In Japan Santa is known as サンタさん、サンタクロース / Santa-san (Mr Santa) or サンタクロース / Santa-Kurosu (Santa Claus). (Another Japanese gift bringer is Hoteiosho, a Japanese god of good fortune from Buddhism.
In Japan it is still Santa Claus, not Hotei, who gives children presents on Dec. 25. Still, every year in December, revelers put a Santa hat and beard on the Hotei statue in Tokyo's Maitreya Temple, or Mirokuden, which shows how common the identification of Hotei with Santa Claus has become.
The same customs are upheld during Christmas, when the Japanese like giving presents to one another. They do not place them under the Christmas tree, however, even though they can be found in the streets of Japanese cities as well as in Japanese homes. Instead, Santa Claus puts presents in socks.
Karimasu, the Japanese Christmas season, starts as early as mid-November. The Japanese regard Christmas as entertainment and a commercial rather than religious event (only 0.7% of the Japanese population is Christian).
Over in Japan, Santa Claus isn't quite the same holly-jolly guy he is over here. Instead, he's called 'Hoteiosho' and is a god or priest who brings gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Australia
What is Santa Claus called in Australia? These days most Australians call Atnas (his real name) “Santa”.
Luckily for Japanese children, the concept of Santa Claus is one Christmas tradition that is alive and well in Japan. Like other children worldwide, Japanese kids also look forward to a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve and a present waiting for them on Christmas morning.
The campaign started in the 70s to tempt tourists and expats with chicken on Christmas Day when they couldn't find turkey to eat, and was the the brainchild of Takeshi Okawara, the manager of the first KFC in the country, according to the BBC.
While Christmas Eve is the focus of Christmas festivities in many countries around the world, in Japan, things go a step further as Christmas Day is not a holiday, making December 25th a virtual non-event (more on that in a moment).
Japan has its very own exchange-gift day in December, a kind of a Japanese Secret Santa, a work-culture tradition of Oseibo (end of the year).
Christmas is considered a romantic holiday by the Japanese. Santa-san gets no particular treats, but if he's lucky he might get to sample some of the food and drink that the Japanese like to celebrate Christmas with – KFC and a special edition version of Pepsi that tastes of strawberry cake.
According to NORAD, Santa usually visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he goes up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America.
Oseibo gifts often involve sweets, snacks, fruits, alcohol, or household products. However, many younger Japanese prefer to give a more Westernized Christmas gift to a friend instead of getting wrapped up in the obligatory nature of Oseibo gift giving culture.
Saying "Merii Kurisumasu" (Merry Christmas)
Because the holiday is not native to Japan, there is no Japanese phrase for "Merry Christmas." Instead, people in Japan use the English phrase, pronounced with a Japanese inflection: Merii Kurisumasu.
It's always a very merry Kentucky Christmas in Japan. Every year, millions of families make a beeline for the nearest KFC in Japan and order bucketloads of fried chicken. Children reach in for the best piece of the lot, commemorating what they know to be the most natural tradition–a KFC dinner for Christmas.
Since Christmas isn't a national holiday, big crowds and packed hotels are scarce. This is a fun time to travel to Japan to see the gorgeous “illuminations” and markets all over the country. Though Japan does not view Christmas as a religious holiday, it is still celebrated as a way to reunite families.
The Japanese religious tradition is made up of several major components, including Shinto, Japan's earliest religion, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Christianity has been only a minor movement in Japan.
Japanese life expectancy
This low mortality is mainly attributable to a low rate of obesity, low consumption of red meat, and high consumption of fish and plant foods such as soybeans and tea. In Japan, the obesity rate is low (4.8% for men and 3.7% for women).
In Japanese, "~ san （～さん）" is a title of respect added to a name. It can be used with both male and female names, and with either surnames or given names. It can also be attached to the name of occupations and titles.
Santa Claus is commonly called Shaka Santa. This references the popular “hang loose” hand sign that you can see Santa waving in Hawaii. Mrs. Claus is instead referred to as Tutu Mele.
Australians often celebrate Christmas Day by enjoying a Christmas lunch or dinner with their closest family and friends. The meal usually consists of a selection of hot and cold dishes, including fresh seafood.
Christmas in Japan is usually a day to celebrate with a special someone, by going on a special date and enjoying the seasonal activities. In fact, Christmas is regarded almost entirely as a couple's holiday or romantic occasion rather than a family affair!
New Year Celebrations or 'Shogatsu'
It's possibly the most important holiday in Japan, and women and girls often wear beautiful kimono to celebrate the occasion.
The song, popular with school-aged kids, explains that Santa's reindeer get a rest while six white boomers (boomer is Aussie slang for a male kangaroo) lead Santa's sleigh through Australia! After all the toys are delivered, they even help a little joey (a baby kangaroo) find his mommy.