Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Shinnen Omedeto"
Location: Asia Pacific Rim
Tree Type: Cultural

Decorations:
- The ornaments are made of paper and are created using the ancient art of paper folding (Origami).
- The crane is a symbol of peace and long life. Tradition states that if you fold a thousand cranes, you will live a long life.

Traditions:
Christmas festivities in Japan make up only a small portion of the larger New Year celebrations. While only about one percent of Japan's population celebrates Christmas, its secular effects can be felt by everyone. Most businesses display images of Christmas trees and Santa Claus in addition to hundreds of electric lights. The 24th falls in the midst of countless bounekai (forget the past year's troubles parties), and many couples take the opportunity to spend a romantic evening together.

Certain Christmas traditions are unique to Japan. The Daiku, or Great Nine is performed every year. Daiku refers to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Christmas cake, usually a sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream, appears on nearly every Christian table. Presents are not delivered by Santa, but rather by a Japanese priest god named Hoteiosho, whose eyes in the back of his head make him uniquely suited to watch for naughty and nice children.

Japanese Christmas trees, a normal part of New Year celebrations as well, are usually artificial. They're decorated with lanterns, paper ornaments, small toys, olden fans, wind chimes, and origami swans.