Ishikawa Yoshihisa, consul general of Japan in Kolkata, is experiencing his first Christmas in the city this year, and finds himself struck by its energy, inclusiveness and visual splendour. For Ishikawa, who comes from Japan, where Christmas is widely celebrated despite a small Christian population, the festive spirit in Kolkata feels both new and surprisingly familiar. ADVERTISEMENTA first Christmas in the city“In Japan, Christmas has always been a cherished time, imbued with warmth and tradition,” Ishikawa said. “Observing the Christmas spirit in Kolkata for the first time has been an eye-opening experience,” he said. Seeing Christmas through fresh eyesBeing his first Christmas in the city, Ishikawa said everything feels special.

Source: The Telegraph December 25, 2025 09:55 UTC