Santa Claus Comes to Japan for Christmas!

Santa Claus is a kind Christmas legend who brings gifts and joy to children everywhere. In Japan, he is also widely known and loved by many people. Every year, people in Japan look forward to Santa’s visit to Japan from Finland and warmly welcome him. This visit is also regarded as a significant cultural event at the end of the year in the country.

Who is Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is also called Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle. His story began long ago with Saint Nicholas, a generous man who loved helping children. As time passed, his name and caring spirit gradually became an integral part of Christmas traditions worldwide.

Father Christmas is said to live at the North Pole, a snowy and magical place. There, he has a cozy home and a busy workshop full of cheerful elves. These elves assist him in making toys and carefully read letters from children. His home feels special since it embodies kindness, teamwork, and the magic of winter.

In many stories, the Christmas legend travels on Christmas Eve in a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer. He quietly slides down chimneys, leaves gifts, and spreads happiness while children sleep. His red suit, white beard, round belly, and joyful laugh make him easily recognizable. Plus, saying “ho ho ho” is one of his most famous features.

The jolly man in red is popular because he stands for giving, sharing, and believing in good things. Writing letters to him and tracking his journey are fun traditions for families. His most outstanding achievement is bringing smiles to millions of children each year. Ultimately, this beloved figure reminds everyone that kindness is the greatest gift of all.

Is there any Japanese lore about Santa Claus?

In Japan, Saint Nicholas is known as Santa-san or Santa Kurosu, and he differs slightly from Western stories. He is seen as a cheerful winter guest who visits Japan during Christmas time! His story arrived from the West, but Japan shaped him with its own culture. Over time, he became part of a fun seasonal celebration rather than a religious figure.

The Japanese Santa doesn’t always reside in one specific location, but he is often associated with snowy northern lands. Many stories depict him watching children quietly from a distance. A popular tale says he has eyes on the back of his head to see good behavior. This playful idea helps children remember to be kind and honest.

One famous Japanese Santa story originates from a book titled Santa Kurō, published in 1900. It tells of a winter rescue in Nagano, where kindness saves a traveler. Later, that traveler returns on Christmas Eve with gifts and rice for the family. He signs his note as Santa Kurō, a gentle old man from the north.

In Japan today, children write letters and leave them under their pillows, rather than leaving them under the chimney. Santa-san brings gifts quietly while families sleep. During this season, cities in Japan shine with bright lights, Santa Claus figures, and cozy decorations that create a cheerful mood!

How did he arrive in Japan from Finland?

On November 28, 2025, Santa Claus happily arrived in Japan on a Finnair flight from Finland. For many years, this visit has been a special tradition in Japan, dating back to 1983. Each year, the highlight is meeting the real Finnish Santa, officially recognized by the Santa Claus Foundation. People of all ages line up to see him and share the Christmas spirit.

This time, he landed at Narita Airport near Tokyo, waving and saying “Merry Christmas” with a big smile. Instead of a sleigh, he came by airplane, which made the moment feel modern and exciting. This perfect timing helped the Christmas season in Japan begin with joy and happiness.

During the visit, Santa came not only to promote Finnair but also to share an important message. He gently explained that Christmas is not only about gifts, but also about kindness, love, and caring hearts. As he wore his red suit and long white beard, he greeted everyone with calm and warmth.

This year, Santa will not stay in just one place, but will visit Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka to spread Christmas joy. Along the way, he shook hands, posed for photos, and listened closely to children. Most importantly, he shared his hope that Japanese children would treat others with kindness and respect.

Why is his visit meaningful to many people in Japan?

Santa Claus’s presence is meaningful to many people in Japan as it brings a shared feeling of care, hope, and gentle connection at the end of the year. His presence is not about belief or gifts, but about slowing down and remembering kindness in daily life. For children, meeting this Christmas legend feels like meeting a promise that good actions matter.

For adults, it evokes warm memories and provides a quiet respite from busy routines. In Japan, it also represents how a global tradition can be welcomed and reshaped with local values. His visit feels respectful, calm, and open to everyone, regardless of age or background. Have you ever met Santa Claus or joined an event with him? Share your experience with us in the comments!