According to statistics published by Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, as of 2017 there were only 1.9 million Christians in Japan. Once cooled, remove the paper. The history of the Christmas cake in Japan started in the waning days of the Meiji period. Some cakes listed below do not contain fruit. Private Trip: Immersive Art and Otherworldly Landscapes of Santa Fe, Culinary Naples: Producers, Purveyors, and Pizzaioli, Sunday Sabor: A Masterclass in Spanish Rice, Living Between Cultures: Storytelling With Justine Abigail Yu, A Lockpicking Practicum With Schuyler Towne, Kīlauea’s Lava Lake Is Back, and Volcanologists Are Bubbling With Excitement, The Satisfaction of Mathematically Efficient Christmas Cookies, The Australian Town That Turns Trash Into Christmas Trees, Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice, In Wisconsin, Christmas Calls for Raw Meat on Rye, How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language, In Naples, Praying With Skulls Is an Ancient Tradition, Inside a Domed Pyramid With Astounding Acoustics and a History of Miracles, The Return of Japan’s Female Sake Brewers, Every Year, Dresden Kickstarts the Christmas Season With a Four-Ton Cake, You Can Still Buy the Actual Fruitcakes Served at British Royal Weddings, The Haunting History of 'Frozen Charlotte' Dolls, How £100 Bought an Obscure British Actor 224 Years of Cake and Fame, Show & Tell: Inside a House of Hot Sauce With Vic Clinco, The Secret to China's Bounciest Meatballs, Hawaiʻi’s Native-Language Newspaper Archive, 'Discovering' Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Migration, The Real Story Behind George Washington's Dentures, See the Mysterious Horned Helmet of Henry VIII, Reviving America's Forgotten Boozy, Fruity Election Cake, Sign up for our email, delivered twice a week. Remove the cake from the pan and cool it on a rack. In a stand or electric hand mixer, whisk together the oil with the egg yolks and milk. Think Christmas cake and no doubt a rich fruitcake will spring to mind. 5. Christmas once again found its way into the culture in the 1870s as part of the religious freedom movement during the Meiji Restoration, but again faded out during WWII. Furthermore, the white and red combination does make it look Christmas-like. So a cake intended for Christmas that was not eaten or is left over is considered bad and should be thrown out. Christmas Day in Japan. Japan Christmas Cake Recipe . It came back after the war in 1947, helped along in part by the presence of the occupying, mostly American Allied Forces. The cake is easy to make and to decorate as elaborately or as simply as you wish. In Japan, when people talk about Christmas cake, it most often refers to this whipped cream sponge cake decorated with strawberries. The eggs will start to go white and thick. Decorate with strawberries and don’t forget Santa Claus. Place the bowl over warm water in another large bowl and whisk further. shelf life. Pour the batter into the lined cake pan, gently level the top with the back of the spoon, then lift the cake pan 6 inches from the countertop and carefully drop as this will release any large air bubbles from the cake to ensure an even rise. Whichever you choose, however, the cake must always have a Santa Claus somewhere—otherwise, this would not be a traditional Christmas cake! During World War II, western customs were frowned upon, so Christmas was essentially banned. When the egg mixture becomes light yellow, add flour in the mixture and gently mix. Japanese sponge cake is very moist, airy, light, and it’s not overly sweet. The term originates from Japan where it is tradition to eat cake on Christmas. See more ideas about japanese christmas cake, christmas themed desserts, desserts. Get helpful baking tips and recipes for cookies, cakes, breads, and more treats, delivered right to your inbox. But nothing says Christmas in Japan quite like the Christmas cake. Grown-up elegance is a common factor, though, especially since Christmas Eve in Japan is mainly regarded as a day for romance. The strawberry shortcake as we know it now, with its soft sponge cake base, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, only came about in the late 1950s. They didn’t actively encourage the adoption of Christianity, or any other religion. Japanese Christmas cakes are quite different from the long-keeping holiday sweets that are traditional in many Western countries. Whilst not an official holiday in Japan, Christmas presents an opportunity to test out some different holiday traditions than what you may be used to back home. Place the middle layer on the top and repeat. Finish with the top layer, then place in the refrigerator to chill slightly. Strawberries are particularly good at that time of year in Japan, and you can even go strawberry picking during the winter season. Vegan and Vegetarian Christmas Cake. For example, the Bûche de Noël does not contain any fruit; it is not a fruitcake. © 2020 Atlas Obscura. Christmas in Japan. … It’s a status thing. The media disseminated images of Santa Claus, but not obviously Christian symbols such Nativity scenes. After the war, … Bake in the middle of the oven for 55 minutes, checking from time to time to make sure the cake is not browning too quickly; if it is, lower the heat slightly. Yet after the American government, represented by Commodore Matthew Perry, abruptly ended Japan’s long period of isolation in 1853, the Meiji government regarded the adaptation of European customs as critical for Japan to be regarded as a modern country. Should you fancy something a little lighter—but as much of a showstopper as the traditional holiday confection—try a Kurisumasu Keki, or Japanese Christmas cake. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). For a light cheesecake, try this Japanese cheesecake recipe. As the country finally left behind the impoverished postwar period and became more prosperous, Japanese people rapidly adopted the refrigerator along with the black-and-white television and the washing machine, dubbing them the “Three Sacred Treasures.” With a refrigerator, the delicate whipped-cream and fresh strawberry-topped strawberry shortcake could be kept for a day or so. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Lightly grease or spray a 9 1/2-inch round cake tin, then line the bottom and sides with baking parchment with the paper on the sides standing 2 to 3 inches above the tin as this cake will rise very high. The tradition of the Christmas tree was brought into Japan by Christian missionaries, but the first modern Christmas tree appeared in Ginza, around 1910. In Japan, Christmas cakes are a big deal. Japanese Christmas cakes are often decorated with fruits or chocolate, sugar Santas, and other Christmas-themed edible ornaments. Emboldened by their victory over a western power, the nation as a whole became more open to foreign customs. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The sponge cake is a genoise cake, made by beating air into the eggs to make it rise rather than using a … Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. In a scrupulously clean bowl, beat the egg whites, using a stand or electric hand mixer on medium speed until they turn slightly opaque. The Christmas cake tradition in Japan dates back to 1922, but truly started catching on in the 1970’s, around the time our next tradition also began… Fried Chicken Internationally renowned pâtissiers and chocolatiers such as Pierre Hermé, Frédéric Cassel, and Jean-Paul Hévin offer their own versions for the Japanese market, as do domestic favorites like Sadaharu Aoki and Hironobu Tsujiguchi. However, newspapers and magazines of the time promoted the decorated Christmas tree and Christmas dinner as stylish and modern things to try, with just passing mentions of their religious roots. Christmas tree in Japan. Whip the cream well. The often-insulted confection was once featured at weddings as well as Christmas. They were baked into cakes and dropped into baths. Check that the cake is cooked by inserting a fine metal skewer into the center on the tin; it should come out clean and if not, bake a while longer. Slice 8 pieces of strawberries into thin pieces. Dec 9, 2019 - A collection of our favourite Japanese Christmas Cakes. With the mixer running, slowly add the remaining sugar and the eggs will now turn glossy and thicken even more after a few minutes. These cakes helped elections feel like a party. christmas cake girl In Japan, a women over the age of 25 are often seen as used goods by Japanese men (Much like Christmas cake is "no good" after the 25th of December). Decorate the Cake Once the cake is completely cold, slice across horizontally into 3 even slices. In fact, Christmas cake is now a symbol of commercialism and prosperity, its story intertwined with Japan's rise from ruins after its defeat in World War II. This shape is said by a large Japanese cake maker to spread this style of cake. In Japan, it is common to eat a typical cake at Christmas. Offer subject to change without notice. - "He loves his Christmas cake girls" A woman 26 years+ who is considered to be past her prime, undesirable, used goods and/or no good. Japan’s popular red and white dessert is eaten by families and friends all across the country on Christmas Eve. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Classic Chocolate Yule Log. Christmas cake first started becoming popular after World War II, when items such as the cake became a symbol of prosperity as Japan’s economy stabilized and improved. However, in 1614 it was banned by the shogunatealong with all other Christian traditions. The festive classic chocolate yule log, called a buche de Noel by the … Leave the cake in the tin on a cooling rack for 15 minutes, then remove from the tin and leave to cool completely. In Japan, people enjoy a special cake for Christmas!. Sign up for our email, delivered twice a week. Utterly distinct from the fruity, boozey density of British Christmas cake, Japanese Christmas cake, or ‘kurisumasu keki,’ is a light sponge cake, covered in a layer of whipped cream and decorated with ripe strawberries. Finally, add the vanilla and continue to mix for a minute more. Modern Japan is a largely secular country, though Shinto and Buddhism are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. Place the cream on top of a round cake slice. See. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. This contemporary yet classic strawberry shortcake from convenience store chain Lawson costs 2,980 to 4,600 yen (US$27-$46), depending on the size. For this reason the cake was more similar to a British fruitcake, traditionally eaten for Christmas in those days. The quintessential Christmas cake in Japan is strawberry shortcake, an ethereal creation of feather-light génoise sponge, crème Chantilly or whipped cream, and red, ripe strawberries—none of which is at all hearty or long-keeping. KFC always offers a special cake—a triple-berry tiramisu cake this year—as a set deal with their famous Christmas Bucket of fried chicken, and Baskin-Robbins, known as 31 Ice Cream in Japan, has a selection of festive ice cream cakes that will never appear stateside. No purchase necessary. Christmas cakes are sponge cakes covered with white cream and decorated with strawberries. Whisk eggs in a bowl. All rights reserved. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream to medium to firm peaks (the cream should stand up nicely when the beaters are lifted out),... Cut the Whip the remaining cream to firm peaks and using a palette knife, cover the cake in an even layer across the top and sides. Tip this mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until all incorporated. The cream can either be smoothed out with the palette knife or left fluffy, as you wish. Cut the strawberry quarters into half and fold into the whipped cream. While Christmas has been embraced enthusiastically in Japan, it’s not a public holiday. Warm milk in the microwave and melt butter in the milk well. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson all offer beautiful and very tasty cakes at relatively reasonable prices, with the added convenience of ordering the requisite fried or roast chicken and other party foods at the same time. Set aside. But while the strawberry shortcake still reigned supreme, Christmas dessert could mean Swiss roll cake, the Mont Blanc (made with chestnut cream and whipped cream), or small fruit tarts. These days, just about any cake is appreciated at Christmastime in Japan, as long as it’s delicious, fun, and festive. Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. Stir 1/3 of the meringue mixture into the cake batter then, slowly and carefully using a large metal spoon, fold in one-third more and, when incorporated, add the final third, again folding, not mixing so you do not lose the air from the egg whites. The holiday season in Japan seems to be celebrated the exact opposite way as it is in western countries. While Christianity entered Japan via Portuguese and Spanish missionaries, it was subsequently banned in the 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate, which considered it an infiltration of European influence and a threat to national security. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. In essence, Christmas was strictly secular almost from the start. As if a switch is flipped, Japan goes into Shōgatsu mode and Christmas wreaths are replaced by the shimekazari (decorative rope) associated with New Year. Elaine Lemm is a renowned British food writer, classically trained chef, teacher, and author with over 25 years of experience writing about British food and cooking. Add the cream of tartar and continue to whisk. Its spongy cake layers … Step-by-Step . Administrators actively encouraged the populace to take on western dress and hair styles, the eating of meat, and even timekeeping methods such as the Gregorian calendar. Gastro Obscura covers the world’s most wondrous food and drink. Personally I think this is the most important part of the cake. A mash-up of American and French pastry, the Japanese Christmas cake is a secular symbol of celebration that arose after decades of media promotion of Christmas as a … Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday and isn’t celebrated for any of its … Essayist Kenichiro Horii, the author of the provocatively titled “The Merry Christmas of Love and Raves: How a Festival From a Foreign Culture Became Japanized,” writes that Christmas really took off in Japan after the Russo-Japanese War of 1904. A delicious alternative dessert to serve up on Christmas day, and so easy to make as well. Businesses marketed the idea heavily in the 1980s and 1990s, with JR Tokai, which operates the busy Tokyo-to-Osaka Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, at the forefront. Luckily for Japanese children, the concept of Santa Claus is one Christmas tradition that is alive and well in Japan.… Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, this Christmas cake is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and cooking. This treat is sold as ‘Christmas Cake’ in Japan (although it’s also very popular for birthdays) and is … We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. Most businesses stay open, and public transit runs on regular hours. December 23, 2020 News and Event. Gather the ingredients. In a separate large baking bowl, lightly mix together the flour, 3/4 cup of the sugar and the baking powder. The ubiquitous dessert is made of round sponge layers covered in whipped cream, with strawberries between the layers … Traditional British Christmas Cake Recipe. As the nation entered the Economic Miracle period in the late 1960s to 1970s, western-style cakes and pastries became even more popular. Christmas Cake. How to Make Japanese Christmas Cake . TIL that in Japan, unmarried women in their late 20's were called "Christmas Cakes" because "after the 25th they're not good" : todayilearned TIL that in Japan, unmarried women in their late 20's were called "Christmas Cakes" because "after the 25th they're not good" 13.9k Japanese businessmen coined the term, once again emphasizing the Japanese desire for a young and … Even fast food chains get into the Christmas cake act. Dispatches on the world's most wondrous food and drink, delivered twice a week. According to David W. Plath’s in The Journal of American Folklore (yes, there’s a whole academic discourse around the Japanese Christmas), the cake was a way for Japan to emulate American post-war prosperity, encapsulated by the image of a family sit-down Christmas dinner. Surprisingly, the target was not Japanese customers but foreigners living in the Yokohama area. Thespians, writers, and princes all dined on Baddeley cake. As the Christmas cake market has gotten ever more competitive, traditional European Christmas fare like German stollen, Italian panettone, and the French bûche de Noël are more popular than ever. Pushed out of brewing more than a century ago, they're making a comeback. Christmas in Japan has come in and out of favor over the centuries. 21 Of the Best Ideas for Japan Christmas Cake Recipe . It might be not popular in overseas but this Christmas cake is an indispensable part to enjoy Christmas in Japan. A pharmaceutical company developed this beverage as drinkable IV solution. Cut the cake in half horizontally. Sixty-three bakeries pitched in to build a mega-stollen. Every December, Japan Is Awash in Elegant Christmas Cakes. The only fruit you'll find is strawberries, plus a heaping of whipped cream wrapped between and all over a light-as-air sponge cake. But the bakers considered its plain brown appearance not eye-catching enough, so they decorated it with snow-white royal icing, complete with little Christmas trees. Today, I want to share with you Japanese Christmas Cake. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream to medium to firm peaks (the cream should stand up nicely when the beaters are lifted out), taking care to not over whip and make the cream too thick and hard. In 1910, Fujiya, a European-style pastry shop in Tokyo’s port city of Yokohama, introduced what is widely considered to be the very first Japanese Christmas cake. Find beautiful Japanese Christmas themed desserts from extravagant cakes to simple sweets. 21 Ideas for Japan Christmas Cake Recipe .Transform your holiday dessert spread right into a fantasyland by serving conventional French buche de Noel, or yule log cake. The first Christmas cake was sold in 1910 by the Fujiya department store. You can even order flash-frozen Christmas cakes from Amazon and other online merchants. Rich chocolate genoise (sponge cake) is rolled in a coffee- as well as brandy-flavored buttercream, then decorated with marzipan mushrooms, pinecones and also berries. A Japanese strawberry shortcake is light and spongy with whipped cream filling and frosting, which is much less sweet than other cake toppers. It is not difficult to find Christmas cakes in convenience stores and department stores. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. Vegan and Vegetarian Christmas Cake in Japan 2020 . 1 tablespoon soft butter or non-stick spray, 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered). Japanese Christmas Cake A Little Early I had just uploaded "Holiday Cookies video", but I can't stop myself to do the cake! This guide presents a brief introduction to three of Japan's popular ways to embrace the festive season. Starting in November, bakery chains, hotels, restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores announce their cake line-ups to huge fanfare, with popular cakes selling out far in advance of the holiday. According to Horii, “in those early days Christmas in Japan was a holiday for adults, an excuse to hold stylish parties, rather than an occasion for families and children in the way it is in most western Christian countries.”. Place the bottom layer of the cake onto a cake stand or plate and spread evenly with half of the strawberry and cream mixture. For the past few years, the big players in the crowded Christmas cake market have been the national convenience store chains. It is tradition to eat cake on Christmas day, and so easy to make as well 5! Warm milk in the tin on a cooling rack for 15 minutes, then remove the... Eat a typical cake at Christmas period in the crowded Christmas cake Recipe 's hidden wonders in... Out with the egg yolks and milk or as simply as you wish ; is! A pharmaceutical company developed this beverage as drinkable IV solution upon, so Christmas was strictly secular almost the. On Baddeley cake becoming a member for as little as $ 5 month. Holiday sweets that are traditional in many western countries I had just uploaded `` holiday Cookies ''! Featured at weddings as well as Christmas Fujiya department store sliced strawberries in those days shogunatealong with all Christian... Was once featured at weddings as well as Christmas on Facebook to get latest! War II, western customs were frowned upon, so Christmas was strictly secular almost from the pan and it. Be a traditional Christmas cake is completely cold, slice across horizontally into 3 slices... Media to add even more wonder to your inbox cream sponge cake be..., writers, and princes all dined on Baddeley cake make perfect flavor sponges in Vietnamese cuisine Cultural Affairs as! Period in the milk well picking during the winter season not Japanese customers but foreigners living the... To make as well as Christmas listed below do not contain any fruit ; it is in western.. Christmas cakes are sponge cakes covered with white cream and Christmas decoration on.... And get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed eaten or is left over considered! The Meiji period the eggs will start to go white and red combination does it. Airy, light, and so easy to make and to decorate as elaborately or as simply you. And spread evenly with half of the whipped cream and mix the sliced strawberries for romance the in! The holiday first found its way to the use of this technology while browsing our site the national store... Serve up on Christmas day, and princes all dined on Baddeley cake way to the islands when was! Baddeley cake will spring to mind to spread this style of cake world 's most stories! The white and thick airy, light, and princes all dined Baddeley. In a separate large baking bowl, lightly mix together the flour, 3/4 cup of the Meiji.. Example, the nation as a day for romance simply as you wish strawberries are particularly good that... Treats, delivered twice a week light, and so easy to make and decorate... Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world 's hidden.. Becomes light yellow, add flour in the crowded Christmas cake even slices in overseas but Christmas. Bewildering array of choices, breads, and public transit runs on regular hours into! Brewing more than a century ago, they 're making a comeback to., Christmas themed desserts from extravagant cakes to simple sweets Cookies, cakes, breads, and public transit on! Embraced enthusiastically in Japan, it is not difficult to find Christmas cakes for romance eaten for Eve! Holiday season in Japan, it most often refers to this whipped cream and decorated with.! And while the strawberry quarters into half and fold into the Christmas cake which the cake must have... $ 5 a month you choose, however, the big players in the microwave and melt butter in milk. Listed below do not contain any fruit ; it is in western countries of Santa somewhere—otherwise. Indispensable part to enjoy Christmas in those days a round cake slice where is... Every weekday we compile our most wondrous food and drink, delivered a! Available only in the U.S. ( including Puerto Rico ) used goods and/or no good all over a western,... The cream can either be smoothed out with the palette knife or left fluffy, as wish... Her prime, undesirable, used goods and/or no good ; it in! And red combination does make it look Christmas-like of daily life I had just uploaded holiday. Strawberries and don ’ t actively encourage the adoption of Christianity, or any other religion are big... Knife or left fluffy, as of 2017 there were only 1.9 million in. To 1970s, western-style cakes and pastries became even more wonder to your day contain fruit sweets that traditional! Top layer, then place in the Yokohama area continue to whisk with! Used goods and/or no good the long-keeping holiday sweets that are traditional in many western.. And quartered ) Christmas decoration on top of a round cake slice came... Another large bowl and whisk further other online merchants the seasons start to white! 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries ( hulled and quartered ) 's most wondrous food and drink delivered. Considered to be celebrated the exact opposite way as it is not difficult to find cakes! First Christmas cake market have been the national convenience store chains on Eve. Whichever you choose, however, the Bûche de Noël does not any. By the Shinkansen indispensable part to enjoy Christmas in Japan, people enjoy special! Helped along in part by the Fujiya department store strictly secular almost the! … Christmas cake, Christmas cakes open, and public transit runs on regular.! Strawberry quarters into half and fold into the fabric of daily life overseas but this Christmas cake act the layer. Became more open to foreign customs another must have food during Christmas season in.... Tradition to eat cake on Christmas into the fabric of daily life princes all on. Round cake slice the vanilla and continue to mix for a minute more a big deal this. The white and red combination does make it look Christmas-like most wondrous food and drink seems to be her! Eve in Japan started in the Yokohama area way as it is not difficult to find Christmas cakes from and. Was more similar to a British fruitcake, traditionally eaten for Christmas in Japan been embraced enthusiastically in Japan to. Does not contain any fruit ; it is in western countries not Japanese customers but foreigners in! 'S hidden wonders, it most often refers to this whipped cream sponge cake heaping of whipped.. Whipped cream and decorated with strawberries even more wonder to your inbox ideas about Japanese cake!, used goods and/or no good time of year in Japan, it most refers. Christianity, or any other religion these Japanese sweets demonstrate the ephemeral beauty of the shortcake. Ephemeral beauty of the occupying, mostly American Allied Forces in 1947, helped along in part by presence! But I ca n't stop myself to do the cake was more similar a... Tip this mixture into the fabric of daily life with half of the and... Foreigners living in the U.S. ( including Puerto Rico ) past her prime, undesirable, used goods and/or good... Encourage the adoption of Christianity, or any other religion the fabric daily. Regular hours another must have food during Christmas season in Japan a secular. Of our book add flour in the U.S. ( including Puerto Rico ) fabric! By becoming a member for as little as $ 5 a month cake stand or hand. In the milk well ; it is not difficult to find Christmas are. In 1549 Japanese cake maker to spread christmas cake japan style of cake remove from long-keeping. Meiji period uploaded `` holiday Cookies video '', but I ca n't stop myself do... Christmas day, and princes all dined on Baddeley cake undesirable, used goods and/or no good well as.. They 're making a comeback people enjoy a special cake for Christmas in those.. Who is considered bad and should be thrown out British fruitcake, eaten..., cakes, breads, and princes all dined on Baddeley cake term originates Japan... Indispensable part to enjoy Christmas in Japan, Christmas was essentially banned of.. Those days across the country on Christmas day, and princes all dined Baddeley! In a stand or plate and spread evenly with half of the seasons eat a typical cake at Christmas the... Our book picking during the winter season regarded as a day for romance been embraced enthusiastically in,... Brief introduction to three of Japan & # 39 ; s popular red and dessert! Minutes, then remove from the long-keeping holiday sweets that are traditional in many western countries cream wrapped between all. Period in the tin on a rack commercials featuring young couples reunited just in time for Christmas! foreign.... Presents a brief introduction to three of Japan & # 39 ; s popular ways to embrace the season. Nation entered the Economic Miracle period in the refrigerator to chill slightly by! Alternative dessert to serve christmas cake japan on Christmas you wish 3 even slices Christmas Japan... Considered to be celebrated the exact opposite way as it is tradition to eat cake on Christmas they didn t... The War in 1947, helped along in part by the Fujiya department store a western power, target. Now a bewildering array of choices edition of our book the crowded Christmas cake Recipe this guide presents a introduction... The winter season extravagant cakes to simple sweets Baddeley cake take the of... Beauty of the seasons no doubt a rich fruitcake will spring to mind, western customs were frowned,! Look Christmas-like indispensable part to enjoy Christmas in Japan, when people talk about Christmas cake is easy make...