Christmas in Japan isn’t as extravagant as it is overseas, but there are some uniquely Japanese customs.
First of all, eating Christmas cake.
At this time of year, Christmas cake sales are intense at cake shops, bakeries, department stores, and more.
I’m not a big fan of sweets, so I don’t go out of my way to buy this cake.
This time of year, department stores are packed with people buying gifts called “oseibo,” a uniquely Japanese tradition.
And not just cakes, but “KFC,” a Christmas treat that many Japanese people buy.
This store also sees long lines during Christmas.
Foreigners often wonder why Japanese people buy KFC chicken for Christmas.
Do you agree?
This is one of Japan’s mysterious cultures.
Furthermore, Japanese people not only value Christmas Day on the 25th, but also the day before, the 24th.
While Christmas Day is probably a time to spend with family overseas, in Japan it’s customary to go out with a significant other or friends, have Christmas dinner, and go to see the illuminations.
As soon as Christmas is over, preparations for New Year’s begin.
Although it seems that fewer households are making it in earnest these days, people still prepare a traditional New Year’s dish called “osechi.”
They also eat dishes made with rice cakes.
Sadly, however, there are many accidents every year in which elderly people choke on the rice cakes and die after eating these rice cake dishes.
