Why is KFC eaten at 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".


Why do Japanese eat KFC for Christmas?

The campaign started in the 70s to tempt tourists and expats with chicken on Christmas Day when they couldn't find turkey to eat, and was the the brainchild of Takeshi Okawara, the manager of the first KFC in the country, according to the BBC.

Which country eats KFC for Christmas?

It's always a very merry Kentucky Christmas in Japan. Every year, millions of families make a beeline for the nearest KFC in Japan and order bucketloads of fried chicken. Children reach in for the best piece of the lot, commemorating what they know to be the most natural tradition–a KFC dinner for Christmas.


Do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?

Whatever the true origin story, it's clear on one thing – KFC created a national phenomenon and one of the most popular Japanese Christmas food traditions. Today, around 3.6 million Japanese people tuck into a feast of the Colonel's fried chicken specialities every Christmas.

Does China celebrate Christmas?

Like the rest of the world, Christmas Day in China is on December 25th each year. However, Christmas traditions in the country are relatively young and it is mainly celebrated as a commercial season instead of a religious day.


How KFC Became a Christmas Tradition in Japan - Cheddar Examines



Who gets dressed like Santa in Japan?

What's black and white and red all over? A zoo in Japan is getting into the Christmas spirit by dressing up their penguins in custom-made miniature Santa Claus costumes.

What do Japanese eat at Christmas?

"In Japan, it is customary to eat chicken at Christmas," says the 30-something Japanese woman. "Every year, I order the party barrel and enjoy it with my family. I like the delicious chicken and the cute picture plate that comes with it as a bonus."

Does Japan celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is in the air! While it isn't a national holiday in Japan, since only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian, it's still felt throughout the country.


What do Japanese people 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 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.

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.


Is Dec 25 a holiday in Japan?

Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. However, often schools are closed on Christmas Day because it's near the start of the New Year school break. But most businesses will treat the 25th as a 'normal' working day.

What do Koreans eat for Christmas?

Korean Christmas Food

Instead of a traditional Western Christmas roast, you might find the table adorned with South Korean classics like Bulgogi, sweet potato noodles and the ever-present kimchi. A particular festive favourite includes tteok guk – a rice cake filled with meat or seafood and served with clear broth.

What do Australia eat for Christmas?

10 iconic Aussie Christmas foods, ranked
  • Trifle. Another boozy dessert we've had to borrow from our colonisers, the layered yumminess of trifle is the perfect way to round off a mega Christmas lunch. ...
  • Fruit, especially cherries. ...
  • Potato bake. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • BBQ. ...
  • Ham and turkey...but cold. ...
  • Oysters. ...
  • Prawns.


What do Chinese eat for Christmas?

Like American traditions, those that celebrate Christmas in China have a feast. Rather than turkey and stuffing, the menu would look similar to a Spring Festival fair with roast pork, jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), spring rolls, huoshao (baked roll with or without stuffing), and rice.

Do Russia celebrate Christmas?

Religious services

Devout families will then return to church for the All Night Vigil. Then again, on Christmas Morning, they return to attend the Morning Divine Liturgy of the Nativity. Since 1992, Christmas has become a national holiday in Russia as part of the ten-day holidays at the start of the new year.

Why is Christmas so big in Germany?

Although it is the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is also celebrated by Germans who do not profess any faith – by 78% in all. Celebrating Christmas is an important family tradition for most people. Roughly one in four Germans go to church at Christmas.


How is Christmas in Italy?

An Italian Christmas is a warm and joyful celebration, full of rich food, folklore and family. From the Feast of Seven Fishes during La Vigilia on Christmas Eve to the arrival of the witch La Befana on her broomstick on 6 January, the festive traditions in Italy are unique, vibrant and magical.

What do American eat for Christmas?

Traditional American Christmas dinner food
  • Turkey. A turkey is an inexpensive main meal that will feed a lot of people. ...
  • Stuffing. Stuffing (sometimes called dressing) is another common Christmas dinner food. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Gravy. ...
  • Cranberry sauce. ...
  • Christmas ham. ...
  • Beef tenderloin. ...
  • Rack of lamb.


What is an American Christmas dinner?

The basic American Christmas dinner is British in origin: roasted root vegetables as a side dish, mashed potatoes, gravy, and the centerpiece being a stuffed roasted fowl.


What countries do not celebrate Christmas?

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

What is Santa called in Germany?

Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.

Does Santa brush his teeth?

*Santa and his Elves DO have to brush their teeth. Like all boys and girls, if the elves don't brush their teeth, they may just be put on the “Naughty List” too. Santa and his elves need to make sure they have fresh breath, cavity prevention, and a healthy smile.


What is Santa called in Italy?

St. Nick, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, whatever you want to call him, it wouldn't truly be Christmas without the jolly old benefactor giving out presents to the children around the world! And Babbo Natale – or Daddy Christmas – is Italy's answer to the man in the red suit.

What is an Italian Christmas dinner?

In Northern Italy, Lasagne Bolognese and filled pasta like manicotti and ravioli are traditional Christmas fare. Next comes the main event, the meat. Roasted veal, baked chicken, sausages or braised beef are common Natale entrées worth celebrating.