URGENT UPDATE: Millions across Japan are indulging in a unique Christmas tradition today, flocking to Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets for festive meals of chicken legs, biscuits, and fries. This year, the phenomenon is more pronounced than ever, as holiday demand continues to surge.
Why does this matter? KFC has transformed Christmas dining in Japan, becoming a holiday staple since the 1970s. With over 1,100 locations in Japan and valued at $15.4 billion globally, KFC’s Christmas buckets have become a cultural icon, illustrating a successful crossover of marketing across borders.
KFC’s unique holiday tradition began when Takeshi Okawara, manager of Japan’s first KFC franchise, capitalized on the absence of turkey dinners during the festive season. After overhearing disappointed customers in the 1970s, Okawara launched a one-day chicken bucket campaign, filling a void in Japanese holiday customs.
“Christmas was not a tradition in Japan, and KFC created one,” said Joonas Rokka, associate professor of marketing at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France. As interest grew, so did the phenomenon, with customers now placing orders as early as six weeks in advance.
Today, December 24 is KFC’s busiest day of the year. While a holiday bucket costs $37, the company offers small discounts for online preorders to manage the throngs of eager customers.
As social media buzzes with activity, influencers like Megan Elizabeth share their festive experiences. With over 328,000 Facebook followers, she showcased her family’s KFC spread, including a commemorative plate, chicken tenders, and lemon cheesecake in a recent video.
Self-described “salaryman-turned stand-up comedian” Meshida humorously noted, “Many foreigners often ask me: ‘Why does everyone eat KFC in Japan?’ Japanese people think all Western people eat KFC at Christmas!”
The annual Christmas KFC craze shows no signs of slowing down. As the tradition approaches its 50th anniversary, it accounts for roughly one-third of KFC’s annual revenue in Japan. The company is poised to continue this successful promotional event, delighting millions and further embedding itself in Japanese holiday culture.
What’s next? As KFC continues to thrive during the holiday season, keep an eye on the evolving trends in fast food and cultural celebrations worldwide. Expect KFC’s Christmas tradition to remain a hot topic for years to come, capturing the interest of both locals and international observers alike.
