by Haruto, age 9 from Yokohama, Japan, asks Santa his Japanese name, Tokyo Bay, and the city’s large Chinatown.
Dear Santa, my name is Haruto, and I am nine years old. I live in Yokohama, Japan, where my obaasan says our Chinatown is one of the largest in the entire world.
Dear Haruto, a Chinatown that large deserves a very appreciative flyover, your obaasan picked a truly vibrant hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa called in Japanese? My tomodachi calls you something different than what I hear in America.
In Japanese, I am most often called Santa Kurosu, Haruto, which is really just the Japanese way of saying Santa Claus. Your tomodachi has been calling me by my proper Japanese name all along.
My obaasan says Yokohama sits right on Tokyo Bay. Is that true?
It is true, Haruto, Yokohama stretches along Tokyo Bay, an important and busy port. I always enjoy that lively, glimmering harbor on my way to your rooftop.
My obaasan says Yokohama’s Chinatown is one of the biggest in the whole world. Is that true?
It is true, Haruto, Yokohama’s Chinatown ranks among the largest anywhere on Earth, full of history and culture. That kind of vibrant, shared community is really something worth celebrating, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Haruto Kobayashi
Yokohama, Japan
P.S. Will you tell my tomodachi both names are correct?
Already confirmed, Haruto, right here in writing.
