“There is a tradition, credited by many, that if a group of strangers gather together on New Year’s Eve and ask Hotei for the same gift, provided they have strength of will and truly believe that he will grant it, Hotei will indeed give them what they ask for.”

Source, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Hotei by Jennifer Polden via A to Z Photo Dictionary Japanese Buddhist Statuary

Santa is not forgotten in Japan, in fact he made an appearance in a popular monthly picture book for children titled Kodomo No Tomo in 1914.   Hmm, he carries a sack of gifts too!  So Hotei or Santa in Japan – what do you think?

Kochi from Tofugu, a self described “wonky Japanese Language & culture blog”, kindly took the time to translate the caption of this lovely old Christmas scene from Japan.  It reads:

“In the middle of the night, Hanako thought (she saw) Santa came with some dolls. In the morning upon waking up, looking from her bed she saw the dolls left behind. Was Santa’s coming a dream? Or was it real?”

To read more about Christmas in Japan be sure to follow the JapanSoc Community Christmas Blog Matsuri (carnival).

Image Credit:  FLickr, Belly Laugh & Wikimedia, 1914 Santa Claus

Is Harajuku in peril?  International brand-name chain stores like H&M and Gap are stating to take over the streets of Harajuku and even Elvis is being forced to relocate due to increased rental rates in the area.

If you look at historical maps of Tokyo you would learn that Roppongi Hills is where the warriors of the Ako clan committed ritual suicide and that the Odaiba area was part of the ocean.  Historical maps of old Edo help people find find pockets of old Edo in the streets of modern Tokyo (found via Japan Probe).

Looking for Christmas gifts in Tokyo?  The Japan Times offers a guide to the shops of Asakusabashi, part Tokyo’s Shitamachi (old downtown).  Also do some research on Japan inspired gifts for foodies that can be put together with a quick trip to the local supermarket or department store.

A Japanese salary man recently published a poem stating that “The only warmth in my life is the toilet seat.”  Check out some of the cool features that today’s Japanese toilets have to offer.

Makoto Yoshitani is the creator of a popular manga “Otaryman”. The comic book title is a apt combination of two words: “salaryman,” the internationally known word for a loyal, hardworking company employee, and “otaku,” a word often used to describe a socially inept young man obsessed with comics, computers, or anime.  In “Otaryman”, Yoshitani chronicles the existence of an office-bound young man who has zero social skills.

Do you ever wonder what it’s really like to live in Japan?  In mid-December The Nihon Sun will feature the views that many residents have from there office or residence.  Find out how you have your view feature in the article Looking Out My Window in Japan and join us – it’ won’t be all temples and shrines, that’s for sure!

To find more great articles about Japan consider joining me at JapanSoc.  If it’s about Japan and it’s being read or talked about on the internet you will find it at JapanSoc.

Image Credit: Flickr, Priceless & JapanSoc logo used with permission