When you think about Christmas dinner, many envision turkey and stuffing. Yet, for millions of people in Japan, the ultimate festive meal is nothing other than fried chicken from KFC. Yes, you read it right! Each year, KFC experiences booming business during the Christmas season, establishing itself as the go-to meal for this holiday, according to BBC.
Christmas is not traditionally celebrated by the Japanese, where only about one percent of the population identifies as Christian. Instead, the holiday has been adapted over the years and marked by quirky customs. Kyoto resident Nozomi Ohike explained, "During Christmas time, Colonel Sanders is more popular than Santa Claus." This phenomenon can be traced back to KFC Japan's innovative marketing strategy, which began back in the 1970s.
Specifically, KFC Japan launched its now-famous ad campaign, "Kentucky for Christmas," around 1974—an initiative fueled by urban legends stating Western expatriates could not find turkey and opted to indulge instead at KFC. The marketing was so effective, it has led to longstanding queues outside KFC locations from December onward. Prior to Christmas Day, many Japanese families place orders for KFC buckets four to six weeks in advance, ensuring their fried chicken will be ready to serve. It is estimated from KFC Japan data, three to four million families indulge in this festive tradition each year.
But the fried chicken isn't the only treat associated with Japanese Christmas celebrations. The customary dessert is Japanese-style sponge cake, often decorated with strawberries and whipped cream—a light, festive cake vastly different from the dense fruit cakes common in the West. This cake tradition has roots dating back to the early 20th century and surged after World War II. The iconic red and white coloring mirrors Japan’s national flag, making it especially symbolic. Ayaka Fujita, who grew up enjoying these cakes, recalls, "Every year, we always have strawberry shortcake." It's become commonplace for families to celebrate with sweets on Christmas Eve, preserving their unique holiday spirit.
While the nativity story doesn't take center stage as it does in Western cultures, the spirit of Christmas is embraced differently across Japan. Dr. Natsuko Akagawa notes, "It was really my parents wanting their children to have a happy childhood." This shows how families adapt the holiday festivities to fit their cultural narrative.
Japan's experience with Christmas highlights its secular nature. Over the years, KFC's prominence has transformed Christmas from being observant of its Christian roots to focusing on shared moments of joy and light. The celebration has become akin to Valentine's Day for many young Japanese adults, where it is customary to go on dates and enjoy romantic outings on Christmas Eve. Some singles pay considerable attention to planning these occasions, even feeling societal pressure not to be seen eating alone during festive gatherings.
Interestingly, the significance of Christmas continues to evolve. Young people are gradually challenging the stigma around solitude during the holiday season. A growing number now opt for solo activities or celebrate with friends rather than adhering strictly to traditional couple-centric gatherings.
Australian-Japanese couple, Aya Otsuki Nichols and her husband, experienced this cultural juxtaposition firsthand. Having celebrated Christmas with KFC, strawberry shortcake, and traditional decorations, she admitted, "Australian Christmas is like Japanese New Year — family time, the longest holiday."
Despite Japan's cultural emphasis on family during New Year celebrations, the adjustments to how Christmas is perceived—and celebrated—showcase how traditions can transform.
Whether enjoying KFC or indulging in beautifully crafted sponge cakes, it's clear Japanese Christmas traditions reflect their vibrant culture and willingness to adapt to global influences. These customs resonate with ideas of hope, love, and togetherness, marking this holiday as one associated with happiness and joy rather than its religious origins.
