When Did Santa Claus Come To Japan?
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is a folkloric figure that it is said brings gifts to the good children on the night before Christmas Day. Obviously, it has been part of western culture ever since ancient times.
Japanese people seemingly are free of Christmas, but actually we celebrate Christmas as an enjoyable event, rather than a religious celebration. Most Japanese people decorate homes, enjoy giving gifts to each other and having a nice meal with a special person or family. Especially for young couples, it's popular to have a romantic meal in a restaurant and to walk together to look at the Christmas illuminations, rather than spending with family. We spend new year's holiday with family, because new year is a more important event for us. So, soon after Christmas Day, Christmas decorations in the town change quickly into New Years decorations.
When did Santa Claus come to Japan? Nobody knows for sure, but according to websites, Christmas decorations were introduced in Ginza, Tokyo in the 1900's. Japanese people like events and are good at adopting new ways as a sales war. And, kids' magazines inserted the image of Santa Claus. Also, between 1926 and 1947, 25th December became a national holiday after the death of Emperor Taishō. So, I assume that all of these factors might boost the Christmas event. Have a nice Christmas!
Japanese people seemingly are free of Christmas, but actually we celebrate Christmas as an enjoyable event, rather than a religious celebration. Most Japanese people decorate homes, enjoy giving gifts to each other and having a nice meal with a special person or family. Especially for young couples, it's popular to have a romantic meal in a restaurant and to walk together to look at the Christmas illuminations, rather than spending with family. We spend new year's holiday with family, because new year is a more important event for us. So, soon after Christmas Day, Christmas decorations in the town change quickly into New Years decorations.
When did Santa Claus come to Japan? Nobody knows for sure, but according to websites, Christmas decorations were introduced in Ginza, Tokyo in the 1900's. Japanese people like events and are good at adopting new ways as a sales war. And, kids' magazines inserted the image of Santa Claus. Also, between 1926 and 1947, 25th December became a national holiday after the death of Emperor Taishō. So, I assume that all of these factors might boost the Christmas event. Have a nice Christmas!
