For millions of families across Japan, Christmas would not be complete without KFC. Every year, 3.5 million Japanese households turn to the fast-food chain for their holiday meals, making fried chicken a central part of their Christmas celebrations. The tradition of ordering KFC for Christmas in Japan has grown immensely, with reports indicating customers often line up outside KFC outlets. Some even preorder their festive meals months in advance, as early as October, to avoid the long waits.
Despite Christmas not being widely celebrated with religious zeal—only about 1% of Japan's population identifies as Christian—the holiday has morphed over the years. Many Japanese people enjoy Christmas as a secular event, similar to Valentine's Day, where romance and special moments with loved ones take center stage.
The unique custom of enjoying KFC during Christmas traces back to the 1970s. The first KFC restaurant opened its doors in Japan, where the manager, Takeshi Okawara, observed foreign customers lamenting the absence of turkey for their Christmas dinners. Driven by this observation, he had the innovative idea to offer what he termed the “party barrel.” This concept was transformed and officially launched through the marketing campaign known as "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii," or "Kentucky for Christmas," around 1974.
The marketing push struck such a chord with customers back then, it soon became a popular choice for Christmas. Families began marking this day as one of their annual traditions, leading to the vast expansion of the offerings available today. What began as simple buckets of fried chicken evolved, resulting in Kentucky’s Christmas dinner packages today. Customers can now enjoy not only chicken but also shrimp gratin, cake, and more, bringing excitement and variety to their festivities.
Over the years, the KFC Christmas tradition has continued to evolve. Some outlets now offer high-end meal deals to cater to changing customer expectations and festivities. The company also embraced Colonel Sanders as part of their holiday celebrations, dressing him up in his festive red and white suit, reminiscent of Santa Claus himself. This portrayal adds to the joy and festive spirit, turning the Colonel from merely the brand mascot to part of the holiday cheer.
What’s more, KFC’s success during this period is tangible—reports show the company pulled in approximately 6.9 billion yen, or roughly $101 million, from December 20 to 25, 2018. This commercial peak isn’t just limited to fried chicken; it signifies how deeply intertwined KFC has become with Japanese festive culture.
Japan's Christmas celebrations are unique and diverse, extending beyond KFC. Many Japanese households also indulge in the tradition of Christmas cake—a fluffy sponge decorated with strawberries and whipped cream, quite distinct from the fruitcakes common to Western cultures. The strawberry topping symbolizes prosperity, making it the perfect dessert for sharing with family and loved ones on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve is treated by many couples similarly to Valentine's Day, characterized by exchanging gifts and enjoying fine dining experiences amid elaborate light displays across cities, adding to the romance of the season. Popular locations such as Shibuya and Roppongi flaunt their illuminated streets, inviting loved ones to experience the joyous atmosphere together.
Despite being less common, another notable celebration is New Year’s Eve when Japanese temples ring their bells 108 times—a ritual known as Joya no Kane—to rid people of earthly desires as they usher in the New Year.
So, whether KFC is being served up as the main dish or festive cakes are being sliced, the integration of these customs demonstrates how Japan has cultivated its unique blend of Western influence with local traditions. KFC's evolution from fast food to festive necessity is not just about chicken; it’s about creating memories with family and friends around the holiday table.
All of this culminates to showcase KFC’s substantial cultural impact: they have successfully captured the spirit of Christmas for many Japanese without the traditional turkey, allowing families to celebrate with their own flavor of holiday cheer. KFC is now synonymous with Christmas for millions, creating memorable dining experiences for all, underscoring the beautiful melding of cultures and traditions.
