Japan Christmas Gift Cards Cake and present

Christmas (クリスマス) is coming soon, many people all over the world are ready to celebrate it, including in Japan. But, do you ever think what Christmas is like in Japan ? Like another East Asia Country, Japan is not a Christian country, but it is estimated that less than 1% of Japan's population is Christian.

Christmas day in Japan is known as a festival, a time to spread happiness rather than a religious celebration. Christmas Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is thought of as a romantic day, in which couples spend together and exchange presents, in many ways.

No matter what is your religion or belief, people celebrate Christmas happily in Japan, although they may be don't know what the origin of Christmas is. The big corporations do the main decorating. They light their buildings and the trees.

Japanese Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Meri Kurisumasu'. Parties are often held for children, with games and dancing. Japanese Christmas Cake is a sponge cake decorated with trees, flowers and a figure of Santa Claus.

what is the special food during Christmas in Japan ? The answer is Chicken. It is the busiest time of year for restaurants such as KFC and people can place orders at their local fast food restaurant in advance.

The traditional Japanese Christmas food is Christmas cake, but it's not a rich fruit cake, but is usually a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream.

Sending gift and exchanging Christmas gifts is a custom till today in Japan. For references, here are some famous Japan Christmas Gift :



Japan Christmas gift black two tiered box



Japanese Christmas Cake. It's common to eat Christmas cakes on Christmas Eve in Japan. Typical Japanese Christmas cakes are round sponge cakes with whipped cream and fruit toppings. To bake a fluffy sponge cake, make sure to whisk eggs very well.



Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and he comes bearing gifts! This basket is a great gift for a baby's first Christmas. The red bodysuit has a Christmas tree on the front with the words "My 1st Christmas" on it.



The KFC 「パーティ・バーレル」 (“Party Barrel“). KFC is one of the busiest place during Christmas besides cake shops in Japan



Japan Christmas Cards Geisha and Santas



Japan Christmas Cards



With best wishes for christmas and a happy new year



These are really cute animal stickers and Christmas greeting card By Kamio Japan. It's called "greeting card seal". The texture of these stickers are sparkle. There are cute felt bear plush, felt rabbit plush, felt Christmas cake, gingerbread man, candles, candy, Christmas presents and etc

Watch We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Japanese Christmas Song video here

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Japan Gothic Lolita Fashion Style

Lolita is a first used as a Vladimir Nabokov's famous sexy novel, but later used as a fashion style especially in Japan fashion. Lolita style used to be a sexual cosplay fashion, altough now most followers of the style do not consider it overtly sexual. It's not a movement about a sexual style. In point of fact, there is less skin showing in this fashion style than in most others worn by young people.

Lolita can not be seperated with Gothic. Gothic Lolita (known in Japan as gosurori, "goth-loli") is a mixture of the Gothic and Lolita fashion. The origins of the Japanese Gothic style can be traced back to the English New Wave Movement during the 1980s: however, the Japanese Gothic scene is fundamentally different from the Gothic subcultures of the west.This Gothic fashion has been adopted into the Lolita fashion through the use of darker make up, clothing, and themes in the design.

‘Gothloli’, as it’s known, has been around in Japan in one form or another since the late 70s. Currently, the fashion has several sub-branches that mix gothic, punk and Victorian styles in various ratios, from the sweet lolitas in their pristine paniered skirts to the slashed, splattered and tattered rags of the guro goths.

Why people wear Lolita ?
The young men and women dress in a fashion related to the Victorian era, in a style that the dolls of the time were dressed in. They want to show their protest and rebel against the constraints still put upon Japanese women. Basically, there's a lot of reasons and explanations why people choose this fashion style.

Lolita has many styles and types such as :

1. Sweet Lolita: Pink and white are the main colors with lots of frills and lace. They young women will carry around teddy bears, parasols and other things which increase even further the cuteness quotient. It has a very, very innocent look to it, nothing challenging or nasty at all. (There is some argument about this, though, in that some sources say that carrying toys around shifts the style into kawaii and not lolita.)





2. Gothic Lolita: Again, there is a tendency to confuse terms. Using the word "Gothic" would cause many people to think along the lines of safety pins, all-black clothing and nasty behavior, but in the fashion sense only the all-black is actually used, and even a mix of black and white clothing will be found. The accessories carried around include purses and parasols. There is some argument I've seen about other colors; some sources say darker sheds of red, green, blue and purple will also be used, and other sources say it's almost totally limited to black and white or all-black clothing.





3. Gothic Aristocrat: This is a more mature look than the above two forms, the people looking quite aristocratic in their dress.

4. Kodona: This is a more male-oriented fashion

5. British Aristocrat/Dandy: a more adult version of Kodona.

6. Wa-Lolita: A mix of the Lolita fashions with the more traditional kimono and yukata fashions.

7. Classic Lolita : Classic Lolita is a more mature style of Lolita that focuses on Baroque, Regency, and Rocaille styles. Colors and patterns used in classic Lolita can be seen as somewhere between the Gothic and sweet styles; it is not as dark as Gothic Lolita, but not as cutesy as sweet Lolita.

8. Punk Lolita : Punk Lolita (or Lolita Punk) adds punk fashion elements to Lolita fashion. Motifs that are usually found in punk clothing, such as tattered fabric, ties, safety pins and chains, screen-printed fabrics, plaids, and short, androgynous hairstyles are incorporated into the Lolita look.


Lolita fashion can be even considered a movement where girls ranging from pre-teens to late 20's fight the current fashion with modesty. It allows a girl to feel young, cute, beautiful or off- limits, depending on which type of Lolita a girl chooses to be




A girl with a Lolita Fashion



Elegant Gothic Lolita



You can buy gothic lolita fasion in many shops at Japan. There are many shops along Takeshita Street in Harajuku that offers pre-assembled outfits to fit in with the cool kids on Omotesando. One outfit can cost about $300.


Watch Japan Gothic Lolita style in Harajuku Tokyo Video here

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Japan Wedding Bridal Dress Gown

Japan is the fastest growing economy in Asia, but the country still holding a strong traditions. In Japanese Wedding nowadays, the old traditional culturess are still heavily holded. Only a small members of family between the bride and groom are attending the ceremony.

Although Japan now is a modern country, influenced with western style, but Japanese Brides must wear their traditions costumes, The man must be painted white from head to toe as a symbol of purity. The Japanese wedding dress consists of a long white kimono called shiro-maku. Japanese brides also wear their hair in an elaborate traditional style decorated with combs and other accessories. During the Japanese ceremony a hood covers the Japanese brides head to signify that she will be a serene and patient wife.

Japanese brides also carry traditional accessories much like the "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" of the American wedding. They carry a small, sack-like purse, known as hakoseko, and a delicate sheathed dagger, called a kaiken.

Some photos of Japanese wedding gown, or Japanese Wedding Dress, including the kimono styles, western gown styles, or pre wedding in Japanese Styles.


Japan Wedding Gown











Japan Kimono for wedding dress



Japan Bridal Dress



Japan Hello Kitty Wedding Gown


Japan Style Pre Wedding

Watch Japan Barbie Bridal Fashion Show Claudia KURAUDIA video here

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Akihabara Japan Latest Electronics Shopping

Akihabara (秋葉原) ("Field of Autumn Leaves"), also known as Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原電気街 Akihabara Denki Gai), is an area of Tokyo, Japan. What make Akihara so famous is AKihabara or Akiba is the central of Electronic shops in Japan.

Akihabara is the biggest electronics shop district in the world and one of the most important Japanese pop culture springs. Akihabara dreamed place for gadget, technology, anime, video games, robots and manga lovers.

Akihabara is the otaku of those who interested in Cosplay, Anime, Manga, and video playings. We can see the latest fashion in Japanese Electronic goods.

Major stores in Akihabara :

1. Ishimaru Denki
Operating ten stores across Akihabara, including the Main Store, Number One branch and Ekimae branch for electronic equipment, the Pasokon branch for PCs and the Game One and Soft One to Three branches for CDs, DVDs, games and anime related goods

2. Sofmap
Sofmap operates as many as 16 shops in the Akihabara area including multiple branches, which specialize in used computers. The stores are numbered from 1 to 14 plus the main store and the Kakuta branch. A duty free floor can be found in store number one.

3. Laox
Operating eight stores in Akihabara, including the Main Store, Computer branch, Duty Free Akihabara branch and Watch & Camera Branch, the Gakkikan branch for music instruments and three Asobit City branches for hobby and game related products.

4. Yamada Denki - Labi Akihabara
Yamada Denki operates a "LABI" store just across the street from the Akihabara Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station. It specializes in personal computers, pc accessories, and household electronics.

5. Akky
Akky operates three duty free shops in the area around Akihabara Station: Akky Main Store, Akky II and Akky III. Products on sale include a variety of electronic equipment for overseas use, including cameras, computers, televisions, DVD players and software.

6. Yodobashi Camera
The Shinjuku based discount electronic store giant Yodobashi Camera opened its huge Akihabara branch in September 2005. Unlike most other electronic shops, it is located on the east side of Akihabara Station, in the new Yodobashi Akiba Building.














Watch Akihabara Electric City Tokyo Japan video here

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Yukata Japan Traditional Kimono Dress

Yukata (浴衣) is the simple model of Kimono, Japanese Traditional Dress.

The yukata is a japanese summer kimono worn by both men and women. The name yukata comes from the word "yu" (bath) and "katabira" (under clothing ). Thousandsof years ago, Court Nobles wore linen "yukatabira" which were draped loosely after taking a bath. It gradually became worn by japanese warriors and then by the general public when the sophisticated japanese public bath became popular. Today, the traditional japanese yukata is widely used for everything from festivals, ryokan, summer daily wear to simple night attire. In Japan, the yukata is the most popular daily clothing wear and is beloved for its 100% lightweight cotton fabric. The fabric designs vary from the traditional plain cross hatch pattern to more colorful scenery designs.

People wearing yukata are a common sight in Japan at fireworks displays, bon-odori festivals, and other summer events. The yukata is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional Japanese inns. Though their use is not limited to after-bath wear, yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes.

Japanese yukatas are one size fits all and measured in length. Length is measured from shoulder to the yukata bottom. Our beautiful yukata make wonderful robes and great japanese gifts!


How To Wear Yukata :
To wear a yukata pull the right side of the material around your body from right to left, then pull the left side of the yukata around your body from right to left and over the right side. Wrap the sash-style belt around your waist and tie in a bow. You're done!

There are various style of Yukata. Yukata Princess Robe, Yukata Plum Blossom, Yukata Sumo Design, Yukata Crane Stream. Photos of Yukata, Japanese Traditional Dress here :



Yukata Japanese Traditional Dress



Yukata Princess Robe
This cotton kimono is light and comfortable. Size: Length 137 cm (54 in.); width: 62 cm (24.5 in.)



Yukata Plum Blossom

Made from the finest cotton and lovingly designed, yukata are Japan's summer kimono. They are easy to wear and comfortable and come complete with a cotton sash. Size: length 142 cm (56 in.); width: 62cm (24.5 in.)



Yukata Sumo Design

Yukata are easy to wear, light and comfortable for both men and women - complete with a cotton sash. Size: 152 cm (59.8 in.); width: 69 cm (27.2 in.)



Yukata Crane Stream

Made from the finest cotton and lovingly designed, yukata are Japan's summer kimono. They are easy to wear and comfortable and come complete with a cotton sash. Size: length 142 cm (56 in.); width: 62cm (24.5 in.)

Watch How to wear a yukata, Japan Traditional Dress like Kimono, Video here

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Jak Japan Matsuri Festival in Indonesia

Japan is a country with strong culture and still holding the traditional culture although also open with high techonology.

Celebrating a local event or festival is a must in every city in Japan. Every local district has it own festival, and celebrated annually altough may be different on date.

Matsuri (祭) is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular. There are countless local festivals (matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine's deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festival are held over several days.

Japan Matsuri Festival in Indonesia

Japan Culture is not a new thing for Indonesia Country. Many Japanese ideas are well accepted in the country which has Islam as a majority religion. Let's say japan dorama, japan anime, japan manga, japan songs, japan cosplay, japan food with its sushitei, japan hairstyles, japan fashion, until japan costumes.

Japan Matsuri will take place in several places in Jakarta city from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11, and will feature various Japanese cultural performances, as well as exhibitions, seminars and contests.

Head of the organizing committee, Kuroda Kenichi, said the festival was held to gather the efforts of stakeholders who had frequently hold forums here to maintain the two countries' relations.

"At this festival, we will gather the Indonesian and the Japanese communities through a series of events that will allow them to interact.

"We hope the festival will become an annual event in Jakarta and can be expanded to other cities in Indonesia in the future."

The festival is supported by Jakarta-based groups, including the Jakarta Japan Club, Jakarta Shimbun daily and Jakarta Matsuri Noai.


Photos of Jak Japan Matsuri 2009, contains Japan cultures, japan customes, Japan Hero in Manga or Anime :

























Watch KOMUTOKU @ Jak Japan Matsuri 2009, Monas Jakarta Video here

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Japan Anime Character Cosplay Photos

Japan is famous for its manga, anime and games characters. A lot of japan mangas now are really popular all over the world. Who don't know Naruto, Death Note, Bleach, Soul Eater, One Piece, or Games such as Final Fantasy, Devil May Cry, until some old manga characters like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Saint Seiya, Kamen Rider Series, Gundam, etc.

However, Japanese is such a creative and full of ideas peoples. They will imitate their manga or anime idols by wearing their costumes and accessories, to feel and act just their hero. Gradually becoming a signature style for the very fashion-conscious Japanese teens, Anime also launched a new craze in the hairstyle domain, just like the famous Harajuku hairstyles, this trend also spreads its ‘animated’ atmosphere all over the world.

The anime fashion is called cosplay. Cosplay fashion has evolved over the past 10 years or so: when I first arrived in Japan over 5 years ago, `gyaru` or `yomamba` fashion was still popular- a range of bizarre and fetishized takes on a blank canvas of an ultra-dark tan, bleached hair, and intense black and white face-paint, as popularized by J-pop idol Namie Amuro in the 90`s. This style evolved through chic, gothic lolita, hawaiian, and many other permutations. Some of them looked elaborately beautiful, like the voodoo `Calypso` from Pirates of the Caribbean, while others were just the opposite, bordering on the disturbing.

Besides Cosplay, there are still some style that evolved very well in japanese teens nowadays such as Harajuku Style, Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei, Kawaii, Decora.

Here are some photos of japanese men or girls in cosplay fashion. They are like a real hero from their idol character.





















Watch he International Cosplay Convention in Nagoya in 2008. We dressed up as a Power Ranger (Lee) and a Batman/Kuala-bear type thing (Lindsay) and took part in a parade of 100's of Cosplay peeps from all over the world.

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