After reading Thomas’ post about finding Christmas Trees in Japan on NihonHacks.com, I decided to get one for myself. Unlike Thomas, who treated himself to a real “Golden Crest” tree from a home center, I wanted a fake Christmas tree that I could use every year.
Get your Christmas tree now for half-price!
Christmas in Japan is a funny affair. It usually ends on Christmas Eve to give the shops time to decorate for New Year. Likewise, Christmas trees and decorations in the home also come down much earlier than in the West. This means that if someone’s going to buy a Christmas tree, they would have already done it by now.
Despite there being over a week left before Christmas, I found fake trees at a home center for 30% off and at Jusco in the AEON Kakamigahara shopping center for 50% off! All the lights and decorations too, were on sale at half-price. Don’t forget this is on December 16th! Needless to say, I snapped up the one you can see in the photo. The tree, plus lights and a few simple decorations, came to less than 9,000 yen, which I think is pretty good for a reusable tree!
Rikuto’s first Christmas tree
This will be Rikuto’s first Christmas. We moved into our house on December 22nd last year and we were so busy getting things sorted out, we pretty much forgot Christmas was even happening! This year, however, we can relax and enjoy the light show from our new tree. Take a look at the video below (or here on YouTube) to see what I’m talking about.
ahhhh… the joy of having a fake tree.
I have never had a real Xmas tree. Even growing up we only used a huge fake tree and while I could be wrong, I think it is more popular in countries other than Australia to have a real Xmas tree!
For the life of me, can’t undertsand why Xmas is even celebrated in Japan. I guess maybe it’s the retail industry cashing in (As in our countries!) because they have a totally different religion and no holiday on the 25th. Saying that (And apart from the retail industry) I kinda think it has become accepted around the world that the 25th is a day to not just think about “Christ” but also a day to reflect on all the good things we have in our lives.
Most of us who are on this site are terribly lucky that we were born in the our countries. Most of the world lives in poverty and a time to reflect is nice. Wish (me included) we could reflect everyday!!!
Keith
Nice Tree Nick.
Touching comment Keith. Made my evening. Although I will say that you had a real Xmas tree when you visited in Grand Forks.
As the family and I will be traveling to Japan in less than five days we won’t be getting a tree this year. Being Canadian, I have to say that I do enjoy a real tree. The smell of evergreen plastic just doesn’t quite bring back the memories as a Sruce does.
Al
In my part of the world, it is fake christmas all over. And generally many will be reused.
Sorry, I meant fake christmas tree
I think I’ll hold off on getting a fake Christmas tree for a while. Maybe till there are rugrats running around.
What is the deal with the ‘black’ Christmas trees and ornaments? There are so many for sale in Fukuoka and they were usually more expensive. This is my first Christmas in Japan so we’re going to be having a small party and bought a small tree. I’m glad you were able to get a big tree and I know Rikuto’s going to love watching these videos in the years to come.
Black trees? I’m not sure what you mean, but I’d guess they look good against snow, or when covered with lights!
That tree needs a little work but I’m glad to witness the start of a families new tradition!!
Ha! Compared to the lights on your school, my tree looks very bare, thats for sure!
Yeah Nick, black tress! So I guess it might be a Fukuoka or a Tenjin thing. There are a ton of fake black trees, black ornaments, etc. It looks trendy but doesn’t look Christmas. You should search for it and google to have a look yourself. I didn’t even know they existed in the U.S. until I did a search.