Christmas in Tokyo

The rosemary Christmas tree is trimmed and the Kagoshima driftwood tree has its lights on that we bought at the 100yen store! Its Christmas in Tokyo! I must say that, for a people who claim to be mostly Buddhist and partly Shintoist, the Japanese seem like they could have invented Christmas. As soon as Dec. 1st hit, there were Christmas songs in every store and lights all over the place. The Japanese word for Christmas light display is "irumineishyon!" and the locals are always flocking to this years best lights. Usually it involves a sub-par tree and a few pokemon dolls with very gimpy lights thrown in, but "irumineishyon!" never fails to enthrall the revelers. On the subway trains, there is even a Christmas tree contest showing various Christmas trees decorated from around Tokyo. It is aptly titled: "I love you! Tree" What can I say, its the most wonderful time of the year and I can't wait to be back in Indy! Only 9 more days!