They even deliver to your house
Japan’s Christmas Tradition with KFC
Japan’s Christmas Tradition with KFC
Christmas is celebrated all over the world and there are many different customs and traditions globally. Japan celebrates Christmas with KFC and has been doing so since the mid 70’s that it has become a tradition. Prior to KFC, Japan celebrated Christmas with cake. KFC was introduced to the Japan market in 1970.
How did it start?
Why it became, and how it has become a tradition. Story goes, in 1974 Takeshi Okawara who was the first manager of KFC overheard foreigners commenting that Japan didn’t have traditional Christmas dinner. He later had a dream to which he came up with the idea of combining a barrel of KFC original recipe chicken and a bottle of wine.
Replacing turkey with fried chicken at a combined low price and coining it “Barrel Party”! And the Fried Chicken for Christmas tradition started. The success of Okawara’s Christmas campaign propelled him to President and CEO of KFC Japan from 1984 – 2002.
Currently nearly 4 million Japanese consume the Colonel’s recipe of secret herbs and spices annually. During Christmas Holidays the company sells roughly 300,000 party barrels and 800,000 Christmas packs thru peak season. This accounts for 1/3 of yearly annual sale for the company.
Christmas Eve is by far the busiest day for orders. It’s estimated that KFC shops throughout Japan are 10 busier than normal. So if you want to celebrate Christmas Japan style. We recommend you pre-ordering your order or you just might be out of luck! 2019 advance orders already started Nov 1st. Christmas Packs and Party Barrels, as well as other customizable menu items are available www.kfc.co.jp/top.html and range from ¥2000-Y8000.
From our Japan FEAST family to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!!
