Posts Tagged ‘Kimono Christmas’

Do They Celebrate Christmas in Japan?

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

With the Christmas season approaching, our minds wander to the joyous festivities ahead—parties, gatherings, special meals, and dazzling decorations. But what about Japan? Is Christmas celebrated there? For those intrigued by cultural diversity and travel, understanding Japan’s unique take on this global holiday can be enlightening and fascinating.

Christmas in Japan

While Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, it has become a popular cultural event, especially in urban areas. Unlike the religious undertones that Christmas holds in many Western countries, in Japan, it is more of a secular celebration focused on spreading happiness and spending time with loved ones.

How is Christmas Celebrated in Japan?

1. Romantic Holiday Vibes

Christmas Eve is often considered a romantic occasion in Japan, akin to Valentine’s Day in the West. Couples celebrate by exchanging gifts and enjoying festive dinners at upscale restaurants. It’s a time for romantic strolls under beautifully lit streets and sharing special moments.

2. KFC Christmas Dinner Tradition

One of the quirkiest aspects of Christmas in Japan is the tradition of having KFC for Christmas dinner. This started as a marketing campaign in the 1970s and has since become a beloved custom. Many families pre-order their KFC meals weeks in advance to ensure they don’t miss out on this unique tradition.

3. Illuminations and Decorations

Japanese cities are adorned with breathtaking Christmas illuminations and decorations. Streets and shopping malls light up with elaborate displays, creating a magical atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. These illuminations often remain until after New Year’s, providing a perfect backdrop for winter outings.

4. Christmas Cakes

Another delightful tradition is the Christmas cake—typically a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream. It’s a must-have dessert for many Japanese families during this season. The cake symbolizes prosperity and is enjoyed after a festive Christmas meal.

5. Small-Scale Gift Giving

While gift-giving is not as prominent as in other countries, small, thoughtful presents are often exchanged among friends and colleagues. Gifts are generally less extravagant and focus more on the sentiment behind the gesture.

When is Christmas Celebrated in Japan?

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in Japan, just like in many parts of the world. However, as it is not a public holiday, most people go to work or school. The celebrations are typically focused on the evening before, Christmas Eve, or after work hours.

Christmas in Japan may not follow the traditional Western format, but it offers a unique blend of imported customs and local traditions. Whether you’re a cultural explorer, a Japan enthusiast, or simply love travel, experiencing Christmas in Japan can be a delightful and eye-opening adventure.

Recently, Halloween has become more popular than Christmas among the younger generation. People dress up in costume and hit the streets to let loose and celebrate. Some economists believe that more money is spent on Halloween than Christmas.

For those interested in learning more about Japanese traditions, be sure to shop our online Kimono Shop for a large selection of Kimono and Yukata. Cherish the season and no matter how you celebrate, enjoy the occasion.

kimono shopping

Photo: Victoriano Izquierdo.

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Understanding Christmas Celebrations in Japan

Friday, December 1st, 2023

As one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide, Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and togetherness for many cultures. However, in Japan, the way Christmas is celebrated is vastly different from its Western counterpart. In this blog post, we will explore the distinct customs and traditions unique to Japan’s Christmas celebration. We will talk about whether Christmas is religious or not. If they exchange gifts and have family dinners. We will also discuss whether Santa Claus and special kimonos are included in their Christmas celebration.

Japan’s Christmas celebrations are not tied to any religious beliefs or Christian traditions. Instead, it’s seen more as a cultural event that’s rooted in Western traditions. In recent years, Christmas has become increasingly popular in Japan. It’s not unusual to see festive decorations everywhere, from the shopping centers to the streets. They have Christmas markets and other festive events that further enhance the celebratory mood.

Gift-giving has always been a crucial part of Japanese culture. Christmas is no different. They celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, and families exchange gifts. Usually, couples will celebrate Christmas together and exchange gifts like chocolates and fancy cakes. Gift-giving in Japan is still based on the concept of the purity of the gift and not the price. However the commercialism surrounding Christmas has also made gift-giving more elaborate and expensive in recent years.

Unlike the West, where people generally take time off from work around Christmas, Japan’s work culture reigns supreme. Apart from schools, most Japanese people carry on with their usual work routine. Generally, the winter solstice marks the more significant holiday for the Japanese. Called Tojiin Japan, they celebrate the day with loved ones enjoying delicious soups and yuzu (Citrus fruit), which is believed to ward off illness.

While the Western tradition of having a big family dinner and feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is almost absent in Japan. They do have their unique cuisine for the winter season. Christmas cakes, fried chicken, and other festive food items mark the celebration. It’s not unusual to see people queuing up outside fast-food restaurants to buy fried chicken during Christmas time.

As for Santa Claus and special kimonos, you won’t see people dressed up in kimonos during Christmas. Instead, Santa Claus is more like a cute character. You can see his figure welcome visitors at the train stations or happily waving at passers-by in busy city centers in Japan.

In conclusion, Christmas in Japan may be lacking the traditional customs and rituals associated with the holiday in the West. But it’s still celebrated with equal fanfare and enthusiasm as any other significant holiday. While the gift-giving and festive decorations remind us of the Western Christmas traditions, it’s important to appreciate and respect the unique and refreshing approach that Japan takes to celebrate the holiday spirit.

If you are seeking a Kimono for a Christmas celebration or any occasion, check out the Kimono Shop at Chopa. Their online store is always open and shipping is fast. Orders are shipped from the USA, so there are no lengthy waits for deliveries. Chopa has been a leading online provider of Kimono and Yukata since 1994.

Christmas greetings

Merry Christmas!

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Ordering Christmas Gifts Online

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

Kimonos and yukatas are the perfect gifts for anyone who loves Japanese culture or wants to try something new. They are beautiful, traditional garments that can be worn in many different ways. Some believe it is difficult to find the right size or style, so they should visit www.chopa.com.

Chopa is Your Kimono Source and they make the process painless. Carrying a broad selection of over 100 styles, prints, patterns, and sizes, Kimono shopping is made easy. Chopa was one of the first online retailers of Japanese kimonos and was at the forefront of offering a range of sizes so everyone can find what they need. From short length to tall, wide, and plus-sized, Chopa stocks a kimono for you.

So whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend or a family member who has everything, your problem is solved. Better yet, treat yourself to the comfort and style a kimono offers. Whether lounging on a weekend or working around the house, the perfect kimono or yukata awaits you.

Here are some kimono-buying tips to help.

First, when you are buying clothing as a gift, be sure to check the size charts before you buy. It can be frustrating getting a kimono or yukata that’s too small or too large. Second, take a look at the return policy before you make your purchase. Some stores have stricter return policies during the holidays, so it’s best to be prepared. Chopa extends the return and exchange window so you can enjoy the Holidays rather than interrupting the festivities to head to the post office.

Have the recipient try on the robe and check the fit. Do not use the item as most return policies are voided if worn. Some may want to wear it for a week to see if they like it, but that isn’t an appropriate move if you decide to return it. One thing we will say is that most people if apprehensive at first, find the more they wear it, the better they like it. This is true of the fit as well as the cultural shock that some have. They become a warrior or Kimono princesses.

We recommend shopping early. Stores usually have the best selection early in the buying season. Another factor in shopping online is shipping. You want to be sure the store you are shopping with will ship your gifts with plenty of time for the Holiday. This allows extra time in case of weather delays, a carrier issue, or a random situation that pops up.

Chopa prides itself on quick shipping. Most orders ship within one business day of order placement. Depending on the type of shipping you choose, transit times will take between 2 and 5 business days. During busy Holiday periods, Chopa has additional shipping experts help out. If needed, they operate 7 days a week to keep up with the order flow. Chopa wants your gifts and orders to arrive on time. Service is a priority and always has been.

Here are this year’s deadlines to be sure your package arrives on time.  Understand that some conditions are beyond the control of Chopa including weather delays, high-volume carrier surges, etc.  Happy Holidays everybody! This is the Season to enjoy.

2022 Christmas Holiday Shipping Deadlines.

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Kimonos For Christmas Gifts

Sunday, November 27th, 2022

It’s that time of year again. The time when stores are filled with holiday shoppers, and the post office is flooded with long lines and packages. If you’re one of those people who always seem to end up with at the stores when the selection is poor and arrive at the Post Office when the lines are out the door, relax.  We have a solution for you.

Visit the Online Kimono Shop. Chopa.com is Your Kimono Source.  They carry a large selection of over 100 styles, patterns, colors, and sizes of authentic Japanese kimonos and Yukata robes. Founded in 1994, Chopa has been a leading online provider of Kimonos for 28 years. They are a direct importer of garments that are meticulously handcrafted by Japanese artisans in Japan. As a direct importer, they stock ample supplies of beautiful kimonos that are ready to ship, assuring that you won’t face long waits or lost mail from overseas.

Most orders ship within one business day of order receipt. The average transit time is 2-4 days. This applies to anywhere in the USA. With the holidays approaching and a vast increase of packages being shipped, it is always recommended to shop early.  Chopa also extends its Holiday Gift return policy to January 20th, 2023. This allows you to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.

Right now Chopa is offering a 10% discount on any purchase. Use coupon code 10OFF at checkout. The offer is for a limited time so take advantage of this savings offer now. Orders of $75.00 or more receive Free Shipping to anywhere in the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders below this threshold pay a nominal and reasonable charge of just $6.95 – $8.95. Unlike many other retailers, Chopa has no membership club, or membership fees and does not make you register to become a customer.

Kimonos and yukatas are two traditional Japanese garments that are gaining in popularity each year. They are made of crisp, airy fabrics that help to keep the wearer cool and comfortable all year round. Kimonos and yukatas make excellent holiday gifts. If you are looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, consider giving a kimono or yukata. These garments are beautiful and festive, and they will definitely be appreciated by the recipient. Best of all, kimonos and yukatas can be enjoyed for many years to come.

These Japanese garments are the perfect gift for anyone who loves Japanese culture or wants to try something new. They are stylish and come in many distinctive patterns and prints. And while clothing is sometimes difficult to find the right size or style for, Chopa has a wide range of kimonos and yukatas to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a gift or you’re treating yourself, we have the perfect kimono or yukata for you. And because we want you to have the best possible experience with your purchase, we do everything we can to make your shopping experience simple.

Shop the online store. Select the size and print you desire. Enter your information and shipping instructions as well as payment through major a major credit card or PayPal and let Chopa do the rest.

 

koi fish yukata from Japan

                           Blue Koi Yukata

 

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