Christmas (Shopping) in Japan.

by Paschen | November 19, 2008 at 06:57 am

1072 views | 62 Recommendations | 25 comments

By, Uwe Paschen.

Now believe it or not, but it is November 2008 and I went Christmas Shopping in Chiba Shi today. Well I though that this year I will finally get those Christmas and New Years cards out in time for once in my life and have the gifts wrapped for New Year celebration before the second of January or the 24 th of December since some in my Family and entourage that are of the Christian Faith.

Last year, well I was way to late and could not find any thing any longer that would have been of any meaning or even remotely nice since I started chopping by the end of December.

Most stores where sold out by then or simply did all ready move on to the next big thing wish would be New Year and Easter. This in mind, I went early this year and thought I would be safe and avoid the crowds and stress.

Well, Was I in for a surprise though, as I fund most stores all ready being sold out of all the things i wanted any way and of most things that could have been of interest or even nice as a gift for the Kids, Friends, and Family members.

And the stress, well that could not be avoided even though we are in November mind you. I could not believe the number of people out Christmas Shopping and looking for a good deal or great gift for those close to you. This mind you in the middle of the week after all we are Wens-day the 19th of November 2008 and not Friday or Saturday. Wish I avoided because of the crowds that are usually out shopping on those week end days.

I could not believe how wrong I was in my great plan, nor could I believe that Christmas shopping had moved to November now and that so many more people must have planned their coup as I did just to find out it was a collective mind set.

Now I should remind you that I am talking about Japan here and that this is a predominately Buddhist country, however when it comes to Christmas the Japanese are next to none only surpassed by the German I believe. Christmas has become such a big deal here over the past decade that one could think al Japanese have converted to Christianity, however that would be a great mistake though.

Japanese are still very much Buddhist, at least the large majority, no they just like the decorations, and the fun that Christmas can be, as well as the parades and parties. They do even sing the Christmas Carols and light up the Christmas tree.

In a way it is good to see, and maybe we should all take the best parts out of all cultures and Religions and make them our own or even adapt them to ours with out getting fanatic nor taking our self's to serious either.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Well I can actually not believe I said that my self and this in November. Oh well, the Chinese New year is coming Just after the Western one wish is being preceded by the Jewish New Year and followed by the Moslem New Year. And so on. So to all and every one, a Happy New Year.

By the way, I do hope you made your Christmas shopping last September all ready, maybe next Year I get it over with in June, just to be safe and for once ahead of every one else.

Happy Holidays.

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Rachel Nixon

at 09:52 on November 19th, 2008

Good for you for getting started on the dreaded Christmas shopping - I'm putting mine off for as long as possible.

Paschen

at 09:57 on November 19th, 2008

Well, it did not help much to start early this year and I did already give up until next year.

Amy Judd

at 10:13 on November 19th, 2008

I have started my Christmas shopping already, but for me it's more of a monetary issue. I don't want to spend tons of money the week before Christmas.

I think for most people, it's the same concept as trying to beat the traffic in the morning. They leave early, but so does everyone else, so traffic is just as bad as it would be if they left their house later.

Paschen

at 10:15 on November 19th, 2008

Very true Amy, Yes the money is some what a big issue for most and will be more so this year.

danesller0127

at 10:35 on November 19th, 2008

I'm dreaming of a 'white christmas' here in the Kingdom...Let snow, let snow, let snow...

Paschen

at 10:40 on November 19th, 2008

You may have to keep on dreaming and then again with all our climate changes and odd weather patterns it may become a reality, even in the Dessert of Saudi Arabia.

danesller0127

at 11:08 on November 19th, 2008

Did you experienced a Christmas celebrations in the Philippines? Well i did...it's a super-typhoon 'Bagyo", and a happy rainy days...I hope this time is a Merry- merry X Mas...

Paschen

at 11:20 on November 19th, 2008

Well, this being said and broth up here danesller, so do I, and lets hope it will be a Merry-Merry X Mas or Christmas or Hanuka ... for all and every one and every where.

Thank you for the comment here.

Fairbanks

at 10:45 on November 19th, 2008

It is cold here at -10. That would be -21 in metric. That is not really cold, which would be -20. And that is not really really cold, which would be -40 or lower. We'd be pleased to ship some of that to Saudi.

Paschen

at 10:57 on November 19th, 2008

Am I glad not to be in Alaska today, no I like the Mediterranean climate and can live with out snow never missing it. Thank you for the visit and read here Fairbanks.

Fairbanks

at 11:03 on November 19th, 2008

Alaska is in five climate zones. The most southern is not much different from Vancouver.

Jordan Yerman

at 12:34 on November 19th, 2008

I loathe Xmas shopping... I prefer to do it bit by bit throughout the year, so that I can dedicate my full attention during December to whiskey.

(That's the theory, anyway!)

Paschen

at 19:20 on November 19th, 2008

Hum, Well I do believe you may have a follower soon.

Jennings David L

at 13:13 on November 19th, 2008

Thanks for the tip, I'm on my way out to shop tonight! Hope I'm not too late.

Terri Potratz

at 14:11 on November 19th, 2008

Thanks for the great story, Paschen.

If anyone is interested in more shopping news to help you prepare for Christmas season, check out the NowPublic Shopping channel feature.

Also key to note that many desperate retailers are offering massive discounts way early this year, so there are definitely bargains to be had - at least in the US, where tons of store closures have retailers incredibly anxious. So if you wait too long to get all your Christmas gifts, you might find that there is less than usual - especially if hijacked toy shipments don't arrive to begin with!

Paschen

at 19:10 on November 19th, 2008

Thank you for the comment Terri and I am sorry I did not think of it my self.

YoAndMi

at 16:56 on December 4th, 2008

Ebisu Garden is a Tokyoite site famous for its fancy restaurants and trendy atmosphere, which makes it a popular place among japanese for dating.
This makes the perfect place as well for Christmas illuminations, which can be enjoyed by passer-bys or couples sitting on benches.
2008's special is a giant crystal chandelier "Baccarat Eternal Light", standing proudly in the center of the place. It is composed of no less than 8472 crystal parts and is illuminated by 250 lights!

YoAndMi has contributed a photo to this story.

Paschen

at 17:44 on December 4th, 2008

Thank you for the Added Picture here YoAndMi, much appreciated.

tai-tetsu

at 20:05 on December 4th, 2008

The jingle-jangle shopping spree of Japan is early.
And, most Japanese do not think Christmas to be an event of the Christianity.

My photos is X'mas illumination of Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan.

tai-tetsu has contributed a photo to this story.

happybrunette23

at 20:32 on December 4th, 2008

wow.

zapeipaa

at 20:50 on December 4th, 2008

I always think they're too early with Christmas decoration. The other day they had a Christmas mini concert here as well.

zapeipaa has contributed a photo to this story.

CharlesM (not verified)

at 21:37 on December 4th, 2008

I don't think it's true that Japan is predominantly Buddhist. This is a very secular country in my opinion!

rumana husain

at 06:19 on December 5th, 2008

"when it comes to Christmas the Japanese are next to none only surpassed by the German I believe." Paschen, visit China! I am posting a picture of Christmas preparations in Shanghai. Inside stores as well as outside, huge preparations are underway.

Paschen

at 06:43 on December 5th, 2008

I may have to do that, sounds very interesting, last time I was in Shanghai was in the Summer two years ago, never saw the city around Christmas time. Would be a nice article actually, Cities around the World round that time of the year and how they deal with it.

Thanks Rumana Husain for the read, Comment and R here, as well as for the Picture of as you told me the Chinese Christmas tree made up of CD's great recycling. :). I do appreciate it.