Christmas in Japan and the Philippines

 

 

It's that time again where families, couples, lovers, and friends get together to celebrate one of the merriest events of the year--Christmas. As a Filipino living in Japan for more than a decade now, I have seen some of the ways this Yuletide season is celebrated here in Japan compared with how it is celebrated in the Philippines. Here are a few differences I have noticed between the two countries:

The Season Period

Like most other countries around the world, Japan begins the red and green motifs the day after Halloween, which starts November 1st. You would most likely see it when you enter the sliding doors of the 100-yen shops like Daiso and Can-do, where Halloween costumes and decorations are suddenly replaced with glittering Christmas items. The same goes for shopping malls, department stores, and other establishments where they begin to transform their interiors into festive places filled with Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and even cute Santa Claus stuffed toys. Although it would be completely opposite in the countryside where you would barely see any decorations around (and snowy prefectures would only be pure white).

Christmas Bazaar Shopping in Japan. Photo by Mos Design

In the Philippines however, the season starts as soon as the "ber" month appears in the calendar (Yep, that's how obsessed we are)! As early as the 1st of September, Filipinos prepare to fill up their wallets to buy presents for their children, friends, and relatives. But these trinkets don't need to be expensive or fancy, as long as each member receives a gift. They also start decorating their living rooms with Christmas trees, presents, and wall decorations; and put up the parol or star lantern, which represents the north star that led the three kings to the new-born baby.

The Christmas Manger, an important symbol of Christmas for Filipinos 

Christmas Markets

Both countries have their own Christmas-themed markets full of popular items from food to novelty goods. In Japan, people usually put up German Christmas markets in plazas and parks. From anime-themed Christmas cards, to hot wine, German sausages, and European food stalls. But what's up with the German theme, right? I don't really know the reason behind that, but if you do know, please tell me in the comment!

German Christmas Market,  AC Photo

In the Philippines, we organize bazaars in school gyms or public community halls. Like the German Christmas Markets, we also have food, decorations, and toys. But wait, there's more! We have clothes, appliances, gadgets--anything you can think of. It's probably like an extended Black Friday Filipino version, just a crazier feel!

An AI photo representing a Christmas bazaar in the streets of Manila. 

Events

Japan's way of celebrating Christmas is usually for lovers, and between friends for the singles. It's probably like a "winter Valentine's Day" of the country, because everywhere you go, you'd see couples walking around! There would be Illuminations or themed Christmas lights in specific areas that would be lit up at a certain period and time, between November until the 25th of December, from 4pm to 8pm. 

Winter Illumination in Sapporo.  AC Photo 

In the Philippines however, Christmas is celebrated between families and relatives. Christmas lights would almost be literally everywhere nationwide for a very long period of time. There would be parties and exchange gifts in schools, offices, families, and communities, each with a chosen theme such as retro, cowboy, superheroes, and the list goes on. Christmas carols are also observed in residential areas. Then of course, comes the highlight of it all: the midnight mass or Simbang Gabi each night until December 24.

AI Image representing the Simbang Gabi in the Philippines.

Food

The most popular food in Japan would be the Christmas cake and KFC bucket chicken. It had been a practice since the early 70s, where American Christmas traditions were influenced in the country. Christmas cakes nevertheless, are a unique and interesting feature because their small size and yet overly-cute and mouth-watering style makes them so unique and popular. You can usually buy these cakes at convenience stores, department stores, and supermarkets, but you have to pre-order them from their free limited magazines which are also available at their stores.

Japanese-style Christmas cake

In the Philippines, we have the traditional lechon or roast pig, the endless spaghetti, and lots of Filipino rice desserts such as the puto bumbong, bibinka, and suman. We celebrate through big family dinners called the Noche Buena, where we stay in our homes on the eve of December 24th, sometimes partying through karaoke and getting drunk until midnight. And of course, more exchange gifts!

Typical middle-class Noche Buena in the Philippines

So, which has the better Christmas?

I guess it would depend on the taste of an individual. Christmas in Japan is more of a business or marketing strategy especially targeted for tourists, while the one in the Philippines has a strong religious and family spirit combined into one. Christmas is shorter and (kind of) simpler in Japan, while the Philippines puts their heart and soul to the season. (And I suppose it's overly celebrated, too!) If you're going to ask me though; I prefer the spirit of Christmas in the Philippines because I grew up with its tradition; although I can say Japan does have its creative and interesting way! And how about you? What do you think about Christmas in Japan? And what traditions do you have in your country? It would be a pleasure to know your side of the story!