Christmas in Japan

Posted on 2002/12/25 02:15:58 (December 2002).

For the first time ever I'm spending Christmas in another country. It has been a bit weird so far - I hadn't expected to see so many decorations and santa costumes, and hear so much cheesey Christmas music in what is essentially a non christian country. Amusingly, the other day I heard the Band Aid song - "Do they know it's Christmas time at all" seemed oddly appropriate. I get the impression someone in the west just told them Christmas was good for business, and so they've picked up the commercial side but not much else... Interestingly, new year celebrations begin around now too, so here apparently Christmas officially finishes quite abruptly at closing time on Christmas day. Today I woke up and spent a bit of time exchanging presents with Chie's family. There was wrapping paper all over the floor, so this bit did feel quite like Christmas. As for the rest of the day, in an attempt to feel more like Christmas, me and Chie are off now, norihodai (unlimited travel) tickets in hand, to see if we can find somewhere where it is snowing... Anyway, wherever you are, and whoever you are with, peace on earth, goodwill to all men, and Merry Christmas!

Amen.

Posted by rowanboy at 2003/01/02 14:23:23.

If anyone is interested, you can find pictures of our slightly daft Christmas day quest for snow here.

Posted by John at 2003/01/03 04:29:01.

Errr thanks... I wonder how you found this article...?

Posted by John at 2003/01/07 18:22:05.

Posted 02:15, Wednesday 25 December 02.

For the first time ever I'm spending Christmas in another country. It has been a bit weird so far - I hadn't expected to see so many decorations and santa costumes, and hear so much cheesey Christmas music in what is essentially a non christian country. Amusingly, the other day I heard the Band Aid song - "Do they know it's Christmas time at all" seemed oddly appropriate. I get the impression someone in the west just told them Christmas was good for business, and so they've picked up the commercial side but not much else... Interestingly, new year celebrations begin around now too, so here apparently Christmas officially finishes quite abruptly at closing time on Christmas day. Today I woke up and spent a bit of time exchanging presents with Chie's family. There was wrapping paper all over the floor, so this bit did feel quite like Christmas. As for the rest of the day, in an attempt to feel more like Christmas, me and Chie are off now, norihodai (unlimited travel) tickets in hand, to see if we can find somewhere where it is snowing... Anyway, wherever you are, and whoever you are with, peace on earth, goodwill to all men, and Merry Christmas!

Posted by dude at 2003/12/09 19:21:28.

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