by Hayato, age 9, asks Santa Kurohsu do you have helpers?, about Mount Fuji, and Japan’s Christmas Eve date-night tradition
Dear Santa Kurohsu,
My name is Hayato and I am 9 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 you have helpers?
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 warm milk.
Love, Hayato, age 9, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan
From the Desk of Santa Kurohsu
Dear Hayato, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you have helpers?
I do, a busy workshop of dedicated helpers, the very same team that supplies gifts across my entire route.
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, Hayato.
Ho ho ho, Santa Kurohsu
