It is absolutely fascinating to see the Western traditions and cultures that Japan has adopted, and in made it’s own in some way. Right now from the displays in shop windows and the decorations it’s clearly Christmas time.
However Japan is a country with a tiny Christian population. It’s a certainly a place that’s tolerant of religion. A majority of people identify as either Buddhist or Shinto. Christians make up less than 1% of the population, yet it seems Christmas is a very big celebration.
I was talking to one of the Japanese manufacturing engineers about this today and while Christmas day is not a vacation, he said the country has taken on the whole present exchanging and commercial parts of Christmas, especially over the last 15 or 20 years.
Traditionally younger children got presents on Christmas eve, as long as the believed in Santa. As soon as that belief went away the presents stopped coming, I bet there were a few 16 year olds professing belief to keep the presents coming. Over the last 20 year or so the stores, aided by western influence, have made it a big deal for everyone.
This really is such an interesting place.
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It is a very interesting culture, many things adopted from the west make deep impressions into Japanese culture. New Year is a family holiday here, while Christmas has turned into more of the commercial celebration.
– Robson