Do Japanese eat KFC on Christmas?

The 'Kentucky for Christmas' slogan was part of a marketing campaign in 1974 for the chicken franchise, and now every year around 3.6 million Japanese people sit down to eat KFC fried chicken for Christmas.


Why do Japanese go to KFC on Christmas?

In 2020, the global KFC website published its own explainer, noting that the original idea for the campaign came when a foreign customer who visited KFC in Tokyo on Christmas day said, "I can't get turkey in Japan, so I have no choice but to celebrate Christmas with Kentucky Fried Chicken".

What do the Japanese eat on Christmas Day?

5 things that are eaten on Christmas day in Japan
  • KFC / Chicken dish. Since it is hard to get turkey in Japan, chicken is eaten on Christmas day. ...
  • 2 . Christmas cake. ...
  • Pizza. Pizza is just known as a party meal and some people order pizza and eat it on Christmas day.
  • Potato salad. ...
  • Cream stew.


What country has KFC for Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinner in the UK usually only means one thing - turkey. But in Japan, they clearly can't be bothered waiting around three and half hours for a bird to cook. They tuck into KFC instead, a rather unlikely festive tradition that may have started from a fib. In 1974, KFC launched its 'Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!'

Why do Asians eat KFC on Christmas?

The manager of Japan's first KFC in the 70's was inspired to market KFC as a Christmas meal when he overheard some foreigners reminiscing on how they missed turkey dinner at Christmas. KFC called the campaign “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii or Kentucky for Christmas and the idea took off!


How KFC Became a Christmas Tradition in Japan - Cheddar Examines



What is the most popular meal for Christmas in Japan?

Over 80 percent of respondents to a recent online survey by a Japanese shopping information site operator said they plan to celebrate Christmas by eating chicken, with most preferring to buy takeout rather than cook themselves.

What are 3 Christmas traditions in Japan?

Christmas in Japan: Facts and traditions
  • 2.1 Japan Christmas Cake.
  • 2.2 KFC: Japan's biggest Christmas meal.
  • 2.3 Winter illuminations.
  • 2.4 Japanese Christmas Markets.
  • 2.5 The Disney Christmas Spectacle.


Is KFC popular in Japan?

The most common meal of choice on Christmas Day is the traditional Christmas dinner, usually with a roast Turkey. But that's not the case everywhere. In Japan, KFC has become the Christmas meal of choice for millions of families every year.


Is KFC different in Japan?

KFC is considered more expensive and luxurious, compared to other fast food places in Japan. In Japan, you must be certified as a "chicken specialist" in order to make chicken. Certification takes 3 months, and your knowledge and skills are tested every year.

What do Japanese call Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Commonly called “Kentucky” (ケンタッキー) in Japan, KFC has become part and parcel of the fabric of Christmas in Japan.

What country likes KFC the most?

The major markets for KFC include China (7,166 stores), the United States (3,943 stores), Japan (1,140 stores), Russia (979 stores), South Africa (955 stores), the United Kingdom (928 stores), Thailand (853 stores), Malaysia (743 stores), Indonesia (742 stores), Australia (699 stores), and Canada (601 stores).


What is the most popular fast food chain in Japan?

Leading fast-food restaurant brands in Japan 2022, by number of facilities. As of January 2022, McDonald's was the fast-food restaurant brand with the most operating stores in Japan, amounting to 2,934 facilities. Other leading brands include Hotto Motto, MOS Burger, and KFC.

What is Japan's number 1 food?

1. Sushi. Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish and the first thing people think of when they think of Japanese cuisine.

What are the 3 most popular foods in Japan?

15 Most Popular Foods You Have To Eat In Japan
  • Sushi & Sashimi. Let's start with the food item that most of us associates Japan with: Sushi and Sashimi. ...
  • Ramen. ...
  • Tempura. ...
  • Kare-Raisu (Curry Rice) ...
  • Okonomiyaki. ...
  • Shabu Shabu. ...
  • Miso Soup. ...
  • Yakitori.


What is Santa called in Japan?

In Japan Santa is known as サンタさん、サンタクロース / Santa-san (Mr Santa) or サンタクロース / Santa-Kurosu (Santa Claus). (Another Japanese gift bringer is Hoteiosho, a Japanese god of good fortune from Buddhism.

What religion is in Japan?

The Japanese religious tradition is made up of several major components, including Shinto, Japan's earliest religion, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Christianity has been only a minor movement in Japan.

Is Christmas a big deal in Japan?

Since Christmas isn't a national holiday, big crowds and packed hotels are scarce. This is a fun time to travel to Japan to see the gorgeous “illuminations” and markets all over the country. Though Japan does not view Christmas as a religious holiday, it is still celebrated as a way to reunite families.


Do the Japanese eat a cake on Christmas?

In Japan, Christmas cake is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. The cake is simply a sponge cake, frosted with whipped cream, often decorated with strawberries, and usually topped with Christmas chocolates or other seasonal fruits, and a Santa Claus decoration.

What do they drink on Christmas in Japan?

Chanmery sparkling juice

The name comes from an amalgamation of “champaign” and “merry” and is bought at Christmas and often grape flavored. Since it's hard to find Chanmery drinks outside of Japan, any sparkling juice is a good substitute for kids and even adults who don't drink.

What do Japanese eat for breakfast?

Traditional Japanese breakfast usually follows the style of a Japanese set meal, with the staple being rice and miso soup and ohitashi (boiled vegetables) served as side dishes. Natto (fermented soybeans), pickles, and grilled fish are often also served on the side to help complement the rice.


What is Japan's least favorite food?

Natto. Believe it or not, most Japanese don't even like natto (fermented soy beans). As a warm-up for my junior high school students, I would often query them on both their favorite and most-hated foods. Nine out of 10 of my students hated natto.

What is Japan's number one snack?

Mochi is one of the most popular snacks in Japan.

With its chewy texture and variety of fillings, it's a snack that anyone can enjoy. Mochi is humble in flavor and truly gives its fillings center stage with red bean, matcha paste, plum flavors to name a few. Making mochi is a tradition in itself with religious meaning.

What US city has the best Japanese food?

The study found New York City has the world's best Japanese restaurants (outside of Japan), scoring 25.7 out of 50. "From the Michelin star ramen bar, Mr.


What is the most popular Japanese food in America?

The essentials of Japanese food! Three popular Japanese foods that can be eaten even in America!
  • This is a mainstay in Japanese food! “Sushi” ...
  • Enjoy a variety of ingredients with “Tempura” Following sushi, it's likely that tempura is the second most famous Japanese food. ...
  • Casually enjoy “Ramen” ...
  • Summary.
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