A Finger-Lickin’ Christmas: The Story Behind KFC’s Dominance in Japan

Fried chicken might seem like an unlikely dish to associate with Christmas, but in Japan, this delicious fast food has become a well-loved Christmas tradition. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign back in the 1970s, millions of Japanese families gather every December to enjoy a meal from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

This article covers the history and factors contributing to this unusual yet fascinating cultural phenomenon.

A Bold Idea: Takeshi Okawara’s Dream

KFC opened its first Japanese location in the small city of Nagoya in 1970.

This was one year BEFORE McDonald's opened their first location in Tokyo! pic.twitter.com/zWszQqLsYw

— The Wolf of Franchises 🍟 (@franchisewolf) December 24, 2022

The story of KFC becoming a Japanese Christmas tradition can be traced back to Takeshi Okawara, Japan’s first KFC restaurant manager in Nagoya. According to KFC Japan spokesperson Motoichi Nakatani, Okawara dreamt of selling a “party barrel” of fried chicken during Christmas after overhearing foreign customers talk about missing turkey on the festive holiday.

This idea soon became a reality as Okawara pitched the concept to his superiors. In 1974, KFC launched its marketing plan nationwide under the slogan “Kentucky for Christmas” (Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii), and it was an instant hit.

No matter where the idea came from, it inspired a wildly successful marketing campaign.

Beginning in 1974, KFC Japan began running a "Kentucky Christmas" ad campaign.

The commercials framed the KFC "Party Barrel" as something to be shared with the whole family on Christmas. pic.twitter.com/UJvWtRn0s9

— The Wolf of Franchises 🍟 (@franchisewolf) December 24, 2022

Today, KFC is synonymous with Christmas celebrations in Japan, with an estimated 3.6 million families enjoying fried chicken from the American fast-food chain every festive season.

Cultural Shift: Embracing Western Influences

FOUR security guards outside this KFC in Tokyo. Must be Christmas pic.twitter.com/tBM1CSmc3x

— Andy Sharp (@sharp_writing) December 24, 2020

The success of Kentucky for Christmas can be attributed to several factors, one of them being Japan’s growing interest in Western culture during the country’s economic boom. In the 1970s, a fascination with Western fashion, food, and travel led to a massive expansion in Japan’s fast-food industry.

KFC tapped into this cultural shift by presenting itself as an elegant and authentic way to celebrate Christmas “American style.” The company invested heavily in advertising campaigns showcasing happy Japanese families gathered around a bucket of fried chicken, reinforcing the notion that KFC was the perfect dish for Christmas celebrations.

Familiar Tastes: Compatibility with Japanese Palate

So, they set their sights on Christmas –

There are a number of theories about why KFC began marketing itself as a Christmas meal in Japan.

One is that a KFC Manager falsely marketed fried chicken as a traditional American Christmas food to boost sales. pic.twitter.com/8SwxvVAmb6

— The Wolf of Franchises 🍟 (@franchisewolf) December 24, 2022

Another reason behind the enduring popularity of KFC for Christmas in Japan is its compatibility with the local flavors. KFC’s fried chicken shares a similar taste profile with karaage, a traditional Japanese dish made from deep-fried meats like chicken or fish. This familiar taste made it easier for Japanese families to embrace KFC as an appropriate addition to their holiday feasts.

The Making of a Tradition: Marketing and Consumer Psychology

The key to KFC’s success in becoming part of the Japanese Christmas experience lies in its marketing strategy. By heavily promoting the association between their brand and the festive celebration, KFC managed to fill a void in Japan’s cultural landscape. Since there were no established Christmas traditions in Japan, the company was able to create one from scratch.

KFC further solidified its connection to Christmas by dressing up Colonel Sanders statues in Santa outfits, turning the iconic figure into a symbol of holiday joy. Over time, KFC expanded its offerings for Christmas by providing various packages catering to different budgets and tastes.

Thanks to their consistent marketing efforts and ability to adapt to Japanese culture, KFC has sustained its popularity during Christmas for decades. Even today, many people continue the tradition of ordering their “party barrel” in advance or waiting in line at local outlets during December.

The Power of Marketing in Shaping Holiday Customs

In Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken has become synonymous with family gatherings and festive cheer during Christmas. This unique tradition can be attributed not only to clever marketing strategies but also to Japan’s openness towards Western culture and cuisine during its period of economic growth.

With millions of households continuing to enjoy KFC as part of their holiday celebrations, it is evident that this unusual custom is here to stay, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in the world of fast-food marketing and cross-cultural adaptation.