UPDATE: Millions across Japan are participating in an astonishing Christmas tradition, indulging in Kentucky Fried Chicken as their festive feast. This year, customers are ordering buckets of chicken legs, biscuits, and fries in record numbers, with Christmas Eve expected to be the busiest day of the year for KFC.
This unique holiday custom can be traced back to the 1970s, when Takeshi Okawara, manager of Japan’s first KFC franchise, identified a gap in the market. After overhearing foreigners complaining about the absence of traditional turkey dinners, Okawara cleverly launched a marketing campaign promoting chicken as the new holiday staple.
Why this matters: KFC has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, contributing significantly to the company’s global success. With a valuation of $15.4 billion and over 30,000 locations worldwide, KFC is now the third most profitable fast-food franchise globally. In Japan alone, KFC operates more than 1,100 locations, and the Christmas tradition has transformed into a major revenue driver, accounting for nearly one-third of its annual income in the country.
Demand for KFC’s holiday buckets has skyrocketed, with customers now placing orders as early as six weeks in advance. As a result, KFC has introduced small discounts for online preorders to alleviate long queues. A festive bucket costs about $37, making it a premium option for families celebrating the holiday.
Joonas Rokka, an associate professor of marketing at Emlyon Business School, explains the phenomenon: “It 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.’”
The cultural impact is palpable. Japanese comedian Meshida humorously highlights the perception of KFC among foreigners, saying, “Many foreigners often ask me: ‘Why does everyone eat KFC in Japan?’ Japanese people think all Western people eat KFC at Christmas!”
Social media influencers are also sharing their festive spreads, showcasing KFC’s signature offerings. Tokyo-based influencer Megan Elizabeth recently posted about her family’s Christmas bucket, which included a commemorative plate, chicken tenders, classic fried chicken, lemon cheesecake, and cheesy rice.
As the years progress, this innovative marketing strategy shows no signs of waning. The promotional event is likely to continue thriving as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
What to watch for: Expect KFC’s Christmas campaign to expand further, as the company aims to maintain its cultural relevance and financial success in Japan. With millions of customers eagerly awaiting their holiday meals, KFC’s chicken buckets have firmly established themselves as a treasured part of the Japanese Christmas experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on KFC’s evolving role in Japan’s holiday traditions!
