Thanksgiving in Japan: A Holiday That Barely Exists

Introduction: Thanksgiving in Japan

Thanksgiving in Japan is nearly non-existent. Unlike Western countries that celebrate with family gatherings and traditional dishes, Japan’s holiday calendar is quite different. Japanese society observes many seasonal festivals, but Thanksgiving hasn’t become part of the culture. Instead, retail spaces transition from the spookiness of Halloween directly to Christmas decorations, leaving Thanksgiving overlooked. For Americans and other expatriates in Japan who want to keep their Thanksgiving traditions alive, there are some options—though they can be limited. Here’s a look at the subtle presence of Thanksgiving in Japan, the holiday transition season in Japanese retail, and where to celebrate Thanksgiving if you find yourself in Japan during November.

Why Thanksgiving Isn’t Celebrated in Japan

Thanksgiving has deep roots in North American history and tradition, celebrating a successful harvest and a time of community, family, and giving thanks. It’s simply not part of Japan’s cultural fabric. Unlike Christmas, which has evolved into a commercialized celebration involving gift-giving and decorations in Japan, Thanksgiving lacks the universal symbols that would make it adaptable in a non-Western setting. Japan has its own harvest celebrations, like Kinro Kansha no Hi or “Labor Thanksgiving Day,” which falls on November 23rd and is more focused on honoring labor and productivity than giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.

As a result, Thanksgiving doesn’t register on Japan’s holiday radar. The day is generally seen as a typical working day, and most Japanese people aren’t even aware of its meaning. This limited cultural awareness means that stores and restaurants don’t decorate or prepare for Thanksgiving, unlike Christmas, which takes over retail spaces as soon as Halloween ends.

Holiday Transitions in Japan: Halloween Straight to Christmas

Thanksgiving in Japan is skipped over entirely in retail spaces. Immediately following Halloween’s end, stores switch from orange and black décor to green, red, and glitter for Christmas. This is an abrupt shift to Western eyes accustomed to Thanksgiving’s warm, autumnal hues. But Japan’s fondness for Halloween and Christmas reflects the nation’s love for visual celebrations, especially ones that allow for decorations, parties, and themed merchandise. Halloween in Japan is now widely celebrated, with costume parades, themed events, and parties across the country. Once October ends, retailers are quick to introduce Christmas trees, lights, and seasonal displays, eager to capitalize on the Christmas season’s commercial potential.

Christmas in Japan is uniquely celebrated and has grown in popularity since the post-WWII era, especially due to its commercial nature and associations with romance and family gatherings. In Japan, Christmas is less about religion and more about gift exchanges, romantic dinners, and fried chicken—a tradition popularized by KFC’s Christmas campaigns. Thanksgiving, with its focus on gratitude and family meals, simply doesn’t offer the same visual or commercial appeal to make it a part of the holiday transition period in Japan.

Finding Thanksgiving in Japan: Where to Go

Though Thanksgiving isn’t part of Japanese culture, some expatriates and international hotels have created small celebrations for American families, expatriates, and locals who want to experience an American-style Thanksgiving. Here are a few places where Thanksgiving in Japan might be celebrated:

1. American Expat Communities

Many American expat groups and communities in Japan organize Thanksgiving gatherings. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, these groups often rent spaces where people can come together and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Local churches or community centers sometimes host dinners with a potluck-style setup, where everyone brings a dish to share, creating a communal experience similar to the one at home. This option also allows expats to connect and share stories, keeping their Thanksgiving traditions alive.

2. International Hotels

International hotels, especially those in Tokyo, often hold Thanksgiving dinners with classic holiday dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Hotels like the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, ANA Intercontinental, and Tokyo American Club usually offer Thanksgiving specials for their guests and the public. Some hotels provide family-style or buffet meals with all the traditional fixings. However, these dinners often come with a higher price tag, as they are aimed at tourists and expats seeking a taste of home.

3. Specialty Restaurants and American Diner

Some restaurants in Japan cater to American expats by hosting Thanksgiving dinners. The Hobgoblin pubs in Tokyo and Yokohama, for example, are British-style pubs that offer traditional Thanksgiving meals in November. Other places, like the Good Honest Grub restaurant in Tokyo, are known for hosting Thanksgiving dinners that include a full spread of classic dishes. Even American-style diners, like the Hard Rock Café and Ruby Jack’s, often have Thanksgiving specials, making them popular spots for homesick expats.

4. Online Meal Delivery Services

For those who prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving at home, some international grocery stores in Japan offer seasonal ingredients, allowing Americans to cook their own Thanksgiving feast. Meat suppliers like The Meat Guy and online stores like Costco Japan or National Azabu make it possible to get turkey, cranberry sauce, and other essentials. Though costly, these options provide an opportunity to bring Thanksgiving traditions into the home.

How Thanksgiving Could Grow in Japan’s Future

With the increasing number of American expats and cultural exchanges, it’s possible that Thanksgiving could grow in recognition within Japan, though likely never to the level of Halloween or Christmas. Some international schools and English-language institutions observe Thanksgiving as part of cultural education, introducing the holiday to Japanese children and families. As Japan’s international community grows, Thanksgiving could see more visibility, especially as more restaurants, international hotels, and supermarkets start to offer special deals or themed events.

Conclusion: A Holiday for Americans in Japan

Thanksgiving may be a faint whisper amid Japan’s bustling holiday season, but for Americans abroad, there are still ways to mark the occasion. Between organized expat events, international hotels, and American-style diners, it’s possible to recreate the experience of Thanksgiving in Japan. Though Thanksgiving itself remains a niche holiday, Japan’s openness to Western culture may eventually allow it to become more widely acknowledged, even if it’s just in the form of a special meal in a hotel or restaurant.

For now, Thanksgiving is a day for Americans in Japan to celebrate their traditions quietly, keeping a piece of home alive amid the seasonal festivities surrounding them.