Quick Answer: KFC and cake are Christmas staples in Japan. The Christmas cake tradition began with Fujiya's founding in 1910, with shortcake introduced in 1922 (per Fujiya official timeline). Strawberry and cream cake became established as the symbol of "Japanese Christmas = cake" over more than 100 years. According to surveys, about 50% of people cite cake as "essential" for Christmas.
📌 Related Article: Also check out Why Japan Eats KFC for Christmas.
Why Do Japanese People Eat Cake for Christmas?
Growing up, my mother always prepared cake and bone-in chicken for Christmas. As a Japanese person, I assumed this was American culture—so I was genuinely surprised when an American friend told me "that's not a thing" in the US.
This experience made me realize that Japanese Christmas isn't a direct copy of Western traditions, but a culture uniquely developed in Japan.
What Makes Japanese Christmas Cake Unique?
Japanese Christmas cake has some distinctive features compared to other countries.
- Strawberry shortcake is the standard: While Western countries have various options like Bûche de Noël and Stollen, Japan overwhelmingly favors the combination of white cream and red strawberries
- Strong cake-Christmas connection: In America, pies and cookies are common. Few countries have "Christmas = cake" as firmly established as Japan
- About 100 years of history: Started by Fujiya in the 1910s and became widespread after WWII—a relatively recent tradition
History of Japanese Christmas Cake
1. Fujiya and the Beginning of Christmas Cake
The Christmas cake tradition dates back to Fujiya's founding in 1910 (Meiji 43) (per Fujiya official timeline). Cakes at that time were made with dried fruits and liquor-infused batter topped with sugar icing (fondant)—very expensive "luxury items for special occasions."
2. The Emergence of Shortcake
In 1922, Fujiya introduced shortcake (per Fujiya official timeline). In the 1930s, decorated cakes with strawberries appeared, and the prototype of "strawberry and cream Christmas cake" is said to have been completed around 1933.
In 1952, after WWII, Fujiya held a major Christmas sale. From then on, Christmas cake spread to the general public, and strawberry shortcake became the symbol of Christmas.
3. The Current Cake Market
- October-early November: Reservations begin (some convenience stores start October 1)
- Just before Christmas: Popular shops sell out on reservations; day-of stock often gone by early afternoon
4. Diverse Lineup
Beyond the classic shortcake, there's chocolate cake, cheesecake, Bûche de Noël-style roll cake, character cakes, and more. Collaboration cakes with anime characters and famous patissiers are popular, and with their Instagram appeal, reservations pour in especially from younger customers.
Timeline and Costs
| Item | Timeline | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reservations open | October-early November | - |
| Shortcake | Reservation recommended | About ¥3,000-5,000 |
| Luxury hotel-supervised | Reservation recommended | Over ¥10,000 |
| Day-of purchase | December 24 | May sell out by early afternoon |
📌 Tip: Popular shops often sell out on reservations, so reserve early. FamilyMart has transitioned to reservation-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Japanese people start eating Christmas cake?
Since Fujiya's founding in 1910. Initially it was expensive fruit cake, but shortcake was introduced in 1922, and around 1933 the prototype of "strawberry and cream Christmas cake" was completed. It spread to the general public from Fujiya's 1952 Christmas sale.
Do people eat cake for Christmas overseas?
Some Western countries do eat cake at Christmas, but nowhere is "Christmas = cake" as strong as in Japan. In America, pies, cookies, and roast turkey are more common.
What's special about convenience store Christmas cakes?
- Lawson: Collaborations with luxury confectionery brands, "high quality despite being a convenience store" approach
- 7-Eleven: Idol group-supervised cakes (around ¥2,000) for buzz
- FamilyMart: Reservation-only to reduce food waste
Cultural Context
Why Did This Tradition Develop?
In Japan, Christmas developed as a commercial event rather than a religious holiday. Rather than directly copying Western traditions, Japan has adapted them in its own way. Postwar confectionery shop promotions and the existence of Western Christmas sweets (Bûche de Noël, Stollen) may have led to the association that "they must eat cake for Christmas in the West too."
Economic Impact
Christmas is the confectionery industry's busiest period.
- Market size: Estimates range widely from several hundred million to ¥250 billion yen (depending on definition and survey method)
- Consumer awareness: About 50% cite cake as "essential for Christmas" (Cross Marketing 2023 survey)
- Price range: ¥3,000-5,000 is typical; luxury hotel-supervised cakes exceed ¥10,000
Christmas remains "the day when the most cakes are sold all year."
Evolution of Sales Strategies
Reservations begin in late October, with early reservation benefits including discounts and point bonuses. To reduce food waste, FamilyMart has transitioned to reservation-only.
Regional Notes
While widespread nationally, product lineups and reservation methods vary by store.
Sources
- Fujiya official website "History of Fujiya" (Christmas cake sales began 1910, shortcake introduced 1922, confirmed: 2025-12-21)
- Cross Marketing "Christmas Survey (2023)" (confirmed: 2025-12-21)