Introduction
Christmas is a special time of the year for people all over the world, and Japan is no exception. In fact, the way the Japanese celebrate Christmas is quite unique, and one of the most interesting parts of their holiday traditions is the fact that many people celebrate Christmas by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The History of KFC in Japan
So how did this tradition of eating KFC on Christmas in Japan come about? It all started in the 1970s, when a group of foreigners living in Japan wanted to celebrate Christmas with a traditional Western meal. However, it was difficult to find turkey or other traditional Christmas foods in Japan at the time.
One of the foreigners had the idea of ordering KFC instead, and it became a hit with their friends. KFC saw an opportunity and began marketing their fried chicken as a Christmas meal, with the slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!). The rest, as they say, is history.
The KFC Christmas Menu
Today, KFC's Christmas menu in Japan includes a variety of options, from a basic chicken meal to more elaborate sets that include sides like coleslaw and cake. Many Japanese people pre-order their KFC Christmas meals weeks in advance to avoid the long lines that form outside KFC restaurants on Christmas Eve.
The KFC Christmas Bucket
One of the most iconic parts of the KFC Christmas tradition in Japan is the special Christmas bucket. This bucket features a festive design with holiday-themed images and is only available during the Christmas season. Many Japanese people keep these buckets as souvenirs of their KFC Christmas experience.
Why KFC?
Some people might wonder why KFC specifically became the go-to Christmas meal in Japan. There are a few factors that contributed to this phenomenon. First, KFC had already been established in Japan for several years by the time the Christmas tradition began, so it was a familiar and trusted brand. Additionally, the company's marketing campaigns were very effective in promoting KFC as a festive and special meal for the holiday season.
The Future of KFC Christmas in Japan
As the years have gone by, the tradition of eating KFC on Christmas in Japan has only gotten stronger. In fact, KFC sees such a boost in sales during the holiday season that they often have to hire extra staff just to keep up with the demand. It's unclear whether this tradition will continue to thrive in the future, but for now, it's a beloved and unique part of Japanese holiday culture.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of KFC or not, there's no denying that the tradition of eating fried chicken on Christmas in Japan is fascinating. It just goes to show that holiday traditions can vary widely from one culture to the next. So if you ever find yourself in Japan during the holiday season, be sure to try out the KFC Christmas meal for yourself!