It’s no secret that Japan is known for coming up with some, er, interesting interpretations of Xmas traditions, but none are more amusing than their seasonal takes on St. Nicholas himself.
Without any religious or cultural tradition behind it, Christmas in Japan is a huge romantic/date holiday (second only to Valentine’s Day), but they haven’t escaped the less-cherished tradition of the company holiday party.
It’s considered bad form not to give at least a passing nod to the season, but dressing in Xmas-themed garb without looking schlumpy in front of your office crush is a burning issue when the main costume option is a fat old guy with a beard.
Costume makers of Japan to the rescue!
They’ve been especially inventive on the behalf of women when it comes to recasting the jolly old elf. Sexy Santa: it’s a Thing. But there are only so many ways to mini-skirtify that traditional fur-trimmed garb…
…before being tempted to take additional liberties. This midriff-baring red plaid number (with cat ears to perk up that dowdy Santa hat) for example…
Or this off-the-shoulder frock celebrating the real heroes of Santa’s midnight sleigh ride. The mini-antler headband tells everyone they’d better watch out, because a “Bitter Reindeer” is coming their way.
And if you’re already dressing as an animal instead of an elf, why stop at reindeer, which—let’s be honest—have limited fantasy appeal? How about Sexy Xmas Werewolf instead?
It’s always safe to avoid Santa altogether and dress as a tree. But not one inspired by the traditional frumpy evergreen—better make it a slim, sexy silhouette of a tannenbaum.
Which isn’t to say you can’t dress like the jolly old elf and still give off that “come hither” vibe—despite being crafted of red fake fur, this heart-spangled, belly-baring, bunny-eared outfit shouts “I’ve got a present for you” loud and clear.
And no need to waste all that seasonal vibe on the office-mates—this take on Old Saint Nick would be more at home in a bedroom than a boardroom.
And guys, don’t despair! You too can avoid channeling Old Codger with a Face Rug. Lose the pillow under the shirt and don some shades…
Or bail on the suit look altogether and make your entrance as swashbuckling Bringer Of Cheer instead
Dressing as hipster Rudolph is never wrong…
…or if you fancy yourself more of a pop star type, you can always ditch the nose and get your twelve best buddies to join you dressed identically as a reindeer idol group.
And last but not least, even a traditional Santa suit can get them fanning themselves from across the room if it’s worn it properly…
•
Click here for more Why, Japan, Why? posts
•
Or get more amusing Japan stuff sent to your email every month when you subscribe!
•
•
Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Japanagram 