In Japan, Christmas is not traditionally celebrated as a religious holiday, but it has become a popular secular occasion. To say Merry Christmas in Japanese, you can use the phrase “Merii Kurisumasu.” This phrase is an adaptation of the English greeting and is widely understood in Japan.
The celebration of Christmas in Japan is often associated with romantic activities and exchanging gifts, similar to Valentine’s Day in Western cultures. In addition to wishing someone Merry Christmas, you can also learn other festive phrases and expressions to spread holiday cheer in Japanese.
How to Say Merry Christmas in Japanese Writing
In Japanese writing, Merry Christmas can be written as メリークリスマス. The phrase is transliterated using katakana, one of the writing systems in the Japanese language. Katakana is used for foreign words and expressions, so Merry Christmas is written using these characters. This writing form is widely recognized in Japan and is commonly used in Christmas decorations, greeting cards, and other festive materials.
Japanese Phrases for Christmas Greetings and Well Wishes
In addition to saying Merry Christmas, there are several other Japanese phrases you can use to greet and wish someone a happy holiday season. Here are a few examples:
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| メリクリ | This is a shortened form of Merry Christmas and is often used in casual settings or among friends. |
| 楽しいクリスマスを過ごして | This phrase translates to “Have a Merry Christmas” or “Have a fun Christmas” and can be used to wish someone a joyful holiday season. |
| ジョワユノエル | This is the French phrase for Merry Christmas and is sometimes used in Japan as a festive greeting. |
| ハッピーホリデーズ | This translates to “Happy Holidays” and is a more general well-wishing expression during the holiday season. |
| 楽しい祝日を過ごしてください | This means “Enjoy the holidays” and is another way to wish someone a pleasant holiday season. |
To convey your holiday wishes in Japanese, you can use these phrases to spread festive cheer and make your greetings more meaningful. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues, these Japanese phrases will help you engage in the holiday spirit and create a warm atmosphere.
Phrases for Giving and Receiving Gifts in Japanese
Gift-giving is a cherished tradition during the Christmas season in many cultures, and Japan is no exception. If you want to express well wishes when giving or receiving gifts in Japanese, here are a few phrases you can use:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| 贈り物ですが | “Here is a gift” or “I have a gift for you” |
| 詰まらない物ですが | “This isn’t much, but” |
| 気に入ってもらえるといいのですが | “I hope you like it” |
| お祝いのしるしです | “This is a representation of celebration or congratulations” |
| 心ばかりの品ですが、どうぞお受け取り下さい | “This is just a small token, but please accept it” |
These phrases allow you to convey your thoughtful gestures and good intentions while offering a gift. Whether you’re presenting a gift to someone or receiving one, using these phrases in Japanese adds a personal touch to the exchange. It’s a wonderful way to show your appreciation and spread holiday cheer!
Japanese Christmas Traditions and Cultural Influences
While Christmas in Japan is a secular holiday, it has adopted various traditions and cultural influences from Western countries. One of these traditions is Christmas sight-seeing, where cities in Japan come to life with elaborate Christmas lights and decorations. Walking through the streets adorned with colorful displays creates a festive atmosphere that you can’t help but enjoy.
Although traditional Japanese cuisine may not include typical Christmas dishes like roast turkey, Japan has its own unique food traditions for the holiday season. One popular tradition is eating fried chicken from KFC on Christmas day. This custom began in the 1970s when KFC launched a successful marketing campaign, associating their chicken with the holiday. Today, ordering KFC for Christmas dinner has become a cherished tradition for many Japanese families.
Japanese Christmas is further enriched by media and pop culture. Japan has its own Christmas songs, TV specials, and entertainment that contribute to the festive atmosphere. For instance, the song “Christmas Eve” by Tatsuro Yamashita is an iconic Japanese Christmas tune that brings joy to people during the holiday season. Additionally, holiday-themed anime episodes and TV shows add a touch of whimsy and excitement to the celebration.
Following Christmas, Japan embraces the New Year as a major holiday. The customs and traditions associated with Japanese New Year are different from those of Christmas but are equally significant. People visit temples and shrines for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, to pray for good fortune and make wishes. Traditional New Year’s dishes like ozoni, a type of soup, and osechi ryori, special New Year’s dishes, are enjoyed with family and loved ones to welcome the new year.