UPDATE: Millions of Japanese families are indulging in a beloved Christmas tradition today, flocking to Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets nationwide for their festive feasts. This year, the demand for KFC’s holiday buckets has surged, with customers placing orders up to six weeks in advance.
Why It Matters: KFC has become a culinary staple during the holiday season in Japan, showcasing the power of effective cross-cultural marketing. Valued at $15.4 billion, KFC is the third most profitable fast-food franchise globally, with over 1,100 locations in Japan alone.
The origins of this unique tradition trace back to the 1970s, when Takeshi Okawara, manager of the first KFC franchise in Japan, recognized a gap in holiday dining options. Hearing foreign customers lament the absence of turkey dinners, he launched a one-day chicken bucket campaign that transformed Christmas in Japan.
“It filled a void. There was no tradition of Christmas in Japan, and so KFC came in and said, ‘this is what you should do on Christmas,’” said Joonas Rokka, an associate professor of marketing at Emlyon Business School in Lyon, France.
Christmas Eve has become the busiest day of the year for KFC, with customers eagerly awaiting their holiday buckets, which can cost up to $37. To streamline the experience, KFC has introduced online preorder discounts to reduce long queues.
Social media influencers are capturing the excitement, with Tokyo-based Megan Elizabeth sharing her family’s festive spread, which included a commemorative plate, chicken tenders, and lemon cheesecake. With 328,000 followers on Facebook, her videos showcase the extravagant holiday offerings that have become synonymous with KFC in Japan.
As this Christmas tradition continues to grow, KFC’s promotional event shows no signs of fading, accounting for roughly one-third of the company’s annual revenue in Japan. The phenomenon illustrates how a simple marketing strategy can evolve into a national obsession, deeply ingrained in the culture.
Join the celebrations as KFC’s holiday buckets become a centerpiece of Christmas in Japan, with families enjoying a taste of Western tradition in their unique way. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing festive phenomenon!
