There’s a Japanese saying that ただものほど高いものはない：”There’s nothing more expensive than something free.” Gift-giving is a delight in any country but sometimes a little paranoia and some misunderstanding can make for a blue Christmas. Japanese-Lebanese film-maker, Soraya Umewaka, has made a delightful little Christmas comedy that captures some of the joys and silliness of Japan’s version of Christmas. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Our editor, Jake Adelstein, contributed to the script.
Typically on Christmas Eve, the custom is for young couples to check into a hotel or love hotel and spend a romantic (sex-filled romp) but if you want one of those videos you will have to check elsewhere.
From all of us at Japan Subculture Research Center, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a delightful Christmas Eve. (Book the hotel early.)
