Christmas Eve in Japan is celebrated more like Valentine’s Day in America and Europe. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and on the day itself, young couples bask in all things lovey-dovey. Couples often stroll around to see the illuminations, wander around the Christmas markets and eat the obligatory Japanese Christmas cake.
However, Christmas cakes in Japan are not rich, fruit-laden or even spiced with ginger. Instead, they are light sponge cakes covered in whipped cream and decorated with fresh strawberries. And they’re delicious. Though seemingly plain, there’s much to be said about the infamous Japanese Christmas cake.
Here are five festive facts to enjoy before scoffing your face with cake.
1. Japanese Christmas Cakes Can Be Found Everywhere
Image: iStock: holgs
Japanese Christmas cakes are so dominant in the culture that during the festive season, they are literally sold on street corners. Don’t believe me? Just visit your nearest 7-Eleven. During the month of December, I guarantee you will find various Christmas cakes frosted with mounds of fresh cream, ruby red strawberries, and a variety of chocolate or plastic holiday ornaments, including Santas, snowmen, angels, wreaths and holly at each location.
2. There Are Emojis For Them
The Japanese Christmas cake is featured not once but twice as the only cakes in our smartphone emoji selection. Yes, those are no ordinary cakes — with whipped cream and strawberries — that’s Christmas cake. You’re, of course, free to use them all year round, though.
3. It Has Vulgar Connotations
Image: iStock: violet-blue
Once December 25 rolls around, Japanese Christmas cakes become heavily discounted—a fact that started the awful Japanese slang term, “Christmas cake.” It scornfully refers to unmarried women past their 25th birthday. Basically, once you’re over 25, you’ve reached your “best before” date and are “no longer wanted”. Savvy Tokyo writer Tabitha Wilders discusses this in her article about Japan’s age obsession, so feel free to read it!
4. The Color & Shape Are Symbolic
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