by Kenji, age 8, asks about the Kranks, Mount Fuji, and New Year money
Dear Santa,
My name is Kenji and I am 8 years old. I live in Tokyo, Japan, in an apartment where the city lights look like a thousand tiny stars at night. My mum makes a strawberry Christmas cake every year and my little sister always eats the strawberry first.
I have three questions for you, and I hope you are not too busy with the sleigh.
First, my dad and I watched a funny film and I want to know: who is in the cast of Christmas with the Kranks?
Second, a geography question: what is the tallest mountain in Japan?
Third, a school question about our country: why do children in Japan get otoshidama money at New Year?
Thank you Santa. I left you rice crackers this year instead of cookies. I hope that is okay.
Love, Kenji, age 8, Tokyo, Japan
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Kenji, rice crackers are more than okay. The reindeer are quite fond of them, and Dasher has requested I bring back a whole tin. Now, to your excellent questions.
Who is in the cast of Christmas with the Kranks?
Christmas with the Kranks came out in 2004 and stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as Luther and Nora Krank, the couple who decide to skip Christmas one year, a decision I monitored very closely from the North Pole. Dan Aykroyd plays their loud neighbour Vic Frohmeyer, and the cast also includes Cheech Marin, Jake Busey, and Julie Gonzalo as the Kranks daughter Blair. It is a silly, warm film, and I am pleased to report the Kranks do eventually come around.
What is the tallest mountain in Japan?
The tallest mountain in your beautiful country is Mount Fuji, standing about 3,776 metres high. It is a volcano, though a very sleepy one, and it is so admired that people have painted and photographed it for hundreds of years. On a clear winter morning you can sometimes see it from far away, wearing a cap of snow like it is dressed for the holidays.
Why do children in Japan get otoshidama at New Year?
Otoshidama is money that grown-ups give to children in special little envelopes at New Year. The tradition is very old and is a way for families to wish children good luck and a happy year ahead. It began long ago with gifts offered to family and to the gods, and over time it became the envelopes you know today. My advice: save a little, spend a little, and be generous with your sister.
Be good, keep your boots by the door, and I shall see you on Christmas Eve.
Ho ho ho, Santa
