How Christmas Is Celebrated in Japan

Do Japanese People Celebrate Christmas?

In a 2019 survey by NHK, just 36% of respondents said that they followed a religion. Christians made up just 1% of that number.

In practice, most Japanese engage in religious syncretism, following traditions and customs from multiple faiths instead of adhering strictly to one. As an example, many of our Japanese editors return to their ancestral home for Obon, a Buddhist tradition where people honor the spirits of their ancestors in various ways, while also taking part in Shinto practices such as Omiyamairi, in which families bring newborns to a shrine to pray for their health and safety.

The Japanese have embraced Christmas in the same way, but with a twist. In Japan, it is considered a romantic secular holiday akin to Valentine’s Day. Restaurants are booked full of couples wanting a romantic dinner, and you’ll also spot people out on a date on Christmas Eve around popular date spots like Tokyo Disneyland. Exchanging gifts during this season is generally seen as a romantic gesture, though there are plenty of families who do open presents on Christmas Day with their kids.

In recent years, however, more single people have started organizing Christmas gatherings with friends to help brush off the stigma of spending the holidays without a partner.

Christmas Traditions in Japan

KFC for Christmas

While many countries celebrate Christmas with a juicy turkey or a glazed roast ham, the Japanese celebrate this special day with a nice big bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

The story goes that during the 1970s with the introduction of KFC to Japan, a store manager had the idea to draw a connection between the winter holiday and the crispy fried chicken. Since turkey is hard to come by in Japan and most Japanese homes don’t have ovens large enough to roast a ham, the marketing strategy was a huge success and the store manager eventually went on to become the CEO of KFC Japan!

These days, if you hope to get your hands on a bucket of KFC during the holidays, you better place your order weeks or even months in advance. If that sounds like too much hassle, we’ve noticed a growing trend of Japanese convenience stores like Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven, as well as local supermarkets, selling roast chicken during the winter holidays. They’re usually only sold in single portions, so you might not be able to get the whole roast chicken experience, but it’s an affordable and convenient way to enjoy a taste of Christmas.

Strawberry Shortcake for Christmas Cake

While enjoying cake at Christmas isn’t anything new, Japan is unique in making strawberry shortcake the dessert of choice for the holiday. 

There are various theories about how this tradition came to be, with the most popular one pointing to Fujiya, a long-established Western confectionery maker. At first, they followed other countries, selling fruitcake for Christmas. However, one year, they decided to also sell shortcake, decorating it with seasonal fruits like strawberries (which come into season in Japan between December and March), and that’s when the custom took root.

As for why strawberry shortcake became the ubiquitous Christmas cake, some say it’s because the white whipped cream and bright red strawberries look very Christmassy, echoing Santa Claus’ colors. Red and white are also auspicious colors, so they are very suitable to eat during the holiday season.

By the way, shortcakes in Japan differ a bit from the kind found overseas. The main difference is the cake base: in Japan it’s made with sponge cake, while overseas it’s typically a biscuit or scone-like pastry. As a result, Japanese shortcake is light and airy, whereas overseas versions tend to be denser and more crumbly.

Hearing Last Christmas on Repeat

We’re only partially kidding here.

In Japan, you know it’s almost Christmas when you hear WHAM!’s 1984 hit single “Last Christmas” everywhere. It’s even more common than Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which is plenty popular on its own. (We say almost, but you can actually hear Christmas music as early as November in Japan!)

Nobody really knows why this bittersweet love song became such a holiday staple in Japan, though some say it’s because of its melancholic vibe that perfectly matches the somewhat somber atmosphere of winter.

Regardless, don’t be surprised if you come across some unexpected songs being treated as Christmas tunes in Japan! (We kind of miss the traditional carols you hear abroad…)

Other Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Japan

Admire the Winter Illuminations

From early December through mid-January (or even longer), Japan gets in the mood for Christmas with dazzling LED displays known as “illuminations” or “light-ups.”

Illuminations vary widely in scale and style. Some are quite simple, featuring basic blue and white lights that cover the side of the building. Others are a bit more elaborate like the displays at Ashikaga Flower Park. And then there are places such as Yomiuriland's annual "Jewellumination," which transform entire venues into dedicated winter light attractions!

If you're keen to see some of Japan's top light-ups, check out our selection of the best winter illuminations in Japan.

Shop and Eat at a Christmas Market

Yes, there are traditional Christmas markets in Japan!

You can find almost anything related to Christmas at these markets, from ornaments to decorations and even actual trees. There’s also classic holiday foods like hot chocolate, German sausages, imported beer, eggnog, mulled wine, and much more.

Warm up a chilly winter evening with a festive drink in hand while enjoying cheerful Christmas music.

Celebrate Christmas at Tokyo Disney Resort

From November to December, the “happiest place on Earth” becomes just a bit more joyful with the addition of festive music and ornate Christmas decorations. Expect holiday lights, seasonal outfits on your favorite Disney characters, fireworks, and even appearances by Jolly Old Saint Nick himself during the Christmas parade!

This is one of the best Christmas activities in Japan for families with young children, but do note that it can get pretty crowded. We recommend visiting on weekdays and buying entry tickets in advance online.

Have a Merry Christmas In Japan!

Overall, while Christmas in Japan may differ from back home, there is no shortage of brightness, warmth, and holiday cheer in Japan. If you’ll be in Japan this winter, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!