Japanese Candy For Christmas? How About KFC?!
Nic Thibodeau
If you visit Japan during the holiday season, you may think, "Alright! Where I can find the Japanese candy?" and search for some awesome holiday themed Japanese candy. However, you might be surprised by what other food is celebrated in Japan during the holiday season! KFC! Yes, the Kentucky Fried Chicken. It might seem like an odd tradition, but while we love snacking on Japanese snacks while listening to music, we also have come to enjoy doing so with KFC and Christmas tunes!
Christmas is celebrated in many ways in Japan, but the KFC Christmas Chicken is one tradition that is thought of as odd by many. Why did it start, you wonder? Well, lets discuss that below!
Many people in Japan don't think of Japanese candy when they imagine the holiday season. What does come to mind however is Christmas Chicken! Every year Japanese billboards, TVs, newspapers, and more are filled to the brim with ads informing people that Christmas Chicken reservations have begun! Spots usually are completely full with a few weeks. This has been a tradition for years, but when did this start?
It all started with a marketing campaign in 1974 when some foreigners visiting Japan couldn't find turkey and opted to use KFC instead for a holiday meal!
The exotic feeling of American chicken and the simple message, "Christmas = Kentucky", all alongside a major commercial ad campaign, pushed this Christmas Chicken tradition to the height it is at today!
Ever since the Christmas Chicken campaign started in 1974, major celebrities and other influential figures have chowed down on the ever popular drum stick to celebrate this Christmas chicken!
Other food chains in Japan also take part in the Christmas Chicken celebrations as well. For example, Japanese hamburger chain MOS Burger also has many Christmas chicken sets or buckets just for the holiday season! The Colonel's Christmas present for Japan is chicken for all!
So, we hope this shed a little bit of light as to why Christmas=Kentucky and not Japanese candy for many people in Japan! While we can't stick a bucket of chicken into your Japanese snack box, you can always head out to your closest KFC on Christmas day to snag a bucket of chicken to join the chicken festivities!
To keep up to date on other fun Japan news, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! If you are looking to chow down on Japanese candy straight from a monthly Japan box, be sure to subscribe now!
Related articles
Nintendo Museum and More Cool Things in Kyoto!
However, you can feel the blend of lively modern touches in this former capital’s serene, ancient surroundings! Let’s check out some must-visit spots in Kyoto, starting with the Nintendo Museum!
Kei Car and More: Five Unique Vehicles from Japan!
Dual-purpose buses, revamped bicycles, and trikes aim to make life more convenient for drivers. Rev up your engines – it’s time to look at five unique vehicles you will see in Japan!
Odaiba: The Entertainment Island of Tokyo!
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for fun and excitement in Tokyo, look no further than Odaiba. This futuristic island has many entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
Manzai: Authentic Stand-Up Comedy from Osaka!
What makes manzai stand out from other styles? Let’s explore comedy’s fascinating history, structure, and lasting impact. Plus, if you’re ever in Osaka, we’ll let you know where you can catch a live performance!
Halloween Train: A Wild Ride with Zombies!
Themed trains are a big part of Japan’s culture because of their distinctive and creative designs. The recent launch of the zombie Halloween train is no exception!
Culture Day: A Fun Holiday on November 3rd!
Culture Day, also known as Bunka no Hi, is honored annually in Japan on November 3rd. Let’s follow along to explore more exciting things about this special day!