Thank you for sharing dear Ruth. Quite the country of contradictions. I have always associated Japan with solemnity and a general ‘quietness’ Assumptions aye?! I recently learned of the KFC craze in Japan and thought, “that can’t be?!” This looks like a wonderful Christmassy destination for Christmas enthusiasts like me, although I am not too keen on the consumerism. I love it bit can only take so much. I do love Japanese food and so I’m sure it would be an exciting experience all around. You have firmly put Japan on my travel list. Happy holidays ❤️
My daughter-in-law’s twin sister had Covid on Xmas day and was forced to stay home alone and eat KFC. I didn’t realise it was a thing in Japan until I read your newsletter. Fascinating!
We’ve spent a couple of Christmases there- one in Tokyo and the other deep in the snow country at an onsen and they were two of the best I can remember- Tokyo for its irresistible Christmas as a promotion cheesiness and the snowed in onsen for its ultimate white Christmas
Dec 22, 2023·edited Dec 22, 2023Liked by Ruth Stroud
This was a blast Ruth! I always enjoy your posts. One of our daughter-in-laws is from Okinawa and we have been introduced to some wonderful customs as a result. It seems at many get-togethers we enjoy homemade gyoza as you showed in the Osaka shop photo. As for the fried chicken thing, between our son serving overseas, our daughter-in-law and a few exchange students, while KFC is indeed a blast, real Japanese Karaage (Fried Chicken) is incredible. For the same reason tempura is a step up from the mundane fried food, I think it is b/c of the potato starch.
Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year. I HOPE our paths might cross in the new year.
Christmas is huge in Malaysia too despite the population being largely Muslim. I remember seeing a snow machine in a shopping mall which was placed on the top floor and the flakes drifted down through the centre much to the delight of everyone.
One of the strong memories of Japan is the KFC statues. Seemed so incongruous until you made your peace with the fact that Japan is the most incongruous place on earth. Quiet temple - loud pachinko, soothing omakase - riotous bar hopping. And a huge embrace of Americanisms used SO inappropriately much of the time.
So fun to read, Ruth! And fascinating that only 1% of the population is Christian yet it is a celebrated seasonal holiday. Do they have American style “Christmas trees” in their homes too? Enjoy the rest of the trip!
Love seeing these photos and hearing about your visit and I remember about the KFC Christmas! Also: RUTH! Your fruitcake is here! Divine! (Also, my brother and sister in law had some and loved it) I took a picture before cutting and such pretty wrapping and tin. Thank you, my friend! xx
How interesting! I would have thought that a trip to Japan in December would be a chance to avoid all the holiday consumerism. And that is wild about KFC. I do enjoy Muji whenever I get into NYC. I'm not surprised that they have ingenious displays. Thanks, Ruth!!
I have never been to Japan and never would have guessed how decked out the streets/stores would be for Christmas. I love the photos you shared. Thank you. What was your favorite meal there? (I'm guessing it wasn't the fast food?)
Thank you for sharing dear Ruth. Quite the country of contradictions. I have always associated Japan with solemnity and a general ‘quietness’ Assumptions aye?! I recently learned of the KFC craze in Japan and thought, “that can’t be?!” This looks like a wonderful Christmassy destination for Christmas enthusiasts like me, although I am not too keen on the consumerism. I love it bit can only take so much. I do love Japanese food and so I’m sure it would be an exciting experience all around. You have firmly put Japan on my travel list. Happy holidays ❤️
My daughter-in-law’s twin sister had Covid on Xmas day and was forced to stay home alone and eat KFC. I didn’t realise it was a thing in Japan until I read your newsletter. Fascinating!
Apropos https://marcoandsabrina.substack.com/p/japan-by-train-hoshi-onsen-and-hakone
We’ve spent a couple of Christmases there- one in Tokyo and the other deep in the snow country at an onsen and they were two of the best I can remember- Tokyo for its irresistible Christmas as a promotion cheesiness and the snowed in onsen for its ultimate white Christmas
This was a blast Ruth! I always enjoy your posts. One of our daughter-in-laws is from Okinawa and we have been introduced to some wonderful customs as a result. It seems at many get-togethers we enjoy homemade gyoza as you showed in the Osaka shop photo. As for the fried chicken thing, between our son serving overseas, our daughter-in-law and a few exchange students, while KFC is indeed a blast, real Japanese Karaage (Fried Chicken) is incredible. For the same reason tempura is a step up from the mundane fried food, I think it is b/c of the potato starch.
Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year. I HOPE our paths might cross in the new year.
Now I want some KFC! I had no idea Christmas was such a big deal in Japan - thank you for sharing your story and photos.
Christmas is huge in Malaysia too despite the population being largely Muslim. I remember seeing a snow machine in a shopping mall which was placed on the top floor and the flakes drifted down through the centre much to the delight of everyone.
One of the strong memories of Japan is the KFC statues. Seemed so incongruous until you made your peace with the fact that Japan is the most incongruous place on earth. Quiet temple - loud pachinko, soothing omakase - riotous bar hopping. And a huge embrace of Americanisms used SO inappropriately much of the time.
So fun to read, Ruth! And fascinating that only 1% of the population is Christian yet it is a celebrated seasonal holiday. Do they have American style “Christmas trees” in their homes too? Enjoy the rest of the trip!
Who knew Christmas would be so big there. Sounds like you're having fun. I'm looking forward to reading about the food next time.
Love seeing these photos and hearing about your visit and I remember about the KFC Christmas! Also: RUTH! Your fruitcake is here! Divine! (Also, my brother and sister in law had some and loved it) I took a picture before cutting and such pretty wrapping and tin. Thank you, my friend! xx
KFC and jazzy Christmas tunes? I’m in!
How interesting! I would have thought that a trip to Japan in December would be a chance to avoid all the holiday consumerism. And that is wild about KFC. I do enjoy Muji whenever I get into NYC. I'm not surprised that they have ingenious displays. Thanks, Ruth!!
Good morning Ruth,
I have never been to Japan and never would have guessed how decked out the streets/stores would be for Christmas. I love the photos you shared. Thank you. What was your favorite meal there? (I'm guessing it wasn't the fast food?)
Happy Holidays and safe travels.