A Christmas guide
Christmas in Japan
Traditions, food and holiday customs
Main date
December 25 (not a public holiday)
Gift bringer
Santa-san
Signature flavour
A bucket of fried chicken, popularised by a long-running marketing campaign, is one of the most common Christmas Eve meals.
In Japan Christmas is a popular but secular celebration. It is widely seen as a romantic and family-friendly evening rather than a religious holiday.
Christmas in Japan is celebrated on December 25 (not a public holiday). The main festive figure is Santa-san.
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When is Christmas celebrated in Japan?
Christmas in Japan falls on December 25 (not a public holiday).
Main traditions
Cities are decorated with extensive illumination displays known as iruminēshon. Christmas Eve is often spent as a date night, similar to Valentine's Day in other countries.
Christmas food
A bucket of fried chicken, popularised by a long-running marketing campaign, is one of the most common Christmas Eve meals. Many families also buy a soft sponge Christmas cake topped with strawberries and cream.
Gift giving customs
Gifts are exchanged mainly between couples and from parents to younger children. Adults rarely exchange gifts on Christmas Day itself.
Santa or local Christmas figure
The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Japan is Santa-san.
Fun fact
Japanese strawberry shortcake, light sponge layered with cream and strawberries, has been the iconic Christmas cake in Japan since the 1920s.
Keep comparing
For the rituals, dishes and gift bringers in other countries, browse our Christmas around the world hub, compare customs side by side in the Christmas Traditions Explorer or plan your own December with the Christmas checklist.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Christmas celebrated in Japan?
- Christmas in Japan is celebrated on December 25 (not a public holiday).
- Who brings gifts to children in Japan?
- In Japan children traditionally receive gifts from Santa-san.
- What do families eat for Christmas in Japan?
- A bucket of fried chicken, popularised by a long-running marketing campaign, is one of the most common Christmas Eve meals. Many families also buy a soft sponge Christmas cake topped with strawberries and cream.
Sources
More countries
Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a season-long celebration that centres on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), open-air Christmas markets and the four Sundays of Advent.
Christmas in Austria
Austria celebrates a quiet, family-focused Christmas. Cities and alpine villages alike fill with Adventmärkte, brass music and the scent of roasted chestnuts.
Christmas in Slovenia
Slovenia blends Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic Christmas customs into a long festive season that runs from early December through Epiphany on January 6.