Holiday Traditions of Japan

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in Japan

Christmas in Japan is not widely celebrated as a religious holiday, as there aren’t many Christians in the country. However, many Western Christmas traditions have been adopted, including Christmas trees, lights, gift-giving, sending cards, and Santa Claus. These elements have become popular symbols of the holiday season in Japan, even though the celebration itself has a unique cultural twist.

Santa-san and Hoteiosho

In Japan, Santa Claus is known as “Santa-san,” or Mr. Santa. However, Japan also has its own seasonal gift-giver in the form of Hoteiosho, a Buddhist monk who is said to bring gifts to well-behaved children. While Santa-san is more familiar to those who follow Western traditions, Hoteiosho holds a place in the hearts of those who embrace traditional Japanese culture during the holidays.

Christmas Eve: A Romantic Holiday

In Japan, Christmas Eve is often seen as a romantic day for couples. It is customary for couples to exchange gifts, go for walks to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations, and share a special meal at a restaurant. This makes Christmas Eve in Japan more akin to Valentine's Day in Western nations, where it is celebrated as a day of romance and togetherness.

Christmas as a Non-National Holiday

Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. However, because it falls between two important national holidays—The Emperor’s birthday on December 23rd and New Year’s Day on January 1st—some schools and businesses may close on Christmas Day as part of the New Year holiday break.

KFC for Christmas

One of the most unique Christmas traditions in Japan is eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). In 1974, KFC launched a highly successful ad campaign called “Kentucky for Christmas!” featuring Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa. As a result, enjoying KFC during Christmastime became wildly popular, and many Japanese families pre-order their KFC Christmas dinner well in advance.

Japanese Christmas Cake

The traditional Japanese Christmas Cake is a light and fluffy sponge cake, beautifully decorated with strawberries, whipped cream, and festive decorations such as miniature trees, flowers, and Christmas figures like Santa Claus. This cake is a sweet staple of Christmas celebrations in Japan.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: Ode to Joy

An unexpected Christmas tradition in Japan is the popularity of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, specifically its final movement, “Ode to Joy.” Known simply as “Daiku,” meaning number nine in Japanese, this piece is frequently performed at concerts around Christmas. It’s believed to have been introduced to Japan by German prisoners of war during World War I, and it has since become a holiday favorite.

Tokyo Disneyland at Christmas

Visiting Tokyo Disneyland is a popular Christmas activity in Japan. Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland puts on a magical display of decorations and parades during the Christmas season, which starts in the second week of November and runs until Christmas Day. Families and couples alike flock to the park to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas in one of the happiest places in Japan.

Japanese New Year Celebrations

While Christmas is a joyful time, the more important celebration in Japan during this time of year is the Japanese New Year. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and families come together to feast and spend quality time with one another. The New Year season is celebrated from December 31st to January 4th, with traditions and customs that reflect the importance of family, renewal, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Holiday Traditions in Japan

Video by Nobita from Japan

Traditional Japanese Holiday Recipes

While Christmas is not traditionally celebrated as a religious holiday in Japan, the season has inspired the creation of delicious dishes that are now associated with holiday gatherings. These recipes reflect a blend of Japanese flavors and Western holiday influences. Here are a few authentic Japanese holiday recipes:

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1. Japanese Christmas Cake (Strawberry Shortcake)

Japanese Christmas Cake, or strawberry shortcake, is a light and fluffy sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It’s a popular dessert enjoyed during the Christmas season in Japan.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cream)
• Fresh strawberries, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Gently fold in the sifted flour, being careful not to deflate the batter. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool completely, then slice it horizontally to make two layers.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom cake layer, then add a layer of halved strawberries. Place the top cake layer on and spread more whipped cream over the entire cake.
8. Decorate the top with additional strawberries and chill the cake in the fridge until ready to serve.

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2. Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage)

Karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken and is a popular dish during the Christmas season. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, karaage is often served as part of Christmas dinner in Japan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the potato starch and flour.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the starch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Fry the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve the karaage hot with lemon wedges on the side.

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3. Matcha Yule Log Cake (Matcha Roll Cake)

A Matcha Yule Log Cake is a festive twist on the traditional Christmas Yule log, featuring Japanese green tea (matcha) for a unique flavor. This sponge cake is filled with whipped cream and rolled into the shape of a log.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp matcha powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. In another bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, and baking powder.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, then add the milk and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is just set.
6. Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then carefully roll it up with the parchment paper while still warm. Set aside to cool completely.
7. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up and trim the edges for a clean look.
9. Chill the matcha Yule log in the refrigerator before serving. Optionally, dust with extra matcha powder for decoration.

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4. Japanese New Year's Mochi (Ozoni)

Ozoni is a traditional soup served during the Japanese New Year. It features mochi (sticky rice cakes) in a flavorful broth with vegetables and sometimes chicken or fish.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 mochi rice cakes
• 4 cups dashi (Japanese soup stock)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1/2 cup chicken, sliced (optional)
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small bunch spinach or mizuna, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the dashi to a simmer. Add the soy sauce and mirin.
2. If using chicken, add it to the pot and simmer until cooked through. Then add the carrot and shiitake mushrooms and cook until tender.
3. Toast the mochi rice cakes in a separate pan or oven until puffed and slightly golden.
4. Add the chopped spinach or mizuna to the soup and cook for a minute, just until wilted. Season the soup with salt to taste.
5. Place the toasted mochi in bowls and pour the hot broth with vegetables over the mochi. Serve immediately.

These traditional Japanese holiday recipes bring warmth and flavor to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy these delicious dishes with family and friends during the Christmas and New Year season!

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