Goodbye Xmas

After the weeks of muzak build-up, Japan retires Xmas with merciful speed. On the night of the 25th, the last Xmas cakes are discounted and forgotten. I kind of miss the US tradition of witnessing the first Xmas tree junked on the curb. The closer to the 25th the public abandonment, somehow the more worthy of attention. In Tokyo, I guess I can safely forget about the close association between Jesus’ birth and the by-reservation only consuming of fast food fried chicken. If any aficionados are reading this blog, please let me know how Mos and KFC and others compare.

Creepy Neverland-themed Christmas ride

From my tipster Ericthefez, with this note: “Sorry the photo is such poor quality.  I found this ‘ride concept’ at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park kind of creepy.  I let <my only daughter, name redacted> go on the swings, but you better believe I kept a close eye on her.”

In related Xmas news, I heard my first “Last Christmas” song over the weekend, so yes, holiday madness is upon Japan. Fortunately, what Japan lacks in memory-crushing medicinal meds, they make up for in memory-suppressing booze, love for drinking, and end of year “forgetting” parties (bounenkai, perfect for work or friends).

BTW, which do you find more insipid, the George Michael’s original 1980s version of “Last Christmas” or Exile’s more recent cover? What would the Japanese royal family prefer? Please feel free to comment (without defaming our majesties).