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ATTLEBORO - Those who abhor the commercialization of Christmas should avoid visiting Japan during the holidays.

Attleboro resident Larre Nelson spent the first week of December in Japan on a business trip. He is general manager of Rika Denshi America on Frank Mossberg Drive. The firm makes products for the semi-conductor industry.

Christmas in Japan is "very sweet, nice, commercial and sugary," Nelson says.

"It is funny that in a nation that is primarily Shinto and Buddhist, that Christmas would be celebrated - even if it is only the commercial aspects," he said.

This interview was conducted by e-mail. SUN CHRONICLE: So, I hear you just returned from Japan. What was the trip for?

LARRE NELSON: Business trip. Annual planning meeting.

SC: What was it like, celebrating Christmas abroad? Was this the first time you've done that?

NELSON: I was in Japan during the first week of December. I did not celebrate Christmas while I was there. I've made many trips to Japan, but never over the holiday.

Japan makes a big deal about the New Year's holiday - time off, gifts, special meetings with business contacts, etc. But they only celebrate the commercial aspects of Christmas. Lots of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, Jingle Bells piped into the ceiling speakers, even Santa Clauses. But the only official holiday at that time of year is the Winter Solstice (on Dec 21-22).

But for New Year's, they take the whole week off. (Chinese New Year's celebration in late Jan./early Feb. is also a big deal in Asia.)

SC: Which Japanese holiday tradition was your favorite? Why?

NELSON: The Daruma (doll).

This is a New Year's tradition - not a Christmas tradition. I don't know of any unique Japanese Christmas traditions.

The daruma is used at the beginning of a new year, or a new project, to remind you of the goals. It keeps one eye on you at all times. SC: Will you be incorporating it into your own family celebrations?

NELSON: No.

SC: Was there a tradition that you just couldn't get into? Why?

NELSON: No, there's nothing uncomfortable about their actions. It's very sweet, nice, commercial, and sugary - so it doesn't create a problem.

The Japanese are well known for adopting cultural traits from other nations. For example: Valentine's Day.

SC: How Americanized is the holiday season there?

NELSON: Completely. It is an exact copy. (However, no religious stuff.)

SC: Are mall Santas as prevalent there as they are here?

NELSON: There are not many "malls" in Japan. (They take up too much space, and there are not many big highways.) There are, however, many department stores crowded together in an urban setting. Shoppers get to the department stores by train or other public transport.

There are a few Santas. Mostly Christmas trees and piped in Christmas songs.

SC: What are the holidays typically like for your family?

NELSON: Pretty traditional. One angle that might be unique: Our family heritage is Swedish, so we kind of go crazy with Swedish foods, decorations, songs, etc.