Yes, it’s just fine to say MERRY CHRISTMAS! in Japan, so you shouldn’t have to worry about saying it in the U.S..
Christmas is sort of a special day for lovers in Japan, but is also celebrated in the homes. KFC has made itself a big niche for Christmas dinner, believe it or not.
The Obamas balked at displaying a nativity scene in the White house this year, but they are perfectly acceptable in Japan. It’s not necessary for them to be Christian to have curiosity and respect for the story of the birth of Jesus. Below is one from Kokeshi designs.
While we’re wandering to Japan, to find religious tolerance of Christianity! here’s another look at Japan’s pro-life Jikei hospital in Kumamoto prefecture. They’ve got a crisis pregnancy hotline, and the stork baby hatch.
Taiji Hasuda, president of the Jikei hospital’s parent company, brought forth the idea of this baby hatch, dubbed konotori no yurikago. It is modeled after similar ones in Germany, as a means to reduce abortions, and prevent abandonment of babies in unsafe conditions.
Are any Japanese speakers finding the cool homonym in Hasuda-san’s first name?