Special customs only in Japan around Christmas
Japanese people often like to give each other good wishes cards at Christmas. However, if you want to let them know what you mean, write it on a white card instead of the red one we usually see.
Listen to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
First of all, Daiku (第九) - Beethoven's 9th symphony. At the end of the year and especially at Christmas, the Japanese have a habit of listening to Beethoven's symphonies, especially the 9th symphony. Even in the land of the rising sun, you will hear this music. more than hymns or traditional songs dedicated to Christmas. Many people even think that Daiku is the most popular Christmas song in Japan.
Eat KFC fried chicken on Christmas Eve
Eating KFC has long been a Christmas tradition for many Japanese people thanks to the brand's successful advertising campaign during the holiday season in 1974. KFC's "Special Christmas Dinner" is something that the family members of the country of cherry blossoms look forward to on the day of the release. Every year, these meals are always sold out very early.
Cakes are indispensable
Besides KFC, ice cream cake is also an indispensable dish during Christmas in Japan, especially strawberry cream cake. That's right, not log cake or gingerbread like in western countries, Japanese people prefer gateaux cream cakes. It doesn't have to be a strawberry cake, but on this occasion, if you give the Japanese a cake decorated with luscious strawberries, they will surely be delighted!
Open gifts respectfully
You must be familiar with the scenes of tearing gifts under the Christmas tree in the movies, but this is not recommended in the land of cherry blossoms. Gifts here are usually opened slowly, neatly and carefully to keep the wrapping intact. According to the Japanese concept, it is a way to show respect for the gift as well as the giver. This is in stark contrast to the Western views where you usually try to open the gift in front of the giver in the loudest and most exciting way.
Avoid giving red Christmas cards
Japanese people often like to give each other good wishes cards at Christmas. However, if you want to let them know what you mean, write it on a white card instead of the red one we usually see. It may sound strange, but people here believe that red is a color only for obituaries. The cards with the color of snow symbolizing purity are what they like most of all.
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