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 ❤️
Thanks so much for your comments, Lerato! I think you would love Japan, and you nailed it--it is a country of contradictions. Buttoned down in some ways and full of flash and pizzazz in others. Although I don't think I'm that much of a consumer in America, Japan does tend to bring it out in me because it's so much fun to shop--or even just to browse--in the small little mom and pop places tucked into the oddest corners and alleyways, offering things you've never seen before. That's especially true of the food, which you would definitely appreciate for its creativity and deliciousness. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!❤️
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!
Thanks, Marg! We didn't know either until our "kids" told us. It's just another intriguing custom in this endlessly interesting country! All the very best in the new year!🤗
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
Wow, thanks so much! A great piece! I want to make both recipes you included in your post and definitely would like to visit the onsen, something we haven't done yet but that I know we would love! The "cheesiness" was certainly evident in the places we visited in the Kansai region, but, as I think I mentioned in the piece, somehow the commercialism I encountered in Japan didn't annoy me as it often does here in the U.S.--perhaps because it's so exuberant, unabashed, unconnected to our western sense of Christmas, or perhaps simply because it's somewhere else. Anyway, it was a lot of fun! Happy New Year!
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.
As always, thanks so much for your comments, Mark. I always learn something--now, I know I need to ask my daughter-in-law about Karaage, which I don't believe I have tasted yet. The homemade gyoza were pretty great, and I will post more photos of those and of some of the other dishes we tasted on this visit. I walked like crazy but probably still managed to gain a pound or two from all the snacking.
I'd love to learn more about the Okinawa customs that have made their way into your household. My son and his wife visited Okinawa recently and raved about the food and culture there. This is our seventh visit to Japan, and the more we visit, the more amazed I am by the culture, food, art, people, etc. It's one of the very best kinds of rabbit holes to explore!
We just returned a few hours ago and I haven't caught up on your most recent post, which I intend to savor as I know it is your next-to-last one on the "Why Living Today Rocks" blog.
Wishing you and your family the very happiest of holidays, Mark!🎄🤗
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.
That sounds so lovely! I think there's a certain magic to the season and the festivities that's probably universal and human. I can definitely relate to that. Thanks for your comment, Bev!
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.
Spot on about the incongruous nature of Japan. It is definitely a huge bundle of apparent contradictions, yet somehow it all functions rather well, except for foreigners, who, even after multiple visits, remained baffled about so much of it and continue to feel like outsiders, though endlessly curious about the riddle that is Japan. There are innumerable signs in English, but some of them are quite funny--and a few are unintentionally obscene. Unfortunately the funniest example I found can't appear on a family blog (or mine anyway!😊).
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!
Thanks for the comment and question, Susan! Unlike in the U.S. there aren't that many trees or a lot of decorating that happens in the home. Much of the decoration and fanfare is in public places. My daughter-in-law put up a tiny tree when she first moved back here from America, but she said it's not that customary in Japan.
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
Thanks, Jolene! So very glad the fruitcake arrived and was pleasing to everyone.🥰 I'm excited that I'm turning a few haters into lovers and will be expanding my list next year! Wishing you a happy, relaxing and regenerative holiday!
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 would have thought so too--but I think the Japanese take consumerism to another level, with food, decoration, music and all of it. They have taken other American holidays and put their own commercial spin on them, including Halloween, which has become enormous here too in recent years. I'm rather addicted to Muji. There used to be a couple of stores in Los Angeles, but they closed during the pandemic. Here, there are several branches with multiple floors and a lovely cafe. I may have to do a post just on Muji! Thanks for commenting and sharing, Vicki!
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?)
Thanks for you comment and question, Julie! I hope to write more about the food in my next post. It's always hard to pick out my favorite food, but believe it or not the fast food here is often superior to the U.S., though I probably wouldn't pick it as my favorite. The 7-Elevens are famous for selling cheap and delicious food--the only thing they have in common with the American ones is the name. One of the tastiest things I ate on this trip was some spicy Chinese gyoza (fried dumplings) prepared at a tiny stand by the lovely woman in the Santa hat pictured in my post. As for meals, we had a very excellent barbecue repast prepared specially for a group of us that including a huge variety of seafood served right off the grill. More on that TK too!
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 ❤️
Thanks so much for your comments, Lerato! I think you would love Japan, and you nailed it--it is a country of contradictions. Buttoned down in some ways and full of flash and pizzazz in others. Although I don't think I'm that much of a consumer in America, Japan does tend to bring it out in me because it's so much fun to shop--or even just to browse--in the small little mom and pop places tucked into the oddest corners and alleyways, offering things you've never seen before. That's especially true of the food, which you would definitely appreciate for its creativity and deliciousness. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!❤️
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!
Thanks, Marg! We didn't know either until our "kids" told us. It's just another intriguing custom in this endlessly interesting country! All the very best in the new year!🤗
Here's to a peaceful 2024. Wouldn't that be lovely.
Yes, wouldn't it!
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
Wow, thanks so much! A great piece! I want to make both recipes you included in your post and definitely would like to visit the onsen, something we haven't done yet but that I know we would love! The "cheesiness" was certainly evident in the places we visited in the Kansai region, but, as I think I mentioned in the piece, somehow the commercialism I encountered in Japan didn't annoy me as it often does here in the U.S.--perhaps because it's so exuberant, unabashed, unconnected to our western sense of Christmas, or perhaps simply because it's somewhere else. Anyway, it was a lot of fun! Happy New Year!
Well put, Ruth! Happy New Year to you, too!
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.
As always, thanks so much for your comments, Mark. I always learn something--now, I know I need to ask my daughter-in-law about Karaage, which I don't believe I have tasted yet. The homemade gyoza were pretty great, and I will post more photos of those and of some of the other dishes we tasted on this visit. I walked like crazy but probably still managed to gain a pound or two from all the snacking.
I'd love to learn more about the Okinawa customs that have made their way into your household. My son and his wife visited Okinawa recently and raved about the food and culture there. This is our seventh visit to Japan, and the more we visit, the more amazed I am by the culture, food, art, people, etc. It's one of the very best kinds of rabbit holes to explore!
We just returned a few hours ago and I haven't caught up on your most recent post, which I intend to savor as I know it is your next-to-last one on the "Why Living Today Rocks" blog.
Wishing you and your family the very happiest of holidays, Mark!🎄🤗
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.
Me too on both counts! Thanks for your comment, Lisa!
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.
That sounds so lovely! I think there's a certain magic to the season and the festivities that's probably universal and human. I can definitely relate to that. Thanks for your comment, Bev!
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.
Spot on about the incongruous nature of Japan. It is definitely a huge bundle of apparent contradictions, yet somehow it all functions rather well, except for foreigners, who, even after multiple visits, remained baffled about so much of it and continue to feel like outsiders, though endlessly curious about the riddle that is Japan. There are innumerable signs in English, but some of them are quite funny--and a few are unintentionally obscene. Unfortunately the funniest example I found can't appear on a family blog (or mine anyway!😊).
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!
Thanks for the comment and question, Susan! Unlike in the U.S. there aren't that many trees or a lot of decorating that happens in the home. Much of the decoration and fanfare is in public places. My daughter-in-law put up a tiny tree when she first moved back here from America, but she said it's not that customary in Japan.
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.
Yes, it really is a big deal. I'll have more on the food next time. Kind of writing on the fly.
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
Thanks, Jolene! So very glad the fruitcake arrived and was pleasing to everyone.🥰 I'm excited that I'm turning a few haters into lovers and will be expanding my list next year! Wishing you a happy, relaxing and regenerative holiday!
KFC and jazzy Christmas tunes? I’m in!
I think you'd like it, Amie! It's a bit crazy but fun.
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 would have thought so too--but I think the Japanese take consumerism to another level, with food, decoration, music and all of it. They have taken other American holidays and put their own commercial spin on them, including Halloween, which has become enormous here too in recent years. I'm rather addicted to Muji. There used to be a couple of stores in Los Angeles, but they closed during the pandemic. Here, there are several branches with multiple floors and a lovely cafe. I may have to do a post just on Muji! Thanks for commenting and sharing, Vicki!
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.
Thanks for you comment and question, Julie! I hope to write more about the food in my next post. It's always hard to pick out my favorite food, but believe it or not the fast food here is often superior to the U.S., though I probably wouldn't pick it as my favorite. The 7-Elevens are famous for selling cheap and delicious food--the only thing they have in common with the American ones is the name. One of the tastiest things I ate on this trip was some spicy Chinese gyoza (fried dumplings) prepared at a tiny stand by the lovely woman in the Santa hat pictured in my post. As for meals, we had a very excellent barbecue repast prepared specially for a group of us that including a huge variety of seafood served right off the grill. More on that TK too!
Wow, very cool. That's interesting that the fast food is superior to the U.S. I wonder why. Thank you so much and look forward to your next post. :)