Millions in Japan Feast on KFC This Christmas, Tradition Thrives

UPDATE: Millions across Japan are celebrating Christmas with a surprising twist, indulging in a KFC feast that has become a national tradition. On December 24, 2023, KFC locations are set to be inundated as customers flock to pick up their preordered holiday buckets, affirming the brand’s unique cultural significance.

This year marks another milestone in a 50-year-old phenomenon, where KFC has transformed Christmas dining in Japan. The fast-food chain, valued at $15.4 billion and with over 1,100 locations in Japan, has become synonymous with the holiday. Japanese families are now placing orders as early as six weeks in advance, with Christmas Eve being the busiest day of the year for KFC, underscoring the urgent demand for this festive meal.

Why It Matters: The KFC Christmas custom began in the 1970s when Takeshi Okawara, the first KFC franchise manager in Japan, seized an opportunity after overhearing foreigners lamenting the absence of traditional turkey dinners. Sensing a gap in the market, Okawara launched a one-day chicken bucket campaign that quickly filled the void for holiday celebrations in a country with no established Christmas tradition.

“This filled a void. There was no tradition of Christmas in Japan, and so KFC came in and said, ‘this is what you should do on Christmas,’” stated Joonas Rokka, a marketing professor at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France.

Details of the Tradition: The KFC Christmas bucket, priced around $37, includes not only fried chicken but also biscuits, fries, and special items unique to the festive season. To cater to the overwhelming demand, KFC has introduced small discounts for online preorders, streamlining the pick-up process and reducing long queues.

The excitement surrounding this tradition is palpable. “Many foreigners often ask me: ‘Why does everyone eat KFC in Japan?’ Japanese people think all Western people eat KFC at Christmas!” joked Meshida, a Japanese comedian. Social media influencers like Megan Elizabeth share their lavish holiday spreads featuring KFC, complete with commemorative plates and desserts, further fueling the trend.

What Happens Next: As KFC continues to dominate the Christmas dining scene, analysts predict this unique tradition will only grow in popularity. The KFC Christmas feast now accounts for approximately one-third of the company’s annual revenue in Japan, ensuring the event remains a centerpiece of the holiday season for years to come.

With the clock ticking down to Christmas Eve, the rush for KFC is on. Families across Japan are gearing up to indulge in this beloved holiday tradition, making it a defining moment of the festive season.