Miles from Home

While Christmas is celebrated worldwide as a time for family, in Japan, it has taken on a completely different meaning. The holiday is less about family dinners and presents under the tree and more about romance, making it one of the most unique holiday experiences in the world.

If you’re curious about the comprehensive history and traditions of Christmas in Japan, check out our article from last year: Lights, Chicken, Action: Celebrating Japanese Christmas.

Here’s a closer look at how Christmas became the ultimate date night in Japan.

From Festivity to Romance: Japan’s Unique Christmas Journey

Christmas in Japan is a relatively recent phenomenon, introduced in the 20th century and gaining popularity after World War II. While the holiday has its roots in Western traditions, it was embraced in Japan more for its festive and celebratory atmosphere than for its religious significance. In the post-war period, Christmas was depicted similarly to Western media portrayals—as a time for family, love, and togetherness.

However, during the economic boom of the 1980s, Christmas took on a unique cultural twist. Popular media and advertising campaigns reframed the holiday as a romantic occasion, akin to Valentine’s Day. This shift was largely influenced by Yumi Matsutoya’s 1980 hit song 恋人はサンタクロース (My Lover is Santa Claus), which popularized the idea of gift-giving between couples. The trend gained further momentum when the song was covered by Showa-era J-pop star Shoko Matsuda two years later, cementing the holiday’s romantic narrative in Japanese culture.

Today, Christmas Eve in Japan is seen as a magical night for couples—a time for extravagant dinners, thoughtful gifts, and creating cherished memories together. This romantic reinterpretation stands in stark contrast to the family-focused traditions of the West, showcasing how Japan has uniquely adapted the holiday to fit its own culture and values.

Why Christmas Eve is Japan’s Ultimate Date Night

For couples in Japan, Christmas Eve is the highlight of the season. The evening is typically marked by:

• Romantic Dinners: Restaurants across Japan offer special Christmas menus, often featuring elaborate multi-course meals and decadent desserts. High-end establishments, particularly those with panoramic city views, are favorite spots for couples. These venues are so popular that reservations often need to be made months in advance.

• Gift-Giving: Unlike the lavish gift exchanges seen in Western Christmas celebrations, Japanese couples favor small, meaningful presents. Popular options include jewelry, accessories, or heartfelt handmade items—gifts that emphasize thoughtfulness over extravagance.

• Illuminations and Strolls: Walking hand-in-hand through dazzling light displays has become a quintessential Christmas Eve activity. Cities across Japan transform into glowing wonderlands with elaborate illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for romance. Some famous spots include Tokyo Midtown, Kobe’s Luminarie, and Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture.

Pressure to Have a Date

While couples revel in the romantic atmosphere, the holiday can be bittersweet for singles. In Japan, Christmas Eve holds a societal significance similar to New Year’s Eve in the West—a night revolving around couples. The cultural pressure to secure a date is palpable, leading to the phenomenon of クリぼっち (kuribocchi), a term blending “Christmas” with hitoribocchi (meaning “alone”).

The term gained traction about 12–13 years ago when NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai), Japan’s national broadcaster, used it in a news segment. Once considered youthful slang, kuribocchi has become a widely recognized concept. Today, companies cater to this demographic by offering single-serving Christmas cakes, chicken dinners, and even solo-themed events.

Despite societal expectations, many singles have embraced alternative ways to celebrate. Group outings, matchmaking events, or quiet solo evenings with spa treatments and festive treats prove that Christmas in Japan doesn’t have to be exclusively about romance.

Why It’s Not a Family Holiday

In Japan, family gatherings and traditional meals are reserved for New Year’s, which is the country’s most important holiday. During New Year’s, loved ones visit shrines, share osechi (traditional dishes), and reflect on the past year.

By contrast, Christmas in Japan is not a public holiday. December 25 is a regular workday for most people, which further separates it from its family-centered Western counterpart. With no deep historical or religious ties to Christmas, the holiday has adapted to fit modern Japanese culture—a time for couples to celebrate their love midst the twinkling lights and festive cheer.

In the End

Ultimately, Christmas in Japan reflects the country’s ability to embrace global traditions and make them uniquely its own. Whether as a night for romance, friendship, or self-reflection, it showcases how holidays can evolve to fit the values and lifestyles of different cultures.

So, if you find yourself in Japan during the holidays, don’t be surprised to see couples walking arm-in-arm through brightly lit streets.