Top 10 things Japanese people think about in December

The theme was "What do you think of when you think of December?" Based on the results of this survey, we will announce the top 10 things Japanese people think about in December.

This survey was conducted online on November 9, 2024, and 5,375 Japanese men and women aged 10 to 59 participated.

Top 10 things Japanese people think about in December

• 10th place: Countdown party (167 votes) Countdown parties are events where everyone celebrates the moment the new year arrives, and many people participate.
• 9th place: Preparing New Year's cards (185 votes) In Japan, it is customary to send New Year's cards in the New Year as a seasonal tradition at the end of the year. Preparations for this take place in December.
• 8th place: Bonenkai (200 votes) Bonenkai is a party held with colleagues and friends to thank them for their hard work throughout the year.
• 7th place: Illuminations (240 votes) Illuminations that light up the winter nights brighten up the city in December.
• 6th place: O-souji (242 votes) O-souji at the end of the year is a Japanese tradition, and is performed to welcome the new year in a clean environment.
• 5th place: Toshikoshi soba (255 votes) Toshikoshi soba eaten on New Year's Eve is imbued with the meaning of wishing for longevity.
• 4th place: Shiwasu (265 votes) The old Japanese word for December, "shiwasu," means the month when monks are busy running around.
• 3rd place: NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (274 votes) Kohaku Uta Gassen is a representative music program on New Year's Eve in Japan, and will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024.
• 2nd place: New Year's Eve (508 votes) December 31st is the last day of the year, and many people enjoy New Year's events and TV specials.
• 1st place: Christmas (1,018 votes) The biggest event in December is Christmas. In addition to enjoying cake and chicken with family and friends, there are many other things to enjoy, such as exchanging gifts and decorating.