by Kenta, age 8, asks Santa Kurohsu do Japanese children leave out treats for you?, about Mount Fuji, and Japan’s Christmas Eve date-night tradition
Dear Santa Kurohsu,
My name is Kenta and I am 8 years old. I live in Tokyo, Japan, where the illuminations along the big streets are so bright in December that my little brother says it looks like the stars fell down.
First, do Japanese children leave out treats for you?
Second, a geography question: what famous mountain can sometimes be seen from Tokyo?
Third, a school question about my country: why does Christmas Eve feel like a date night in Japan?
I left you mochi and green tea.
Love, Kenta, age 8, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
From the Desk of Santa Kurohsu
Dear Kenta, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do Japanese children leave out treats for you?
Very often, strawberry shortcake and hot milk tea, a wonderfully light and festive stop I look forward to every year.
What famous mountain can sometimes be seen from Tokyo?
On a very clear day, Mount Fuji is visible far off in the distance from parts of Tokyo, its snow-capped peak rising above the horizon, and I always slow down just slightly for the view when the winter sky cooperates.
Why does Christmas Eve feel like a date night in Japan?
Since Christmas is a mostly secular holiday in Japan rather than a religious one, it developed its own local flavor over the decades, and Christmas Eve in particular became associated with romantic dinners and twinkling lights, almost like a second Valentine’s Day.
Meri Kurisumasu, Kenta.
Ho ho ho, Santa Kurohsu
