by The holiday season is a time of celebration and joy worldwide. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day, people in every country find unique ways to mark these special occasions. Japan is no exception.
However, when compared to Australia or other English-speaking countries, the way people in Japan spend this festive time reveals some fascinating cultural differences. While the spirit of celebration is universal, Japan’s traditions offer a distinctive approach to the holiday season, blending modern festivities with centuries-old customs.
No public Christmas holiday
In many countries like Australia, Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are public holidays. Families gather, shops close, and the pace of life slows down to celebrate the season.
In Japan, however, Christmas is not a public holiday unless it falls on a weekend. Instead, it’s one of the busiest times of the year for businesses. Stores and shopping centers extend their hours, hire additional staff, and roll out festive promotions to attract the holiday crowds.
A Time for Shopping and Celebrations
While most stores in Australia shut their doors on Christmas Day, Japan takes a different approach. Many shops stay open longer than usual, hosting special sales and welcoming a surge of customers. Amusement parks, too, experience their busiest days, hosting Christmas-themed events that draw families, friends, and especially couples.
In Japan, Christmas is often seen as a romantic holiday, more akin to Valentine’s Day in Western countries. Couples flock to amusement parks, fine dining restaurants, and shopping malls to celebrate together, while families play a smaller role in the festivities compared to other cultures.
Working Through the Holidays
For workers in Japan, the holiday season can be challenging. When I was a university student, I often found myself working on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and even New Year’s Day. Many colleagues with families or partners were reluctant to take shifts during these special days, leaving others to fill in.
It wasn’t easy, but it was an eye-opening experience to see the holiday hustle from behind the scenes. While employees faced hectic schedules, customers enjoyed the festive atmosphere, creating a unique balance of joy and hard work.
No Rush to Shop
If you find yourself in Japan during the Christmas season, there’s no need to panic about last-minute shopping. Stores remain open and fully stocked, often hosting massive sales that make the season even more exciting for shoppers.
For customers, it’s a vibrant and fun time. For workers, it can be exhausting but rewarding. Either way, Christmas in Japan offers a distinctive blend of business and celebration that showcases the country’s unique approach to the holiday season.
So, whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, Christmas in Japan is sure to be a memorable experience!
A little longer holiday from the end of Dec & 1st week of January
In Japan, the winter holiday season follows a unique rhythm that contrasts sharply with countries like Australia. While many Western countries slow down for Christmas and Boxing Day, Japan’s holiday peak arrives as the New Year approaches.
Winter Holiday Schedule
Most companies in Japan start their winter holidays in the last week of December, continuing through the first week of January. The exact dates vary by company, but this period is a cherished time for many.
However, not all businesses take a break. Shopping centers and amusement parks remain open, catering to the holiday crowds. In recent years, some shopping centers have started closing on January 1st to allow their staff to enjoy New Year’s Day with their families—a rare and appreciated gesture.
Homecomings and Travels
During this holiday period, many Japanese people take the opportunity to return to their hometowns, reconnect with family, and visit relatives. Others may use the break to travel, either within Japan or abroad, making it a busy season for transportation and hospitality industries.
New Year’s Eve Traditions
New Year’s Eve in Japan is a more subdued and family-oriented celebration compared to the boisterous parties often seen in other countries. Around half of the population stays home, enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones. Families gather for dinner or drinks, watching special New Year’s countdown programs on TV—a beloved tradition that brings people together as they bid farewell to the old year.
One of the quintessential customs of Japanese New Year’s Eve is eating soba noodles (buckwheat noodles), known as 年越しそば (toshikoshi soba). This practice symbolizes longevity and good health for the year ahead. Sharing this simple yet meaningful dish is a way to welcome the new year with hope and gratitude.
A Unique Blend of Quiet Reflection and Festive Fun
Japan’s winter holidays strike a balance between bustling activity and peaceful traditions. Whether it’s returning to one’s roots, enjoying festive shopping, or savoring a bowl of soba noodles, the season offers something special for everyone.
So, if you’re in Japan during this time, embrace the unique customs and enjoy the blend of modern and traditional holiday experiences!
New Year’s Eve in Japan offers a fascinating mix of lively celebrations, unique activities, and meaningful traditions. While half of the population spends the evening quietly at home with family, the other half heads out to join countdown events, concerts, or parties.
Countdown Concerts and Parties
One popular way to welcome the New Year in Japan is by attending countdown events. Many music artists hold special concerts that begin in the evening and continue into the early hours of January 1st, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic fans. Others join vibrant New Year’s Eve parties to celebrate with friends and strangers alike, sharing in the excitement as the clock strikes midnight.
Martial Arts New Year Training: A Unique Experience
For those seeking an unconventional way to mark the New Year, some martial arts clubs offer a distinctive tradition. Participants gather on New Year’s Eve to train, starting at 11:00 or 11:30 PM on December 31st, and continue until 12:30 or 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day.
The dedication doesn’t stop there—after a short rest, many return for a second round of training early in the morning, at 6:00 or 7:00 AM. While this might sound intense, for martial arts enthusiasts, it’s a meaningful and invigorating way to start the year. If this tradition intrigues you, it could be a memorable experience to try in Chichibu, where such opportunities are available.
Hatsumode: Welcoming the Year with Prayers
For most Japanese people, New Year’s Day begins with a visit to a shrine, a practice known as Hatsumode (初詣). This tradition involves praying for health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead. Chichibu Shrine, renowned for its Hatsumode celebrations, is a beautiful and spiritual place to join in this custom.
A Blend of Energy and Reflection
Whether you’re attending a high-energy concert, testing your endurance in martial arts training, or finding peace at a shrine, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Japan offer a unique blend of excitement and introspection.
So, if you find yourself in Japan during this time, consider exploring these traditions. Each offers a special way to welcome the New Year and create unforgettable memories.
Otoshidama (Money for children)
The New Year in Japan, known as Oshogatsu, is a season filled with unique traditions, and one of the most exciting for children is receiving Otoshidama (お年玉). This custom, observed during the first week of January, involves adults giving monetary gifts to young children—a highlight of the holiday for the little ones!
A Time of Joy for Kids (and a Challenge for Adults)
For children, Otoshidama is like a second Christmas. They eagerly anticipate the New Year, knowing they’ll receive bonus money from parents, relatives, and family friends. The joy is unmatched as they count their envelopes and plan their purchases.
On the flip side, it can be a financially demanding time for adults, who often find themselves handing out significant amounts of money to the children in their lives. Despite the expense, the tradition brings joy to families and strengthens bonds between generations.
A Shopping Frenzy for Kids
Once children receive their Otoshidama, many head straight to shopping centers to spend their newfound wealth on toys, games, or whatever their hearts desire. For retailers, the Oshogatsu season is an excellent opportunity to boost sales, with stores bustling with young customers eager to spend their money.
The Origin of Otoshidama
The roots of the Otoshidama tradition are not entirely clear, but it is said to trace back to ancient practices. In the past, people would offer rice cakes (mochi) to the gods during the New Year. After the offerings, these rice cakes were shared among family members as a blessing for prosperity. Over time, the rice cakes transformed into monetary gifts, evolving into the Otoshidama tradition we see today.
How Much to Give?
If you’re working or living in Japan, you might need to prepare Otoshidama for the young children around you. The amount given varies by individual, but the average ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 yen (approximately $30–$50) per child. For close relatives or special occasions, some people give 10,000 yen ($100) or more.
A Tradition of Joy and Generosity
Otoshidama is a cherished part of Japanese New Year celebrations, symbolizing generosity, family connections, and a fresh start to the year. While it can be a challenging time for adults financially, the smiles on children’s faces make it all worthwhile.
If you find yourself in Japan during this festive season, experiencing the Otoshidama tradition firsthand offers a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and its enduring values of family and giving.
