What Do Christmas And Japanese New Year Have In Common?

9. Speeches from royalty

Just as the Queen makes a televised speech on Christmas Day in Britain, the Emperor addresses the Japanese nation on New Year’s Day. Although the speech is generally about current affairs and society, the public appearance of the monarchy on the most important religious festival in both countries reminds me of the close link between religion and royalty. The Queen holds the title of Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, while the Imperial Family was historically (and controversially) considered to be descended from Amaterasu Ōmikami, the kami of the sun.