Christmas in Japan is celebrated differently than in Western Christian traditions. While Christianity is a minority religion in Japan, Christmas has become a popular cultural holiday influenced by American customs like gift giving between family and friends. Christmas Eve in Japan focuses on romantic nights out for couples at restaurants, enhanced by snow in northern areas. While not a native holiday, Christmas traditions in Japan have grown since World War II through foreign influences, though New Year's remains the most important celebration on the Japanese calendar with families spending time together through meals and temple visits.