Christmas traditions are slowly starting to change in Japan and as a result of these changes, businesses are being greatly affected.

In Japan, the Christmas season has always been a time for dating couples rather than families and so it was almost taken for granted that hotels and restaurants would be full with reservations during the holidays. However, there has been a slow shift in consciousness and these past few years more and more think of the holidays as time to spend time at home.

Christmas decorations have become increasingly popular because of this new trend. Apartments in Japan these days have higher ceilings allowing more to purchase Christmas trees to decorate–a tradition which was unheard of in past years. What was once a market where only 90 to 120 cm trees were sold has grown to where 180 to 240 cm tall trees have also become popular. What’s more is that Christmas decoration trends have not stopped inside the house but the western tradition of decorating outside the house with Christmas lights has also caught on.

While to some in the restaurant and food industry, this new Christmas trend has had a detrimental affect as mentioned above, others have found new business opportunities through the catering business. More find it more cost effective to close their restaurants for the holidays and just focus on catering for home parties. Another example of businesses who have found joy from the holiday season are cooking schools which teach men to cook season foods so they can entertain their partners, families, and friends.