There's Christmas, too, in Japan!

In my eight years here in Japan, this Christmas was the first time that I sort of felt homesickness lurking in my heart. It was because of the Christmas music heard along shopping roads and department stores, plus, of course, the wonder of decorations put up for the occasion. Eight years ago it wasn't like this. Christmas was one bo-o-o-o-o-ring season. But recently, Christmas has become a time to celebrate as well. Here are some photos of how Shizuoka City looked like with all the Christmas decors.

Perhaps you have noticed that there wasn't any single picture nor tableau of the Manger at Bethlehem, nor the Baby Jesus, nor even the "ox and ass" sleeping. Well, Christmas in Japan is one unique thing in the world: it's a time to spend with your special someone... joining that Christmas Eve mass held at around 7 or 8 pm (even if you're not a Christian!) just because it looks so romantic going to church in the evening. Christmas in Japan is arranging for a date, or buying that Christmas cake that you eat with your loved ones. Oh, by the way, I heard that love hotels (what we call 'motels' in the Philippines) are filled during Christmas eve!... funny to hear that though... and thankful there aren't any stables around just because "there was no room at the inn"!