by Ryusei, age 7, asks Santa Kurohsu your name is the Japanese pronunciation of Santa Claus. Are you the same?, about Mount Fuji, and Japan’s Christmas Eve date-night tradition
Dear Santa Kurohsu,
My name is Ryusei and I am 7 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, your name is the Japanese pronunciation of Santa Claus. Are you the same?
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, Ryusei, age 7, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
From the Desk of Santa Kurohsu
Dear Ryusei, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Your name is the Japanese pronunciation of Santa Claus. Are you the same?
Exactly the same fellow, simply pronounced in the Japanese way, the very same generous spirit underneath.
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, Ryusei.
Ho ho ho, Santa Kurohsu
