Christmas Day in Japan
When is Christmas Day in Japan?
Christmas Day in Japan is on December 25, 2024. It falls on Wednesday.
How many days until Christmas Day in Japan?
There are 250 Days left until Christmas Day in Japan.
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Japan?
Christmas Day or known as ‘Meri Kurisumasu’ in the Japanese language, is one of the most festive events in Japan. Just like many other countries, this event is celebrated every 25th of December each year. Although many Christian countries worldwide have this day considered as a holiday, Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Japan, with Shintoism and Buddhism as its primary religion.
Unlike the Western countries and others, December 25th is treated as just a normal working day for the Japanese. Businesses should also continue to operate as usual, however, schools are often closed at this time (Japanese students should already be in their winter and new year’s holiday break). Although the day is not a national holiday, it doesn’t mean it was less celebrated in the country. In fact, many of the fun and exciting activities the Japanese look forward to every year, are actually observed during the Christmas season. Currently, Christmas Day is considered one of the busiest days throughout the year in Japan.
Origin of Christmas Day
Japan’s Christmas Celebration began way back in the "Sengoku," or "Country at War" period (1467-1573), when the missionary Francis Xavier (1506–52), a Jesuit priest, arrived in the country on the year 1549. He was the one who introduced Christianity to Japan and three years later, in 1552, the first Christmas service was held in the nation. Giving donations to the less fortunate people is the focus of the celebration at that time. For the next several years, Christmas and other Christian practices have been observed in the country. However, with the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate (a feudal military government in Japan) during the Edo period (1603-1867), all Christian practices were halted. The Japanese political leaders at that time were suspicious that the foreign missionaries who came to Japan might stir something to overthrow the government. Thus, by 1614, the Japanese military government exerted great effort to shut off all Christian-related practices. For the next 250 years, Christmas Day and other Christian practices are non-existent in the country. This changed when Emperor Meiji ascended the throne in 1868 though.
By 1868, the Meiji Restoration happened, and the Tokugawa Shogunate government was overthrown. This restoration was led by Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) who governed Japan from 1868-1912 and allowed the Christian practices to continue. These practices were re-established on the year 1873. With this, Christmas was once again celebrated in the country. Parties are held and the idea of Santa Claus was even introduced for the first time a year later. Since then, the celebration continued to flourish and at present, Christmas Day has become one of the most-awaited seasons in Japan.
Christmas Day Traditions in Japan
Christmas Day is one of the biggest celebrations observed by many countries around the globe. Although the meaning behind the celebration is the same (the nativity of Jesus Christ), Christmas practices vary per country. While Christian countries may have celebrated this occasion as a religious activity, non-Christian countries on the other hand, have recognized the occasion and observed the day only as a cultural celebration. Japan, for instance, is an example, which celebrated Christmas Day but in a secular way. Since only 1% of the country’s general population are Christian, the Japanese Christmas celebration doesn’t have any religious connotations unlike those in the Western countries. Even so, several festivities are still observed in Japan during this occasion.
Christmas Decorations at Public Areas
Japan, just like other countries, has its own share of preparations done for the celebration of Christmas. Around November, the Japanese tend to start putting on some decorations for the Christmas season. While it’s common for Christian countries to have a Christmas tree at home, the Japanese doesn’t have this similar practice. Nevertheless, shopping malls, shops, restaurants, parks, streets, and other public areas, are usually the ones that would make the necessary arrangements for these Christmas decorations. Japan’s Christmas decorations are similar to the traditional elements seen in other countries celebrating the event e.g. Christmas trees, garlands, lanterns, Santa Claus figures, reindeers, Christmas lights, and other Christmas-related ornaments. With these sparkling decorations seen everywhere, along with some Christmas music, one could feel the Christmas air.
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights and Winter Illumination in Japan
Japan’s Christmas lights and Winter illuminations are also one of the famous attractions during the season. The most popular places to visit for these illuminations are as follows: Shiodome, Shinjuku, Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu, and Odaiba. The mentioned places are all within the Tokyo area. Other locations that offer impressive lightings as well are found outside Tokyo. Sendai Pageant of Starlight (located in Sendai), Sagamiko Illumillion (located in Kanagawa), Ashikaga Flower Fantasy (located in Tochigi), Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination (located in Nagoya), and Kingdom of Light (located in Nagasaki), are some of the examples.
In addition, since many stores offer discounted rates during the Christmas season, several Japanese also take advantage of the occasion to go on Christmas shopping. Japan’s Christmas Markets are also common places people would likely visit at this time. The Tokyo Christmas Market, the Soramachi (Sky Town) Christmas Market, and the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, are the most popular locations among others.
Tokyo Disneyland
Visiting the Tokyo Disneyland is another way of celebrating Christmas Day in Japan. This activity is often observed by many Japanese across the country. The place actually provides various Christmas entertainments that’s perfect for the occasion. Parades (where performers wear colorful costumes), entertaining shows, fireworks display, and even quality food, are being offered in Tokyo Disneyland. Thus, it is not unusual for the place to get extremely crowded during Christmas Day.
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) as the Main Christmas Food
Since December 25th is a regular working day in Japan, most of the people would celebrate Christmas the night before the 25th, on Christmas Eve instead. The dishes served is one of the highlights of the event. However, unlike the Western countries which usually feast on turkey, roast beef, or ham, the Japanese has a unique way of celebrating Christmas. Fried chicken, specifically KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), is the most popular treat in the country during the occasion. Because of the high demand of this food on Christmas, many of the Japanese would place their order as early as November to make sure they can serve this special meal on their table by the time Christmas comes. For others who doesn’t want to go through the hassle of queuing for this food, buying these fried chickens in other restaurants or convenience stores, or even preparing for it themselves, is also an option.
Other Popular Christmas Foods
Another delight the people indulge to during Christmas is Christmas cake. Strawberry shortcake (a traditional Japanese Christmas cake) is another treat that is enjoyed by many during the occasion as well. Strawberry shortcake is a sponge cake which is frosted with whipped cream. Strawberries and edible Christmas ornaments like Santa Claus, Christmas tree, and others, are the typical decorations found on the said cake. This cake and the KFC, together with other dishes like Cream stew and Potato salad, are the food usually served during Christmas Day.
Christmas Day as a cultural celebration in Japan
Christmas Day has always been a family gathering in many countries worldwide. Japan, on the other hand, celebrate the day in a different manner. Japan’s Christmas celebration is associated with a romantic notion rather than as a family gathering (these family gatherings are better observed during the country’s celebration of New Year’s Day instead). Although many Japanese still observe Christmas together with their families while sharing a special meal, majority of them (especially the younger population) celebrate the day with their special someone instead. Well-dressed couples strolling the streets, dining in fancy restaurants, or just simply going on a date, is a common sight during Christmas Eve. Since Christmas is associated with romance in the country, fine dining restaurants all throughout Japan are always full during this time. This is the reason why many couples would make their reservations few weeks before the occasion. Exchanging of gifts are also traditionally done by the couples themselves. Although children also receive presents during Christmas, the Japanese would rather go all-out for these gifts on New Year’s Day instead. This make sense since Japan’s New Year’s celebration equates that of the Western countries’ Christmas celebration.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 2025 | December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 2026 | December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 2027 | December 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 2028 | December 25 | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 2029 | December 25 | Tuesday | Christmas Day |
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Showa Day | April 29, 2024 |
| Constitution Day | May 03, 2024 |
| Greenery Day | May 04, 2024 |
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