Buckets, Karaoke, and Spectacular Illuminations

What is Christmas traditionally like in Japan? Well, it isn’t – only 1% of Japanese people identify as Christians. However, despite the fact that this holiday only arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun in the second half of the 20th century – mainly as a commercial import from the USA – the Japanese, masters of adaptation, have turned it into something entirely unique. To appreciate it, though, you need to set aside expectations of spirituality or family togetherness. Imagine a Japanese-style Christmas Eve: a KFC bucket instead of carp, romantic dates amidst the glow of Christmas illuminations, and German Christmas markets full of mulled wine and sausages, along with a game to find the funniest 100-yen gift. And that’s just the beginning!

The Christmas KFC tradition was invented by Takeshi Okawara, the first manager of KFC in Japan, who in 1974 convinced the Japanese that crispy fried chicken was the perfect idea for a Christmas dinner. Today, over 3.6 million families order the “Christmas Bucket,” and Colonel Sanders himself is dressed as Santa Claus. Add to this the German Christmas markets in Tokyo and Yokohama, where you can enjoy a pretzel and mulled wine amidst festive decorations. All of this takes place against the backdrop of spectacular illuminations consisting of hundreds of thousands of colorful lights and the music of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” performed by a 10,000-strong choir (December 24, Osaka). Does it sound like a mix of cultural contrasts? That’s exactly the magic of Japanese syncretism during the holidays.

A "traditional" dish here, alongside the KFC bucket, is the Christmas cake – a sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries – a symbol of Japan’s post-war prosperity. On the streets, you’ll find vending machines with "Chanmerry," a non-alcoholic champagne for children. Christmas evenings aren’t spent with family but singing karaoke or taking photos in flashy kimonos. Christmas in Japan is a kaleidoscope of surprises and unconventional traditions worth discovering. So, let’s dive in – what happens on December 24th in Japan?

What is Christmas Like in Japan?

Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, which can come as a surprise to those used to the Polish tradition. In a country where only about 1% of the population is Christian, the holiday has a more commercial than religious character, and December 25th is just a regular working day. Christmas Eve, which in Poland involves closed shops, empty streets, and family gatherings, looks entirely different in Japan. Businesses operate as usual, and the streets are bustling with people heading to dinners or doing some last-minute shopping. As a result, the festive atmosphere here feels more like an evening celebration than a family tradition.

For the Japanese, true festivities begin at the turn of the year. Preparations for New Year, one of the most important periods in the Japanese calendar, start as early as December. This is when houses are cleaned, traditional decorations appear, and families prepare for temple visits. New Year is the time when loved ones gather, share meals, and exchange greetings – much like Christmas celebrations in Poland.

Modern Christmas customs in Japan also differ when it comes to gifts. Children can count on one symbolic present from “Santa-san,” but gift-giving among adults is not part of the tradition (aside from games involving a 100-yen gift, which we’ll get to shortly). Instead, during New Year, children receive money in special envelopes known as otoshidama, which for many becomes the highlight of the year. In this practical tradition, families find their unique joy in giving.

One of the more intriguing aspects of celebrating December 24th in Japan is the music. While carols dominate in Poland, the holiday season in Japan is associated with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” This European classic has become a Japanese phenomenon, with a concert in Osaka featuring a 10,000-strong choir performing this very piece. This remarkable blend of European musical tradition and Japanese organization demonstrates how the country can adapt foreign influences, giving them its unique character.

KFC – The Christmas Ritual

Christmas in Japan without KFC? For many Japanese, that’s almost like Christmas Eve in Poland without carp and borscht. The surprising tradition of celebrating with a bucket of fried chicken began in the 1970s and is now one of the most recognizable elements of a Japanese Christmas.

The Origins of the Tradition: "Kentucky for Christmas"

The story of this unusual tradition started with a simple idea. In 1970, Takeshi Okawara, the first manager of KFC in Japan, noticed a gap in the Christmas market. Overhearing a conversation between two foreign tourists longing for a traditional turkey, he came up with the idea of introducing the "Party Barrel" – a holiday dinner set featuring fried chicken. Okawara saw the potential in combining Western nostalgia with local tastes and decided to promote Christmas chicken buckets.

In 1974, KFC Japan launched a nationwide marketing campaign titled "Kentucky for Christmas!" (Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!), which turned out to be a phenomenal success. Slogans, TV commercials, and the sight of Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa Claus quickly won the hearts of the Japanese. The campaign was so effective that just a few years later, KFC buckets began to be seen as an "essential" element of the Christmas dinner.

Statistics That Impress

Today, Christmas is the most profitable season of the year for KFC in Japan. It’s estimated that around 3.6 million families choose KFC sets for their Christmas dinner. During the holidays, the restaurant’s daily revenue increases tenfold compared to regular days. To avoid disappointment, many customers place their bucket orders as early as six weeks (!) in advance, and in the final days leading up to Christmas Eve, enormous queues form outside the restaurants.

While it may seem amusing, KFC Christmas buckets carry a symbolic meaning for the Japanese. It’s more than just fast food – it’s an opportunity to spend time with loved ones. The sets typically include crispy chicken, salads, and sometimes even a cake. However, this tradition isn’t cheap – a typical “Christmas Barrel” costs between 4,000 and 5,000 yen, which translates to approximately 150–200 PLN (Polish złoty).

Sanders-Santa

The iconic Colonel Sanders, the founder and mascot of KFC, has also embraced the holiday spirit. In December, the Colonel Sanders statues outside the restaurants are dressed in red Santa Claus outfits, and photos with “Sanders-Santa” are a popular addition to holiday memories. Interestingly, in Japan, the Colonel’s figure symbolizes not only the brand but also the spirit of togetherness and family warmth, fitting perfectly with the Christmas atmosphere.

The Cake That Says “Christmas!”

In Poland, Christmas Eve smells of poppy seed cake, gingerbread, and fruitcake loaded with dried fruits. But what does Christmas taste like in Japan? The answer is surprisingly light and sweet: sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Japanese “Christmas cake” (kurisumasu kēki) is a culinary symbol of the holiday, boasting not only a charming appearance but also an intriguing history closely tied to Japan’s post-war recovery.

The origins of Japanese Christmas cake trace back to the post-war 1950s. After the devastation of World War II, Japan’s economy was in ruins, and food shortages meant sweets were a luxury. During the American occupation, Japanese children had the chance to taste chocolate bars and cookies, sparking dreams of confections that had previously been accessible only to the wealthiest.

With the rapid economic growth of the 1960s and 70s, ingredients like butter, milk, and sugar became more readily available. Simple, aesthetically pleasing cakes decorated with whipped cream and strawberries began to be seen as symbols of prosperity and modernity. In a way, they represented Japan’s success: clean, neat, harmonious, and accessible to the middle class.

Japanese Christmas cakes are a feast for the eyes – white cream, red strawberries, and fluffy light sponge combine to create a color scheme that is strongly associated with the Christmas season. Moreover, strawberries, made available in winter thanks to modern farming techniques, were once considered a luxury. Decorating cakes with these fruits gave them a festive character.

Unlike Polish fruitcakes or poppy seed cakes, which can be heavy and filling, Japanese Christmas cakes are light, delicate, and often sliced into very small portions. In Japan, excess is avoided – the focus is on a fleeting moment of taste, with quantity being almost symbolic.

Japanese Christmas cake has become so popular that it can be found on almost every corner – from luxury patisseries in Tokyo’s department stores to simpler versions sold at konbini (convenience stores) such as Lawson or 7-Eleven. Interestingly, these cakes often feature adorable decorations: miniature Santas, plastic Christmas trees, and sometimes even small “Merry Christmas” signs in a kawaii style.

For more discerning palates, cakes can be ordered from high-end patisseries like Pierre Hermé in Tokyo, where traditional design meets modern pastry techniques. Many people place their orders well in advance to ensure their festive dessert is ready on time.

The Holiday of Love

Christmas in Japan is a time for love. While in Poland, Christmas Eve is primarily a family celebration, in Japan, it takes on an entirely different character – it’s more like Valentine’s Day than a traditional gathering around the table. Festive decorations, illuminations, and a romantic atmosphere make December 24th the most commercially romantic day of the year, with young couples flocking to dinner dates and walks.

Japanese couples treat Christmas, especially Christmas Eve, as the perfect occasion for romantic dates. Plans often include dinner at an upscale restaurant – ideally with a view of a lit-up city or surrounded by winter illuminations. However, securing a reservation isn’t easy. Weeks before December 24th, many venues are already fully booked, and spontaneous decisions on Christmas Eve almost guarantee disappointment.

What’s more, restaurants prepare special holiday menus that – much like the tradition itself – are a mix of Western inspiration and Japanese aesthetics. Oysters, sushi, dessert in the form of mini Christmas cakes, or a glass of champagne – all these add a touch of luxury to the Christmas evening. And the cost? Some romantic dinners are as expensive as an entire traditional Polish Christmas Eve with 12 dishes.

After dinner, Japanese couples often take a walk among the impressive holiday light displays. Known as “winter illuminations,” these are more than just a few colorful lights on trees – they are spectacular light shows often accompanied by music. Popular spots like Roppongi Hills in Tokyo or Kobe Luminaire transform into true Christmas wonders, attracting thousands of couples.

Christmas gifts in Japan are more modest than in Poland and are mainly exchanged between couples. Romantic trinkets – jewelry, perfumes, or holiday-themed sweets – are common choices. Families rarely exchange presents for Christmas. While children do receive gifts from “Santa-san,” the rest of the family waits for traditional gifts during the New Year.

Interestingly, for the Japanese, spending Christmas Eve with family might even be considered… strange. While New Year is the time for family gatherings and traditional rituals, Christmas remains a holiday for lovers. Young couples reserve tables, stroll through light displays, and exchange gifts, while the older generations – for the most part – treat the day like any other.

German Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Japan? Yes, you read that correctly – and not just any markets, but German ones. During the holiday season, Japan brings a touch of European charm to its cities with German-style Christmas markets. Instead of pierogi and bigos, you’ll find German sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine – but the Japanese version of these traditions can surprise even the most seasoned Christmas market enthusiasts.

German markets are often part of the larger spectacle of Japan’s winter illuminations. From November to February, cities across the country light up with millions of bulbs, creating breathtaking displays. The most famous include Kobe Luminaire, which also serves as a tribute to the victims of the 1995 earthquake, and the Kingdom of Light in Nagasaki, featuring over 13 million lights, an LED waterfall, and spectacular music and light shows.

These markets fit perfectly into this atmosphere, adding a European touch that offers both attraction and a sense of exoticism for the Japanese.

The most well-known German Christmas markets in Japan are located in Tokyo and Yokohama. For instance, the Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park is supported by the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy, lending it an air of authenticity. Here, you can enjoy classic market specialties like mulled wine (Glühwein), German sausages, and even traditional Christmas ornaments from Europe.

Another popular spot is the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, where a massive Christmas tree stands amidst historic buildings and illuminations. Visitors can also indulge in German treats in this picturesque setting.

For Poles, Christmas markets often feel more familiar – the scent of mulled wine mingles with gingerbread, smoked cheese, and hearty casseroles, while wooden stalls buzz with lively activity. Japanese versions of German markets, however, are slightly more orderly, with a focus on aesthetics. Each stall is meticulously decorated, and queues form in perfect order – a stark contrast to the spontaneous atmosphere of Polish markets.

Interestingly, the Japanese approach to German markets is not just about copying traditions but also reinterpreting them. You might hear Christmas songs in J-pop style in the background, and the stalls often feature Japanese takes on German dishes, incorporating local ingredients for a unique twist.

Disneyland, Carol Karaoke, and Other Attractions

Christmas in Japan isn’t just about KFC buckets or strolling through illuminations – it’s also a time for unconventional activities that have become staples of the holiday calendar for many Japanese. Disneyland, karaoke, or shopping at 100-yen stores are all part of these festive evenings of fun.

For those who want to experience the “ultimate Christmas vibe,” Disneyland in Tokyo and Universal Studios in Osaka are the go-to destinations. These parks transform into true Christmas wonderlands, with giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights, holiday parades, and festive music playing all day long. At Tokyo Disneyland, you can enjoy “Christmas Fantasy,” a special seasonal program with themed shows and decorations.

Universal Studios, on the other hand, draws crowds with the world’s largest LED-lit Christmas tree, and starting in 2025, an additional attraction will be the Donkey Kong-themed area – not exactly Christmassy, but it’s still a major draw.

For those seeking a more laid-back celebration, karaoke offers a uniquely Japanese way to enjoy the holidays. On Christmas Eve, groups of friends rent karaoke rooms, order snacks, and sing their hearts out – from classic Christmas tunes to the biggest J-pop hits (if you’re curious about what Japanese karaoke is like, check out our detailed guide here: The World of Japanese Karaoke Bars – From Intimate Boxes to Business Teleconferences).

Some karaoke boxes even offer themed decorations, and their menus include holiday-themed drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect option for those who prefer a relaxed, fun-filled evening over formal dinners with family.

Japanese families also have quirky holiday traditions that might seem foreign to visitors from Poland. Gifts from 100-yen stores (the equivalent of “Everything for 5 PLN”) – cheap and charming gadgets from popular chains like Daiso or Seria – are an opportunity to exchange funny presents. It’s a bit like Polish Andrzejki (St. Andrew’s Day) traditions, where families or groups of friends organize challenges, such as finding the most bizarre gift for the equivalent of a few złoty.

Conclusion

Japan is a master of adapting and reinterpreting Western traditions. From dazzling illuminations to Christmas trees in shopping malls, the holiday atmosphere is everywhere, but with a distinct Japanese twist. Traditions that began as imported elements from the West have been transformed into something new, sometimes eccentric, but always fascinating. Christmas in Japan is a testament to how a global holiday can take on an entirely different, local soul.

For a Pole, visiting Japan during the holidays offers a chance to view Christmas from a completely new perspective. Romantic dinners, KFC buckets, strolls through illuminated streets, or Christmas karaoke – all show that the magic of the season can take many forms. Japan reminds us that the holidays are not just about tradition but also about joy and celebration in a style that best suits each culture.

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"Strong Japanese Women"

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    未開    ソビエライ

 An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)

Personal motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)

  Mike Soray

   (aka Michał Sobieraj)

未開    ソビエライ

 An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)

Personal motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)

Mike Soray

(aka Michał Sobieraj)

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