Since the 1970s, the Japanese have associated Christmas with celebrations centered around a portly, white-haired guy with facial hair, and families gathered around the table with a taste for poultry. The similarities to the American holiday end there, however. In Japan, thanks to a wildly successful KFC marketing campaign that began in 1974, many look forward to a bucket of fried chicken cooked up by Colonel Sanders. Although only about 1% of the Japanese population identifies as Christian, many look forward to KFC’s "Finger Lickin’ Good" chicken for Christmas dinner, taking part in a national tradition that was entirely inspired by the marketing catchphrase Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or "Kentucky for Christmas."
May all your Christmases be ... fried?
The KFC Christmas meal packages often feature side dishes, cake, and wine.
KFC says that the whole idea started with Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan's first KFC restaurant. Overhearing expats in his store looking for a turkey feast on Christmas, he started selling a Party Barrel of chicken on the holiday.
From 1 December through 28 February, passengers on certain flights between Tokyo and eight American and European destinations can enjoy KFC in the air.
Discuss this Article
Post your comments