We Wish You a Merii Kurisumasu
25. Dec, 2007
View Comments
Unsurprisingly, we’ve recently gotten quite a few emails asking about Christmas (クリスマス or kurisumasu) in Japan. Though this might be a bit late, I thought I’d endeavor to answer those questions today, unwrapping my presents with one hand and typing this up with the other.
A Brief History of Kurisumasu
Christmas in Japan is an interesting creature. The holiday was introduced back in the day (during the 16th century, if you want to be exact about it) when Christian missionaries first came to Japan. In the modern day, though, being a largely non-Christian country, observance of the day is pretty secular—no midnight mass or nativity scenes or anything like that. In fact, many Japanese kids (and possibly adults?) seem to be under the impression that the day is a celebration of Santa’s Birthday. Not a wholly unreasonable thought, I suppose. Anyway, initially adopted by the Japanese government to gain acceptance from powerful and snobby Western nations, Christmas gained more and more popularity as the country modernized, reaching its most commercial form around 1960.
Pseudo-Holiday
It’s important to note, though, that Christmas isn’t actually a national holiday in Japan and as often seen as an offshoot of the New Year’s festivities (which are official). Still, to the relief of department stores, bakeries, and Christmas tree sellers nationwide, most people have adopted the non-religious aspects of the holiday, buying and exchanging gifts, eating “special” foods and decorating their houses (though not quite so much as their American counterparts).
A 2nd Valentine’s Day?
Aditionally, Christmas Eve is seen as one of the most romantic nights of the year. The 24th is a day often chosen for dates and confessions—remember the last episode of Hana Yori Dango when Shizuka tells Rui she loves him and Tsukushi finally kisses Tsukasa? That’s exactly kind of how it is in real life! Because of the popularity of Christmas Eve as a “date night”, hotels and restaurants usually offer discounts or special packages to capitalize on the lovey-dovey feelings going around.
KFC and Christmas Cake
Somehow, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or ケンタッキー (kentakkii) as it’s known in Japan, managed to convince the country in 1970 that fried chicken was the way to go come Christmas time. Most people (from my experience, anyway) see it as a kind of turkey substitute, as turkey is traditional for Western Christmases but not readily available in most asian countries. Fried chicken is so popular that most Japanese families reserve their Christmas Party Barrels ahead of time; items bought between the 24th and 25th account for 20% of the company’s annual sales.
As for Christmas cakes, they’re not bought from any particular restaurant or bakery, but they’re pretty ubiquitous—more so, I would say, than fried chicken. They’re usually a vanilla sponge cake decorated with simple white frosting, strawberries, and a Christmas message.
Fun Fact: Because Christmas cake is thrown out after Christmas Day (the 25th), the term has become slang for a 25+ year old woman who has passed her prime and is no longer attractive as a potential wife, girlfriend, etc. As they say, “Nobody wants Christmas cake after the 25th”. Now, I don’t believe that this is true (or particularly nice), but I thought it warranted mentioning, anyway.
About 50% of all Japanese people have bought at least one of the two items this year. Together, they comprise the stereotypical (some would say “traditional”) Japanese Christmas meal.
A Message From Tofugu
From all the writers at Tofugu, I’d like to wish you all Happy Holidays and a great New Year! As corny as it may sound, it’s true. We appreciate your comments and support more than we can say.
No related posts.
Merrry Christmas!
happy holidays for you toooooo !!
so the christmas in japan is different ! I knew that ! hhhh
merry christmas tofugu team!
Now that I think about it, I might have cried during the last episode of hanadan.
Merry Christmas! :]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Well… 2nd day of Christmas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8 <– Awesome!
I had wondered about Christmas in Japan. Apperantly another Kentakkii association I read somewhere was from “the chef”. He looks like a skinnier Santa Claus. Also, the whole “smiling Santa on the cross” is crazy! Haha. I want to see images of that!
Christmas is just celebrated so differently everywhere, even in the US there are just different methods to celebrate it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR as well.
Also… “Tofugu Store”? I’m picturing a tofugu shirt. haha.
Merrry Christmas!
happy holidays for you toooooo !!
so the christmas in japan is different ! I knew that ! hhhh
merry christmas tofugu team!
Now that I think about it, I might have cried during the last episode of hanadan.
Merry Christmas! :]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Well… 2nd day of Christmas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8 <– Awesome!
I had wondered about Christmas in Japan. Apperantly another Kentakkii association I read somewhere was from “the chef”. He looks like a skinnier Santa Claus. Also, the whole “smiling Santa on the cross” is crazy! Haha. I want to see images of that!
Christmas is just celebrated so differently everywhere, even in the US there are just different methods to celebrate it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR as well.
Also… “Tofugu Store”? I’m picturing a tofugu shirt. haha.
I luv KFC! Merii Kurisumasu to u!
I luv KFC! Merii Kurisumasu to u!
How romantic, christmas cake and… fried chicken!?!?! ha ha ha. That 25 year old thing is kind of a mean thing to say. that means i’m almost past my prime.
Lord Voldemort:
But you’re not a Japanese woman. You’re a Japanese guy. I’m sure there’s a double standard, so don’t worry, haha. Also, you’re not even close to 25!
How romantic, christmas cake and… fried chicken!?!?! ha ha ha. That 25 year old thing is kind of a mean thing to say. that means i’m almost past my prime.
Lord Voldemort:
But you’re not a Japanese woman. You’re a Japanese guy. I’m sure there’s a double standard, so don’t worry, haha. Also, you’re not even close to 25!
Thats interesting, Ive never heard of that and i actually live in japan. Maybe i missed something?
Thats interesting, Ive never heard of that and i actually live in japan. Maybe i missed something?
Actually, I’ve heard from my TA for my Japanese Culture and Religion class that they’ve tried setting something similar to Christmas Cake for men that’s called New Year’s Cake, meaning that men are no good after they’re 31. Whether or not that idea has taken off, however, I’m not sure. xD
Actually, I’ve heard from my TA for my Japanese Culture and Religion class that they’ve tried setting something similar to Christmas Cake for men that’s called New Year’s Cake, meaning that men are no good after they’re 31. Whether or not that idea has taken off, however, I’m not sure. xD
yum….. fried chicken tastes good with a side of cake… i think
yum….. fried chicken tastes good with a side of cake… i think
i’m pretty sure they have santa confused with elves as well. every christmas card i found in japan last year had hundreds of tiny santas parading around traditional looking buildings with cherry blossoms shedding there petals in the fore and background. so maybe they don’t have them confused, but merged . . .? and another thing, they leave decorations up well through january.
i’m pretty sure they have santa confused with elves as well. every christmas card i found in japan last year had hundreds of tiny santas parading around traditional looking buildings with cherry blossoms shedding there petals in the fore and background. so maybe they don’t have them confused, but merged . . .? and another thing, they leave decorations up well through january.
managed to convince the country in 1970 that fried chicken was the way to go come Christmas time. Most people (from my experience, anyway) see it as a kind of turkey substitute, as turkey is traditional for Western Christmases but not readily available in most asian countries
A very Merry Christmas to you too :) Hoping you get everything you want under your artificial Christmas tree this year.
Fried Chicken and Cake, huh? I hope that they have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful
Christmas Lights during the holidays.
Merry christmas to you! You can't have a Japanese Christmas without hearing this song on the radio, its kinda like Wham's Last Christmas.
http://japansugoi.com/wordpress/beautiful-japan...
This is quite impressive, I am pleased to read this post, keep posts like this coming, you totally rock!
sain-web.com
The cool Christmas Day!
Now that I think about it, I might have cried during the last episode of hanadan.
The cool Christmas Day!
Now that I think about it, I might have cried during the last episode of hanadan.
Welcome to —————- http://www.newgoing.com
We are specialized in offering all kinds of top brand shoes, jeans, t-
shirts, bikini, swimwear, jacket, jerseys, watches, purses, handbags,
belts, wallets , sunglasses and hats etc.
Accept paypal ,All the prices list on our website include shipping
cost,insurance,tax etc..
$30 nike shoes,air jordan shoes,nike shox shoes,gucci shoes
$35 true religion jeans, ed hardy jeans,coogi jeans,affliction jeans,
Laguna Beach Jeans
$14 ed hardy T-shirts,Coogi T-shirts,Christian Audigier T-shirts,Gucci
T-shirts,Polo T-shirts.
$35 coach handbag,gucci handbag,prada handbag,chanel handbag.
jehtj