Why The Japanese Made Eating KFC a Christmas Tradition

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, festive foodies! As the holiday season approaches, have you ever wondered why a certain finger-lickin' fast-food feast has become an essential Christmas tradition for many in Japan?

Yes, you guessed it right – we're talking about the finger-lickin' good Kentucky Fried Chicken, better known as KFC!

While Christmas dinners might include traditional turkey or glazed ham in many countries, Japan has a unique holiday tradition that involves a red and white bucket full of fried chicken! It's up there with fried eel in southern Italy as one of the most interesting Christmas dinner quirks.

Rather than enjoying a hearty Sunday-style dinner by warm Christmas lights and Christmas trees, those who celebrate Christmas in Japan treat themselves to Kentucky for Christmas! Never mind Father Christmas and his army of elves; Christmas in the Land of the Rising Sun is all about Colonel Sanders.

From fascinating cultural influences to brilliant marketing strategies, we'll unravel why this American fast-food chain has found its place on the Japanese Christmas table. We can't promise you won't crave a bargain bucket of fried chicken by the end of this guide.

The history behind Japan's Kentucky Fried Chicken-filled Christmas

The origins of the KFC Christmas story are worth telling anyone willing to listen. In 1974, KFC was just finding its feet selling fried chicken to the lighter-eating Asian market and had a KFC restaurant or two dotted about Japan's hot spots.

A group of foreigners residing in Japan were hankering for a turkey or chicken dinner on Christmas Day and faced a festive conundrum. Turkey was a rarity in Japan at the time, and finding one for their Christmas meal was proving difficult.

So they started the 'Christmas Chicken' campaign to get the nation of Japan’s tastebuds craving a piece of festive poultry. Before long, KFC caught wind of it and saw an opportunity to turn their deep-fried luck around in one of their less popular countries during the low season in December.

Clever Christmas marketing

KFC's genius new marketing campaign convinced the people of Japan that KFC was the ultimate Christmas meal. It helps that Colonel Sanders is the white-bearded, bespectacled, and jolly face of Kentucky Fried Chicken. All he was missing was a Santa Claus costume!

The accompanying slogan for their first Christmas campaign, 'Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!' (Kentucky for Christmas!) spread across the land like a fresh snowfall, and soon it stuck.

Kentucky Fried Chicken became a Christmas tradition in Japan, and Japanese people of all ages began flocking to their nearest restaurant to eat KFC. The mouthwatering crunch of golden-fried chicken has become a nationwide Christmas spirit symbol!

In collaboration with KFC Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL) even provided 'AIR Kentucky fried Chicken' onboard selected routes during the festive season. Why let a flight get in the way of your fried chicken?

How does Japan get ready for Christmas?

Japanese families take their KFC preparation very seriously during the Christmas season. The excitement is palpable as families and friends come together, eagerly preparing for their beloved KFC Christmas extravaganza! Here's how to ensure you don't miss out on a party barrel for a true KFC Japan Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Mark your calendar with a red and green highlighter! The countdown to KFC Christmas starts early. Every year, as December approaches, families eagerly circle the 24th of December in anticipation of their KFC Christmas feast. 

Make your KFC reservation

Yep, that's right. In Japan, folks don't leave their Christmas feast to chance. They hop on the phone, call their nearest KFC restaurant and secure their special Christmas bucket well in advance. No last-minute scramble for a drumstick in this country!

Deck the halls with Colonel Sanders

You thought Christmas decorations were limited to trees and tinsel? Think again! Japanese KFC restaurants embrace the holiday spirit with festive cheer, dressing up their locations with twinkling lights, Santa hats, and of course, Colonel Sanders himself sporting a Santa beard! Nothing says a Christmas party like the Colonel.

Dig in!

Families eagerly gather around the dinner table on Christmas Eve, where the pièce de résistance awaits - a bucket full of golden-brown fried chicken! With paper napkins at the ready and joyous laughter filling the air, the feast begins!

So the next time you find yourself in Japan during the holiday season, don't be shy – join in the merriment, grab a drumstick, and savour the delicious tradition that's swept through the nation!

Have the best Christmas with Christmas Tree World

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FAQs

How much KFC is sold in Japan on Christmas?

KFC Japan makes its biggest sales between the 23rd and 25th of December, selling an impressive 800,000 Christmas packs and 300,000 larger party barrels during Christmas. That's a lot of people eating chicken! In 2019 alone, KFC reached a record 7.1 billion yen (£39.2 million) in Christmas sales over the course of the national holiday.

How much is Christmas KFC in Japan?

The standard party box, with eight pieces of chicken, a lasagna and a chocolate cake, is ¥4,000 (around £22) when booked in advance. And, considering it's such a national phenomenon with much of the Japanese population taking part, getting your order in early is a must if you're hoping to eat KFC on Christmas.