Christmas in Anime

[GWOtaku]

The western and religious origins notwithstanding, Christmas has come up in anime before. Since it's that time of of year where we're thinking about the holidays, I figure it could be nice to have a place where we can observe and acknowledge some (hopefully) decent examples of this. Let loose with talk of anime about Christmas, or just series that happen to involve Christmas.

I'll kick things off with what motivated this thread in the first place. Santa Claus got an anime?! Apparently, he did indeed: Shonen Santa no Daiboken (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1728), vintage 1996.

A little info here (http://mytwoyenworth.blogspot.com/2008/02/santa-goes-to-japan-lyman-frank-baum.html), you can at least see a group singing the show's opening, though other details are very scarce. It was apparently a rendition of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Thought I'd point this out as a fun bit of trivia, and to see if anyone knew anything about it.

Two other quick examples. Gundam Wing's climatic battle was apparently fought on Christmas Eve and dubbed the "Eve Wars," and this gets some mild focus in Endless Waltz since its events happen a year later. An early scene involving a Christmas celebration and a political speech remembering the battle are used to show that the world was now far more peaceful than it was at that time a year ago, with a huge battle looming. This detail also made for a nice setting, given that most scenes on Earth depicted a very white, snowy Christmas.

Though I have no great love for the series, I suppose I should acknowledge the Lova Hina Christmas Special. As its own story, I have to admit that it's pretty good. Probably because most harem elements were toned down in favor of just letting the characters be characters. It even ended on a nice romantic note. The only issue is the special reverting to the standard formula right at the end, complete with the hapless Keitaro getting smashed out of the hot spring by his love interest. If that didn't exist, the special would be pretty much flawless for what it is from beginning to end.

[bluto]

Ranma ½ had a Christmas episode, and a Christmas OAV. I don't remember much about them other then they exist.

[Juu-kuchi]

In the opening episodes of the anime Hayate no Gotoku, the main male protagonist sought consolation and advice from a very very surly Santa. It was quite surreal, especially given that the Santa on that show wasn't quite jolly, and continued to appear for some reason in the opening, and also was victim to an attack by same protagonist.

[aalong64]

Lupin the Third's Red Jacket series had at least one Christmas-related episode-- "The Sleight Before Christmas", although the whole Christmas element was pretty minor, and actually I think it was only mentioned a couple of times before the very last scene. There was no snow or anything, and the plot itself was fairly typical of the series as a whole, which sort of raises the question of why the show's makers even bothered making it a Christmas episode in the first place. So in that case, I think it's more a case of "episode that happens to take place at Christmas" rather than a "Christmas-themed episode." There was also a Christmas episode of Urusei Yatsura, pretty early in the series if I remember correctly. I believe it's on Vol. 3 or 4 of Animeigo's release of the series. I haven't seen it for quite a while, but I believe it had something to do with Ataru being set up on a date by the other guys, and Lum finding out. That one actually did have a lot of Christmas-related stuff, but I can't remember it too well.

[Sapphire Sky]

There's an episode that has Christmas in Digimon 02, called "A very Digi-Christmas", it was all about what they did on Christmas, or maybe before. It was great they were spending time together and had fun.

[SigmasonicX]

An episode (well, half of one) of Gintama had Gintoki team up with Santa to help him deliver presents, only to get beat up by a sleepwalking Kagura. The other half, which was about New Years Eve, had Gintoki fight with a ninja over the last copy of Shonen Jump at the stores.

In romance series, Christmas tends to pop up, because even in Japan it's considered a romantic holiday.

Also, a bit off topic, but concerning Love Hina, and any Akamatsu series really, the manga is far superior and the anime is a horrible adaptation.

[ensatsu-ken]

Lupin the Third's Red Jacket series had at least one Christmas-related episode-- "The Sleight Before Christmas", although the whole Christmas element was pretty minor, and actually I think it was only mentioned a couple of times before the very last scene. There was no snow or anything, and the plot itself was fairly typical of the series as a whole, which sort of raises the question of why the show's makers even bothered making it a Christmas episode in the first place. So in that case, I think it's more a case of "episode that happens to take place at Christmas" rather than a "Christmas-themed episode." well.

As far as Lupin III (Red Jacket Series) goes, I actually do believe that it had a Christmas themed episode. I forget the name of the episode (I believe it was episode 64, though, if that helps, however I'm not entirely sure on that, either), but I do remember that it took place during Christmas, and some reporter was trying to get Lupin and his gang to attempt to rob a jewelry store during the holidays, only to be foiled by its advanced security system, which somehow was supposed to serve as some sort of publicity for her, or something like that (of course she totally underestimates what Lupin's crew can do ;) ). Sorry, I actually don't remember too much about the episode, but I'll look it up in the LIII DVD's, and I'll give some more information about it, if I can manage to find it and watch it again.

[Light Lucario]

I remember that Pokemon had a Christmas episode back in season one. They helped one of Santa's Jynx find its way back home to the North Pole. I always thought that was a cute little special. There was also one where Ash got lost during a blizzard, but that was more of a winter themed kind of episode than a Christmas one.

[WolfieKiwi]

Tokyo Godfathers comes to mind. The story took place on Christmas Eve and it had a pretty good message from what I can remember.

[Kitschensyngk]

Azumanga Daioh had a Christmas episode where Chiyo-dad played Santa (See avatar. -Ed.) and Tomo revealed that she didn't believe in reindeer.

[TnAdct1]

Any discussion about Xmas in anime can't be complete without Always My Santa (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5979), a interesting take on Santa Claus by Negima creator Ken Akamatsu.

[DemonLordShugo]

Any discussion about Xmas in anime can't be complete without Always My Santa (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5979), a interesting take on Santa Claus by Negima! creator Ken Akamatsu.

I love anything by Ken Akamatsu, with the exception of Love Hina (the reason why harem is reviled!! -to quote one KaiserNeko), And Itsudatte My Santa is no exception, I wanna grow up and be like Ken Akamatsu one day, I really admire him!!

And also the two kings of anime reference anime, Hayate the Combat Butler, and Lucky ☆ Star (my avatar picture of my female half), Oh, and also Di Gi Charat (and I LOOOOOOOOVE me some Di Gi Charat !!!!)!!

Also Digimon had a Christmas episode, so did Ranma 1/2, Lupin, Azumanga Daioh and also who could forget Machine Police Patlabor !!

[Daxdiv]

Pokemon also had another special that had Santa's Delibird round up present it lost with the aid of Pikachu and Pals. It took place in the Johto League and as such Santa sled is now pulled by Stanler rather than Ponytas.

[DemonLordShugo]

Pokemon also had another special that had Santa's Delibird round up present it lost with the aid of Pikachu and Pals. It took place in the Johto League and as such Santa sled is now pulled by Stanler rather than Ponytas.

Odd way of making a Christmas episode

[Daxdiv]

Odd way of making a Christmas episode

It one of those short cartoons where the present of Ash and his friends are rarely around, so when do cartoons like that make sense? The one that came with the Manaphy Movie had them trying to tough up a group of Wynauts and a Buizel against Meowth and a few Pokemon.

[DemonLordShugo]

It one of those short cartoons where the present of Ash and his friends are rarely around, so when do cartoons like that make sense? The one that came with the Manaphy Movie had them trying to tough up a group of Wynauts and a Buizel against Meowth and a few Pokemon.

Oh, I see now!!

[AstroNerdBoy]

Any discussion about Xmas in anime can't be complete without Always My Santa (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5979), a interesting take on Santa Claus by Negima creator Ken Akamatsu.

Now with 30% more fish! :anime:

Vandread has a nice Christmas episode with the ignorant guys having to learn about the Japanese version of Christmas from the female crew on Nirvana.

Ai Yori Aoshio ~Enishi~: Beautiful Snow is a nice 15-minute OVA omake on the Enishi release where Aoi-chan is Sanata-san.

The 2nd Tenchi movie takes place, at least in part, during Christmas.

I'm sure there are tons others I'm forgetting that haven't been mentioned, but my brain is foggy.

[veemonjosh]

There's an episode that has Christmas in Digimon 02, called "A very Digi-Christmas", it was all about what they did on Christmas, or maybe before. It was great they were spending time together and had fun.

It also, surprisingly for a Christmas episode, helped to set up the final arc of the series.

As for other series, IIRC, ALL the Astro Boy series have a Christmas episode, all adapted from a Christmas chapter of the manga where there was an invisible robot who was being used by evil humans. Astro found the robot and tries to help him escape the humans. But the robot unfortunately has a time bomb on him...

I haven't seen the 60's version of this (if there is one), but the 80's and 2K3 series differ on the ending to the Christmas story. In the 80's series, the invisible robot explodes and Astro emos until Dr. O creates Uran for New Years a week later, but in the 2K3 series, the invisible robot survives and meets up with Astro again later on in the series.

[Zeonic Freak]

Gundam 0080 was taken place during christmas.

Uh, thats all i got for now...

[Paul_Cousins]

Ranma 1/2 anime had not one but two christmas specials. One during the TV series run and one OVA.

[stephane dumas]

Sailor Moon don't have a Christmas themed episode, however the SM S movie was set during or before Christmas and we see Tuxedo Mask disguised as Santa Claus to help Sailor Moon and Chibi-Moon

the 1st series of You're Under Arrest got a Christmas episode as well. Miyuki and Natsumi chased a thief disguised as Santa Claus who robbed some house featuring also a Strike-man disguised as Santa.

[kenjisalk]

Considering Christmas has become a secular holiday all but devoid of religious undertones in Japan, it makes sense.

My favorite anime holiday episode is probably in Spiral, with the characters reflecting on the events prior and where they're going with their lives, and what matters most to them.

Plus you have the whole side story about Ayumu getting Hiyono some obese chicky plus from a UFO catcher for x-mas, d'awwww.

[Umino]

Most early magical girl series have atleast "one" Christmas episode.

One of Mahotsukai Sally's first episodes (I think 3rd or 4th) was centered around Christmas. I think it had another Christmas episode later in the series too.

In episode 8 of Mahou no Mako-chan, Mako is celebrating her first Christmas and meets Santa (disguised as a simple old man). Because no one believes in Santa Claus, he's lost faith in Christmas. They go around trying to find someone who still believes in Santa.

There's a Christmas episode of Sarutobi Ecchan, which was more or less a based off A Christmas Carol.

Episode 38 of Mahoutsukai Chappy takes place during Christmas. Chappy and her friends help at a local orphanage. The owner there has a dark past.

And finally, if I'm not mistaken - atleast one episode of Majokko Megu-chan centers around Christmas.

[DemonLordShugo]

Most early magical girl series have atleast "one" Christmas episode.

One of Mahotsukai Sally's first episodes (I think 3rd or 4th) was centered around Christmas. I think it had another Christmas episode later in the series too.

In episode 8 of Mahou no Mako-chan, Mako is celebrating her first Christmas and meets Santa (disguised as a simple old man). Because no one believes in Santa Claus, he's lost faith in Christmas. They go around trying to find someone who still believes in Santa.

There's a Christmas episode of Sarutobi Ecchan, which was more or less a based off A Christmas Carol.

Episode 38 of Mahoutsukai Chappy takes place during Christmas. Chappy and her friends help at a local orphanage. The owner there has a dark past.

And finally, if I'm not mistaken - atleast one episode of Majokko Megu-chan centers around Christmas.

Oddly enough I remember those!!

[Sparticus]

An episode (well, half of one) of Gintama had Gintoki team up with Santa to help him deliver presents, only to get beat up by a sleepwalking Kagura. The other half, which was about New Years Eve, had Gintoki fight with a ninja over the last copy of Shonen Jump at the stores.

I love that episode! There's nothing more heartwarming than Happy Merry Christmas written in blood. :p

Oh, it looks like Santa and Carl was it? Are back for next weeks episode. XD

[Ajax]

The Second Season of AH! My Goddess had the first two episodes set during christmas time, with the second specifically dealing with Keiichi getting Belldandy a christmas present.

[DemonLordShugo]

The Second Season of AH! My Goddess had the first two episodes set during christmas time, with the second specifically dealing with Keiichi getting Belldandy a christmas present.

I remember that too!!
Also the Di Gi Charat - Winter Garden Special, sorry, I just LOOOOOVE me some Di Gi Charat !!!

[LordTerminal]

I'd mention episodes 12 and 13 of Rockman.exe Beast but that's technically not a Christmas themed episode. They just happened to be celebrating the holiday when a bunch of Zoanoroids appeared and, long story short, it eventually led to the cast being sucked into another world.

I suppose it's worth an honorable mention but like I said, it's not very Christmas themed, they just show off that it's winter and the characters are celebrating the holidays at the time of the attack on SciLabs.

[purplehairedwonder]

The OVA Tokyo Marble Chocolate took place on Christmas. The two leads, Chizuru and Yudai, have a history of bad relationships. As a result, Yudai can't work up the courage to tell Chizuru he loves her, so she doesn't know his intentions. Throw in a mini donkey and you've got a cute love story that ends with a romantic snowfall.

[DemonLordShugo]

The OVA Tokyo Marble Chocolate took place on Christmas. The two leads, Chizuru and Yudai, have a history of bad relationships. As a result, Yudai can't work up the courage to tell Chizuru he loves her, so she doesn't know his intentions. Throw in a mini donkey and you've got a cute love story that ends with a romantic snowfall.

I remember that!!
Thank you for reminding me!!

[Movie06]

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz was set during Christmas Day I believe. And the Sailor Moon S movie was set during Christmas time, what really proves that is the fact that Tuxedo Mask was disguised as Santa Claus.

[DemonLordShugo]

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz was set during Christmas Day I believe. And the Sailor Moon S movie was set during Christmas time, what really proves that is the fact that Tuxedo Mask was disguised as Santa Claus.

Oh, yeah, Endless Waltz RULES!!

[GWOtaku]

Sailor Moon don't have a Christmas themed episode, however the SM S movie was set during or before Christmas and we see Tuxedo Mask disguised as Santa Claus to help Sailor Moon and Chibi-Moon.


And the Sailor Moon S movie was set during Christmas time, what really proves that is the fact that Tuxedo Mask was disguised as Santa Claus.

And that led to one of the most ridiculous and hilarious Tuxedo Mask interventions and speeches ever. In fact, I was even motivated to upload the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSi3O-GD-u4).

Crazy, crazy stuff. But damn funny.

[Mynd Hed]

They called it "Heaven's Day," but context makes it pretty obvious which holiday was being celebrated in the Big O episode "Daemonseed."

Giant murderous Christmas tree for the win!

[Jave]

Every series of Ojamajo Doremi (four) has a Christmas episode. I've only seen the first two, but they're pretty good.

The Christmas episode of Ranma 1/2 is one of my favorites, but that's probably because I'm biased towards Ranma/Akane.

[DemonLordShugo]

They called it "Heaven's Day," but context makes it pretty obvious which holiday was being celebrated in the Big O episode "Daemonseed."

Giant murderous Christmas tree for the win!

I agree!!




The Christmas episode of Ranma 1/2 is one of my favorites, but that's probably because I'm biased towards Ranma/Akane.

Honestly, I feel sorry for Ranma, he deserves better than what he has to put up with on the daily basis, I can say the same for Mousse.

[DBZNarutoWarrior]

Pikachu's Winter Vacation is based on Christmas. I got that VHS when I was in elementary school during Secret Santa LOL.:p

[Elven Moon]

Tenchi Muyo's second movie begins and "ends" with Christmas.

Most old shoujo I've watched feature at least one Christmas episode (like Marmalade Boy), but my memory is too vague for specifics.

[Juu-kuchi]

The second episode of Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo involved Bobobo and Don Patch in a Wig Out contest with its main theme of Christmas. What follows is a chikuwa (or churro) Christmas party and Bobobo writing in for a year's supply of kimchi.

[J'onn J'onzz]

The Big O episode which was (more or less) about Christmas was really good. I think I'm going to watch that right now, actually.

[DemonLordShugo]

The last episode of Macademi WAsshoi! is a Christmas episode

[Space Cadet]

The Christmas episode of Ranma 1/2 is one of my favorites, but that's probably because I'm biased towards Ranma/Akane.

Which one? The OVA episode or the TV series episode?

[Yusuke Urameshi]

Chio-chans dad is santa and he is paid by the government to bring us presents!
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