UPDATE: Millions of Japanese families are diving into a unique Christmas tradition today, feasting on Kentucky Fried Chicken’s iconic holiday buckets. This year marks a record demand as KFC’s Christmas offerings become an essential part of holiday celebrations across Japan.
Why It Matters: KFC has transformed the Christmas dining experience in Japan, with over 1,100 locations across the country. The fast-food giant is now valued at $15.4 billion globally and is the third most profitable fast-food franchise worldwide. This phenomenon exemplifies the power of cross-cultural marketing, reshaping a Western tradition into a unique Japanese custom.
As demand skyrockets, customers are pre-ordering their holiday buckets up to six weeks in advance, with Christmas Eve identified as the busiest day of the year for KFC. This year, KFC introduced small discounts for online pre-orders to help manage the overwhelming demand, with holiday buckets priced at approximately $37.
What to Know: The Christmas KFC craze began in the 1970s when Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan’s first KFC franchise, seized a marketing opportunity after overhearing expats wishing for turkey dinners. His one-day chicken bucket campaign filled a cultural void, establishing KFC as the go-to Christmas meal in Japan.
The holiday buckets have become a symbol of the season, with various offerings, including chicken tenders, classic fried chicken, and even lemon cheesecake. Social media influencers like Megan Elizabeth, with 328,000 Facebook followers, are sharing their festive spreads, showcasing the unique items that come with the Christmas bucket.
“Many foreigners often ask me: ‘Why does everyone eat KFC in Japan?’ Japanese people think all Western people eat KFC at Christmas!”
said Meshida, a Japanese comedian, highlighting the intriguing cultural exchange at play.
What Happens Next: The KFC Christmas tradition shows no signs of fading. The promotional event, which started as a one-off campaign, now drives roughly one-third of KFC’s annual revenue in Japan. As the holiday season progresses, the company is expected to continue its half-century tradition, further embedding itself in the festive fabric of Japanese culture.
With millions indulging in this culinary celebration, KFC’s Christmas phenomenon is not just a marketing success but a testament to how brands can adapt and thrive across cultures. Stay tuned for more updates as the festive feasting unfolds.
