan, Christmas is not to be overlooked.

Christmas was initially introduced to Japan with the arrival of the first Europeans in the 16th century. But only in recent decades has the event become widely popular (despite the fact that Christians make up only 1% of the population).

Encouraged by commerce, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. More and more people are taking up traditions such as decorating their homes, giving presents to friends, holding Christmas parties around Christmas Day, and celebrating the event with a special meal. Christmas lights decorate cities, and Christmas trees adorn living areas and malls. Christmas Eve has even become a holiday for couples to spend time together and exchange gifts. 

In manga, Christmas is one of my favorite subjects (especially since it usually sees couples with romantic aspirations visiting amusement parks ;). No matter what, it seems, there are three points you can always count on:



Fried Chicken - A successful advertising campaign in the 1970s made eating at KFC around Christmas a national custom. Its chicken meals are so popular during the season that stores take reservations months in advance.





Christmas Cake - The other traditional Japanese Christmas food is Christmas Cake, usually made of sponge cake, strawberries and whipped cream. You can find a wide selection of good-looking Christmas cakes at stores. 




Couples - Christmas Eve has become a night for couples to go out and spend a romantic time together at fancy restaurants or hotels in Japan. It isn't easy to make reservations for such restaurants and hotels at the last minute on the day.


Merry Christmas! :)

What's your favorite Christmas tradition in manga?

Sources: wikipedia, japan-guide.com, gojapan.about.com