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After the Second World War, American culture began to spread in Japan, bringing Christmas along with it. Over time, the holiday evolved into something uniquely Japanese
During the winter holidays in Japan, Christmas is a time for couples to enjoy fine dining and hotel stays. (News18 Hindi)
Christmas is celebrated worldwide as the birthday of Jesus Christ. However, in Japan, it takes on a different meaning, resembling a second Valentine’s Day. In Japan, young couples celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and fun. But why is Christmas celebrated this way in Japan, and since when? Here are some interesting facts about Japanese Christmas.
In Japan, a country with a population of 124 million, Shinto is the most widely practised religion, followed by 80% of the population. Christians make up less than 1% of the population. Yet, the country celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm. According to a CNN report, the Japanese do not perceive Christmas as a religious occasion but rather as a pop-cultural event from the West, filled with glitter, lights, and Santa Claus.
Why Is Christmas Different In Japan?
Christianity was introduced to Japan in the mid-16th century. However, during the Tokugawa era, it was largely suppressed for over two-and-a-half centuries, a period marked by Japan’s strict social system and isolationist policies. After the Second World War, American culture began to spread in Japan, bringing Christmas along with it. Over time, the holiday evolved into something uniquely Japanese.
During the winter holidays in Japan, Christmas is a time for couples to enjoy fine dining and hotel stays. Restaurants and shopping centres are bustling with activity. Luxury hotels charge up to $2,000 per night, with bookings often full. In Japan, young people typically live with their parents until marriage, so Christmas provides an opportunity for couples to spend quality time together.
The Japanese government benefits from this unique version of Christmas as a ‘Couple Festival’. Japan faces declining marriage and birth rates, with last year’s fertility rate hitting a record low of 1.20%. This is significantly below the 2.1% needed to maintain a stable population. In this context, a celebration like Christmas that promotes togetherness among couples offers a small but meaningful cultural boost.