Japanese Christmas Traditions: Beyond Fried Chicken and Cake
When many envision Christmas in Japan, their minds immediately jump to KFC's famous ldquo;Christmas dinnerrdquo; and the ubiquitous red and white cakes adorning store shelves. While these traditional offerings do play a significant role, the Japanese experience of Christmas is far more nuanced and richly layered.
Unconventional Western Celebrations
Much like how the Western concept of Christmas has been adapted and modified in Japan, the festive season often finds people indulging in unconventional ways. At KFC stores, colorful signs reading ldquo;Reserve your Christmas Dinnerrdquo; invite patrons to partake in what has become a beloved holiday custom. In the 1970s, a young franchise owner's innovative advertising campaign gained immense popularity, leading to a roaring success for KFC during the Christmas season.
Another popular tradition is the festive Christmas cake, renowned for its delightful strawberry-filled sponge cake and pristine white frosting. While this confection has become a symbol of the season, it also serves as the subject of a rather sexist joke: ldquo;Why is a woman like a Christmas cake? Because she’s unsold when she’s 25.rdquo; Despite the joke, these cakes, whether simple or extravagant, are often enjoyed during the festive season.
Modern Celebrations
Contrary to its association with romance and intimate dinners, Christmas in Japan is not primarily a family affair. Instead, it has evolved into a time for couples to go out on dates, sharing special meals or even dining at restaurants that require early bookings. A popular choice for such a meal is fried chicken, often sourced from KFC, paired with a dessert such as strawberry shortcake. This culinary combo provides a unique twist on a typical Western Christmas dinner.
Other retailers, fuelled by the prospect of increased sales, have launched campaigns encouraging parents to buy children presents on Christmas, echoing the spirit of gift-giving in other cultures. This blend of adaptability and cultural innovation continues to shape the Japanese Christmas experience.
Grilled Chicken and White Frosting
Iconic as it is, the practice of enjoying fried chicken on Christmas in Japan is also accompanied by the tradition of indulging in other festive foods. Grilled chicken and homemade sponge cakes, decorated with strawberry cream, offer a taste of Christmas that is distinctly Japanese. This is a reflection of the fact that Christmas was not a traditional part of Japanese culture until the mid-20th century. Its popularity increased as American influences began to permeate Japanese society.
For many, the true essence of Christmas in Japan lies in the anticipation and atmosphere rather than traditional celebrations. Bavarian-style Christmas markets with festive decorations and Christmas-themed foods, such as chocolate buche de Noel, are popular in Japan, signaling the arrival of the winter season.
A New Year, New Traditions
Curiously, the period around Christmas in Japan is a run-up to the REAL holiday, which is the New Year. Intricate preparations for the new year include special visits, family gatherings, and the embracement of seasonal decorations. The festive buzz around Christmas gradually fades away at midnight on December 26, marking the end of the season and the beginning of a new chapter filled with New Year celebrations.
While the Japanese do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, the holiday season brings out a sense of joy and tradition, much like it does in other parts of the world. The blend of modern and traditional customs creates a unique and fulfilling experience for those who embrace the spirit of Christmas in Japan.