Christmas in Japan has some pretty unique traditions which might surprise you. While families in Western countries get together to eat roast dinner, Japanese families often celebrate with a KFC Christmas bucket — a beloved custom that’s become a national phenomenon.
Light and airy Christmas sponge cake has become the signature dessert, and December 24th is especially significant, particularly for young couples who treat it as a romantic holiday.
Even though there are some unique traditions, Christmas in Japan is a lot like the rest of the world in terms of the joy and festivities. If you want to mix things up with your holiday menu or just try something new, these recipes are perfect for your dinner table!
1. Soy-Glazed Christmas Chicken Leg Quarter
This Soy-Glazed Christmas Chicken is a total showstopper. The rich soy sauce glaze gives it a nice mahogany shine, and the yuzu citrus adds a surprising brightness to each tender bite.
While KFC might be Japan’s famous Christmas tradition, these roast chicken leg quarters are also popular options. To give an even more festive touch, I used yuzu for the glaze and marinade!
These delicious oven-roasted chicken leg quarters are coated with a sticky, sweet and zesty soy sauce and yuzu glaze. It’s a relatively new Japanese Christmas tradition that I look forward to every year!
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2. Light and Fluffy Japanese Christmas Cake
Japanese Christmas Strawberry Shortcake is a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s got layers of light Genoise sponge cake with fresh whipped cream and bright strawberries in the middle, making a gorgeous centerpiece that’s not as heavy as traditional Christmas sweets.
It’s an ideal choice for families seeking to start new holiday traditions with a dessert that’s both fun and universally loved.
Wow your family and friends this holiday season with this stunning Japanese Christmas cake made with light and fluffy sponge, freshly whipped cream and vibrant strawberries. It’s sure to be a hit across generations!
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3. Japanese-Style Roast Beef
Japanese-style stovetop “Roast Beef” is a total game-changer for holiday cooking. You can make it ahead of time, and it’ll still taste perfect. You don’t even need an oven!
The beef is thinly sliced and served chilled with a tasty soy sauce dressing and wasabi for extra Japanese flavor. It’s ideal for entertainers who love to prep ahead, as this showstopper tastes even better when made in advance.
Use Japanese cooking techniques and flavors to create the most tender and flavorful “roast beef” with an umami-packed homemade sauce!
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4. Matcha Christmas Cookies
Make your holiday cookie platter stand out with elegant Matcha Butter Cookies, where classic Christmas shapes meet the sophisticated flavor of Japanese green tea.
The cookies’ unique piped designs, reminiscent of Christmas trees and wreaths, show how this Japanese-Western fusion dessert is both versatile and delicious! They also make great gifts for fans of matcha.
These beautiful swirled butter cookies are naturally flavored and colored with matcha green tea powder, the perfect way to add a Japanese twist to your holiday baking. They also make great gifts for matcha-lovers!
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5. Japanese Potato Salad
Make your Christmas spread stand out with this unique Japanese potato salad, where crispy bacon meets creamy potatoes in a flavorful izakaya-inspired twist. This reimagined side dish perfectly balances savory depth with crunchy vegetables, creating an addictive dish that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
If you’re a host looking to show your guests Japanese fusion cuisine without going too far from the usual holiday flavors, this is the perfect choice.
This izakaya-inspired Japanese potato salad is packed with crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables and seasoned with Japanese condiments to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish!
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6.Matcha Tiramisu
Make your Christmas dessert unforgettable with this Japanese-inspired Matcha Tiramisu!
Each layer combines the richness of mascarpone with precisely measured matcha, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning, perfectly creamy and deeply flavorful.
Matcha Tiramisu is the perfect fusion no-bake dessert made with layers of rich, velvety matcha mascarpone cream and spongy matcha-soaked ladyfingers. It’s a must-try for all matcha lovers!
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7. Multiply Points
Looking to add something unique to your Christmas spread? Yawata Maki delivers both beauty and flavor with its perfectly glazed meat rolls stuffed with vibrant vegetables. This Kyoto creation adds an elegant Japanese touch to any holiday table.
While traditionally served for New Year in Japan, their glossy teriyaki-style finish and colorful vegetables make them look like Christmas ornaments.
Beef Yawata Maki is a traditional dish from Kyoto made with beautifully arranged vegetables wrapped in tender beef or eel coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze. This stunning dish is popular in Osechi and makes a great appetizer or side dish!
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8. Matcha Roll Cake
Make your Christmas dessert unforgettable with this bakery-style Matcha Roll Cake.
The matcha sponge is super light, wrapped around fresh cream and strawberries. It’s got a festive green and red look that’s perfect for the holidays.
This melt-in-mouth matcha roll cake is made with fresh cream and strawberries wrapped in a beautifully fluffy green tea infused sponge. Wow your friends and family with this Japanese bakery style dessert!
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9. Matcha White Hot Chocolate
Embrace Japanese-inspired holiday magic with this striking Matcha White Hot Chocolate.
The mix of earthy matcha and smooth white chocolate makes a sophisticated alternative to regular cocoa, and its gorgeous green color naturally goes well with your Christmas decorations.
Matcha latte meets white hot chocolate with this sweet, creamy, and decadent Matcha White Hot Chocolate made with pieces of real chocolate!
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10. Nama Chocolate
Nama Chocolate is the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations, offering a taste of Japanese luxury.
Their sophisticated presentation and rich cocoa coating make them an impressive addition to holiday gift boxes.
These luxuriously creamy Japanese Nama Chocolates will melt in your mouth! They’re super easy to make, only require 5 ingredients and make the perfect gift.
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