The History of Christmas Cakes in Japan

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Santa Claus? Beautifully decorated trees? Twinkling lights and maybe some gently falling snow (depending on where you find yourself in the world)? And all of this may be true! But what if I told you Japan has its own unique Christmas traditions that don’t involve many of those things? What if I told you that one of Japan’s greatest Christmas traditions is a cake?

While cakes are bound to appear at Christmas celebrations around the world, Japan does it differently. Not only does cake make an appearance, it is part of the main event! Now you might wonder how and why such a simple dessert could have such an impact and be so closely associated with Christmas. The answer dates back to the 19th century, and perhaps even earlier!

A Sweet Peek into the Past

Christmas was introduced to Japan in the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries first landed there and it is thought that the idea of Christmas cake first developed in the late 19th century when Japan opened its borders to the outside world. Foreign missionaries and traders brought with them their holiday traditions, including many Western dishes new to Japan.

At that time, the ingredients used to make these Western holiday sweets (flour, butter, and sugar) were still expensive luxuries only the rich could afford. It wasn’t until after WWII in the mid-1950s and 1960s that cake truly gained popularity in Japan as ingredients became more readily available (and the refrigerator became commonplace in Japan, allowing for such decadent desserts). Cake became a symbol of the wealth, prosperity, and commercialism Japan was experiencing after the war.

However, it wasn’t just easy access to ingredients that made Christmas cake so successful. Like some other Japanese holiday traditions (namely Christmas Kentucky Fried Chicken) the popularity of the Christmas cake is largely due to a successful advertising campaign. In the early 1900s, a confectionary company Fujiya Co. launched a campaign for its “gateau fraise” (strawberry shortcake). This style of cake grew to become associated with Christmas and would see a rise in popularity post-WWII.

Now, What is a Japanese Christmas Cake?

Unlike boozy British Christmas cakes and dense fruit cakes, the Japanese Christmas cake is made from a light sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It is a sweet, fresh confection with a light texture, despite the generous layers of whipped cream.

The ingredients of the Japanese Christmas cake are not just delectable, they’re also symbolic! The white and red are of course the colors of the Japanese flag, but they also symbolize prosperity and good fortune.

Where to Find a Christmas Cake and Its Evolution

While the classic strawberry shortcake is the staple for holiday celebrations, bakeries around Japan have contemporary takes on it, incorporating new flavors and designs. Leading up to the holidays, you can find them almost anywhere in Japan (even at 7-Elevens). And they’re simple enough to give making them a go if you miss out on making an early reservation for one!

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.