It`s not hard for a country to embrace the idea of Christmas. Although only a very small proportion of Japanese are Christian, shops from jewellery and department stores to the unlikely car tyre companies have latched onto the idea of this present buying time of year in order to boost sales with staff clad in santa gear accompanied by Christmas carols in Japanese as well as English.

Christmas over the last few years has been seen as a time for parents to give presents for children and a time for young lovers to exchange gifts. This is however changing. The media plays a strong role in this with Christmas specials featuring snow, fairy lights and renditions of carols and covers such as George Michael`s interminable “Last Christmas.” Now it is seen as for anyone and everyone.

I feel like a missionary of the West as with my coming, the Shiraishi family has embraced the festival and we have a tidy pile of presents in the corner. This has never happened before as they have traditionally celebrated only the New Year. Thankfully we haven`t gone as far to erect a paegan fertility symbol in the corner and decorate it with lights and an angel but this may not be unexpected in the future.

All in all the Japanese have embraced it as it is a fun festival no matter what your beliefs. This is a time to give presents, thank those around you and decorate your house with bright lights. It`s no wonder they like it. Merry Christmas.