How Does Japan Celebrate Christmas? KFC, Cake, and Romance

Unlike in many Western countries, Christmas in Japan is not tied to religious traditions.

Most Japanese people do not identify as Christian, so the holiday has few religious connotations. Instead, it's celebrated as a commercial and cultural event focused on spreading happiness and festive fun.

Major shopping centers and department stores go all out with Christmas decorations and stunning winter illuminations. Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures, and elaborate displays fill malls and public spaces.

Christmas shopping is a big deal, and couples often exchange gifts as part of a romantic holiday tradition.

One of the most iconic Japanese Christmas traditions is eating Kentucky Fried Chicken. Thanks to a successful 1974 marketing campaign (the 'Kentucky is Christmas' ad campaign), KFC in Japan became synonymous with Christmas.

Many families place their orders weeks in advance to secure a Christmas “Party Barrel” from KFC. Grocery stores and convenience stores also sell special Christmas items, but it’s KFC’s Christmas menu that steals the show.

In Japan, Christmas Eve is considered more romantic than Christmas Day. It’s often compared to Valentine’s Day, with couples booking romantic restaurants or strolling through areas with dazzling Christmas lights. It’s also a popular time for exchanging gifts, especially among young couples.

For families, the holiday season includes festive meals and time together, but not the religious aspects commonly observed elsewhere.

Another holiday staple is the Japanese Christmas cake: a sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. This dessert symbolizes prosperity and happiness and is often purchased from bakeries and convenience stores.

The strawberry shortcake-style dessert is so popular that it's considered the essential sweet of the season. Japanese children especially look forward to sharing it on Christmas night.

While Japan doesn’t have centuries-old Christmas markets like Germany, it does host seasonal markets with a Japanese twist. Many are inspired by European traditions, complete with mulled wine, festive stalls, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony playing in the background.

Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama light up with Japanese Christmas markets, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience Christmas with unique charm.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.