Unique Japanese Christmas Treat: KFC Chicken!

One of the holiday season hallmarks, especially during Christmas Eve, is a sumptuous feast joined by family members. This tradition is celebrated across the globe, including Japan. Let us take a look at how the Japanese celebrate their Christmas Eve.

Unique Christmas Meal

Colonel Sanders seems to be making a buzz this year with his controversial movie and his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe as a Japanese Christmas treat! Yes, you heard that right! KFC for Christmas? It is one of the unique traditions in Japan that makes for a beautiful Christmas.

The Origins: KFC as a Japanese Christmas Treat

Buying KFC chicken as part of the Japanese Christmas Eve menu is very typical according to some local Japanese folks, including Naomi, who have waited in line practically the whole afternoon to purchase a KFC party barrel which is comprised of heaps of KFC chicken, coleslaw, mashed potato, and even a Christmas cake! According to Naomi, this is a tradition she took up even from her parents, who had the same habit of buying the KFC Party Barrel for Christmas Ever. Apparently, Naomi is one of the many local Japanese folks who partake in this unique Christmas tradition.

Happy Holidays from Colonel Sanders

So how exactly did KFC become a popular tradition in Japan? This dates back to the 1950s after World War II, where Japan was slowly bouncing back from its economic setbacks from the war. According to a history expert, Japan was in a place where their economic power was slowly building up, and they were able to indulge in consumer culture. Because of the Western influence, the US was something that Japan adhered to and looked up to – and it was also during this time that western restaurants started setting up franchises on Japanese soil. The likes of Mister Donut, Pancake House, and Baskin-Robbins began to establish their western roots in the Asian country, and KFC was no exception. KFC first launched its restaurant in Nagoya, Japan, back in 1970. Ten years later, KFC expanded to over 300 stores across the country and made over $200 million per year.

During the early 1970s, Japan did not have an established Christmas tradition as less than 1% of the Japanese population identified themselves as Christians. KFC saw this as a huge gap and a marketing strategy. It launched its “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign, which markets a KFC meal during the holiday season as a way for families to bond together over good food. They have also launched the party barrel, which was a perfect Christmas feast for the Japanese families.

However, there are conflicting stories on how KFC became a Christmas tradition. One perspective mentioned that KFC falsely advertised that KFC was the usual holiday meal in the United States to boost its sales. Another story noted that a foreigner visiting Japan requested KFC to deliver their world-famous chicken using a Santa suit. Others said that the chicken was a replacement for turkey for the western celebration of thanksgiving.

No matter the origins of how KFC became a favorite Christmas eve meal, it seemed to have worked because sales are up to during the holiday season. KFC raised $63 million from December 20 to 25 in 2018 alone! People also started to get in line beginning December 23 to taste the yummy KFC chicken with 11 secret herbs and spices.