By Lee Andrew Henderson
Christmas is celebrated in Japan, but since Japan is not a Christian country, many things are done differently. There is not much religious belief involved with Christmas in Japan, it has a unique connotation for single women, and both Santa Claus and the tradition of gift giving are a little bit different.
Religion
Christmas is not a religious holiday in Japan. In Japan, the major religions are Buddhism and Shintoism. Even so, it is still celebrated, but as a commercial holiday.
Single Women
For single women, Christmas is actually a lot like Valentine's Day. Single women expect a very romantic evening on Christmas Eve, and any single woman who doesn't have a date is looked down upon.
Shops
Since Christmas is not a religious holiday and more of a commercial holiday, like Halloween or Valentine's Day, shops and school do not close on Christmas in Japan.
Santa Claus Alternative
Some people in Japan do believe in Santa Claus, but the Japanese also believe that a Buddhist monk named Hotei-osho brings them presents. Like Santa Claus, Hotei-osho also has the ability to see children at all times, but it is because he is believed to have eyes in the back of his head.
Christmas Gifts Alternative
In Japan there is a tradition of giving an oseibo gift. An oseibo gift is the annual tradition of giving gifts to someone who is owed something. Since Christmas is close to the end of the year, many Japanese do not give Christmas gifts since they are usually giving out oseibo gifts at that time.
About the Author:
Lee Andrew Henderson has been a freelance writer for five years and has written over 2,000 pieces of content for the internet, usually dealing with the topics of sports, entertainment and religion.
