Quick Answer: KFC and cake are Christmas staples in Japan. According to KFC Japan, their "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentucky" (Kentucky for Christmas) campaign began in 1974. In December 2023, all stores combined recorded ¥7 billion in sales over just 3 days (December 23-25)—a record high. Customer traffic reaches about 10 times normal levels, with an estimated 3.6 million households ordering KFC for Christmas.
📌 Related Article: Also check out Japanese Christmas Cake Tradition.
Why Do Japanese People Eat KFC for Christmas?
Growing up, my mother always prepared cake and bone-in chicken for Christmas. As a Japanese person, I assumed this was American culture—so I was genuinely surprised when an American friend told me "that's not a thing" in the US.
This experience made me realize that Japanese Christmas isn't a direct copy of Western traditions, but a culture uniquely developed in Japan.
What Makes Japanese KFC Christmas Unique?
Japan's KFC Christmas tradition has some distinctive features compared to other countries.
- Fried chicken as Christmas dinner: In Western countries, families typically roast turkey or ham at home. Fast food becoming a holiday feast is uniquely Japanese
- Reservations required, long lines expected: On Christmas Eve, long queues form outside stores. Without advance reservations, you might not get any
- About 50 years of history: Established since the 1974 campaign launch. A prime example of corporate marketing creating culture
History of KFC Christmas in Japan
1. How KFC Met Christmas
In 1970, Japan's first KFC store opened in Nagoya. Initially, sales struggled. Store manager Takeshi Okawara came up with the idea of selling Christmas chicken sets.
After playing Santa at a kindergarten Christmas party and serving chicken to great acclaim, he became convinced that "there's demand for eating chicken at Christmas in Japan too."
2. The 1974 Campaign Launch
In 1974, KFC launched its first nationwide campaign "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentucky" (Kentucky for Christmas) (per KFC official story). Okawara noticed the Western tradition of eating turkey at Christmas and proposed fried chicken as an accessible alternative, since turkey was hard to find in Japan.
A famous anecdote from this period: when NHK asked him "Do people overseas also eat Kentucky for Christmas?", he reportedly blurted out "Yes"—a response that helped establish the perception that this was an international custom.
3. The Birth of the Party Barrel
In 1985, the Christmas-exclusive "Party Barrel" (barrel-shaped bucket) was introduced. The set of chicken, salad, and ice cream with the concept of "everything you need for your Christmas table in one package" gained widespread support, becoming a turning point that spread "Christmas = Kentucky" culture nationwide.
It remains the flagship Christmas product today, with deluxe versions including gratin and cake, plus Premium Roast Chicken (whole roasted chicken).
4. Current Traditions
- Early November: Reservations open
- December: Colonel Sanders statues dress up in Santa costumes
- Christmas Eve: Customer traffic exceeds 10 times normal levels
Long lines outside stores, watched over by Santa-clad Colonel statues—this scene has become a year-end tradition in Japan.
Timeline and Costs
| Item | Timeline | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reservations open | Early November | - |
| Party Barrel | Reservation recommended | About ¥3,000-8,000 |
| Day-of purchase | December 24 | May sell out |
📌 Tip: Christmas Eve sees customer traffic over 10 times normal. Reserve in advance to ensure you get yours. Some stores offer app reservations and time-slot pickups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Japanese people eat KFC for Christmas?
It started when KFC launched its "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentucky" campaign in 1974 (per KFC official). They proposed fried chicken as an alternative to Western turkey, and it became established through continuous marketing.
Do people eat KFC for Christmas overseas?
No. When you tell Americans, they're genuinely surprised—"Seriously?" Western Christmas dinners typically involve roasting turkey or ham at home. Fast food fried chicken is far from the image of a holiday feast.
What is a Party Barrel?
A Christmas-exclusive barrel-shaped bucket launched in 1985. The set of chicken, salad, and ice cream with the "complete your table in one package" concept was well-received. It remains KFC's main Christmas product.
Cultural Context
Why Did This Tradition Develop?
In Japan, Christmas developed as a commercial event rather than a religious holiday. Rather than directly copying Western traditions, Japan has adapted them in its own way. KFC's Christmas campaign since 1974 has become established as a symbol of "Japanese-style Christmas."
Economic Impact
Christmas is KFC's biggest sales period of the year.
- December 23-25, 2023: ¥7 billion in total sales across all stores (record high, per KFC official announcement)
- Customer traffic: Reaches about 10 times normal levels
- Households served: Estimated 3.6 million (2020)
Such concentration of sales in just a few days is rare even in the food service industry.
Marketing Success
The jingle "Kurisumasu wa Yappari Kentucky ♪" (Christmas really is Kentucky) has been ingrained in many people's minds. The Santa costume promotion for Colonel statues has continued since the 1970s. In 2025, commemorating the campaign's 40th anniversary, KFC opened a "KFC Christmas Restaurant," further strengthening the brand image of "KFC for special occasions."
Regional Notes
While widespread nationally, reservation methods and product lineups may vary by store.
Sources
- Japan KFC Holdings official announcement "2023 Christmas sales: ¥7 billion" (confirmed: 2025-12-21)
- KFC official website "Kentucky for Christmas" story (1974 Christmas campaign launch, confirmed: 2025-12-21)
- Takeshi Okawara's "white lie" anecdote is cited as his later recollection (confirmed: 2025-12-21)