December
Cities shine with winter illuminations!
December is a time of year-end preparations. Cities sparkle with illuminations, and Christmas is widely celebrated. On New Year's Eve, people listen to temple bells ringing, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one.
Cities shine with winter illuminations!
Year-End Parties
Friends, family, and coworkers hold “forget-the-year” parties to let go of the past year’s troubles and celebrate together.
Christmas in Japan
As Christmas approaches, Japan is filled with colorful Christmas trees and decorations that light up various locations across the country. Shopping malls, department stores, and parks are decorated with festive lights, creating a cozy Christmas atmosphere that friends, families, and couples all enjoy together.
Christmas in Japan has a unique charm, a bit different from the traditional Western celebration. It’s not a religious holiday here, but rather a romantic or social event, especially for young people who often celebrate with friends or significant others. Families also enjoy the season, with children eagerly looking forward to their Christmas presents.
Kadomatsu
Kadomatsu, decorated from December, is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration placed at the entrance of homes to welcome the gods of the new year.
It is typically made from bamboo and pine, with each element holding symbolic meaning: the strong growth of bamboo and the evergreen nature of pine represent “longevity” and “prosperity.” The kadomatsu serves as a marker for the gods, inviting happiness and health into the household for the coming year.
Kadomatsu usually features bamboo stalks cut at an angle, symbolizing strength and vitality.
Nengajo (New Year’s Cards)
Preparing "Nengajo" or New Year’s cards is also a key year-end custom. These cards, often including personal messages, are sent to express appreciation and offer New Year’s greetings to friends and acquaintances.
Hot Pot Dishes Enjoyed in December
In December, as the cold weather sets in, hot pot dishes become a staple of winter dining in Japan. Made with a variety of seasonal vegetables, meat, and seafood, these meals provide warmth and nutritional balance. The flavors vary by region and household, ranging from soy sauce-based and miso-based broths to spicy soups. Hot pot dishes not only warm the body but also bring people together around the table, embodying the comfort and charm of Japan's winter food traditions.
Oden
Oden is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, perfect for the colder months. Ingredients such as daikon radish, eggs, konjac, and fish cakes like chikuwa are simmered in a flavorful broth, allowing them to absorb the umami-rich flavors. Regional variations, such as Kanto-style and Kansai-style oden, offer different seasonings and ingredients, but all share the comforting warmth that makes oden a winter favorite. Popular not only at home but also in convenience stores and food stalls, oden is a beloved symbol of Japan’s winter cuisine.
Toshikoshi Soba (Year-End Soba)
On New Year’s Eve, it is customary to eat Toshikoshi Soba, which represents long life and good health, with the soba noodles’ length symbolizing longevity. Eating soba expresses gratitude for the past year and prepares for a fresh start in the new year.
Christmas Chicken
Uniquely in Japan, Christmas is often celebrated with fried chicken, especially from Kentucky Fried Chicken . Many families pre-order their Christmas chicken to enjoy this seasonal treat.
