Boy was I surprised the first time I learned about the traditions for a Japanese Christmas; Cake & Fried Chicken!
In America, and many other countries, it is common to eat turkey or a large ham for Christmas dinner. Then bake some fresh gingerbread man cookies and eat candy canes. Maybe even have a pie or the dreaded fruitcake (this is not a cake).
Upon further thought, I can understand why Japan has the tradition of fried chicken and cake. Turkey is just not that common and neither is pie. So if someone asked me what is another food similar to turkey, I would say chicken. The same goes for pie, I would answer cake.
I am not that big of a traditionalist, so I really enjoy seeing how culture changes from country to country and I am willing to adapt. That is why my family buys cake every year.
One of the most amazing things about cakes in Japan is that they are so beautiful. I almost feel bad eating them.
