KFC Japan: One of Japan’s Most Popular Traditions

When it comes to fried chicken, KFC Japan is on a whole different level. Traditional Japanese food, such as ramen, sushi, and chankonabe, is still revered and super popular in Japan, but there’s a special place reserved in Japan’s stomach for fresh KFC.

For some, the idea that KFC is a staple of Japanese culture and the third-largest market in the world may be surprising. That’s right, Kentucky Fried Chicken is an integral part of the Christmas season for people all across Japan, too. The history behind this unusual situation is relatively straightforward, yet fascinating.

The History Of KFC In Japan

In 1970, the first Kentucky Fried Chicken location opened at the Osaka World Expo. The decision to open all KFC stores in Japan was the result of a four-year negotiation between KFC and Mitsubishi Corporation. The reception was positive, and plans were made to open more locations across Japan. 

The chain’s initial plan was to cater to smaller, suburban areas, while Mitsubishi wanted to focus on larger cities. When Mitsubishi’s plans were more successful, KFC’s popularity began to spread across Japan, with the country serving as KFC’s single-largest foreign market by 1983. That’s a lot of chicken.

What People Like Most About KFC In Japan

To further promote the KFC brand in Japan and drive revenue, Takashi Okawara, the first store manager in Japan, conceived a brilliant idea. He called it a “party barrel” and offered customers a special selection of chicken for Christmas. Christmas was, and still is to an extent, an overtly Western concept in Japan, so Okawara thought that by creating a special holiday meal on their menu, business could see a spike during an otherwise slow season. 

His idea was a booming success, so much so that the tradition of getting KFC for Christmas accounts for 5% of Japan’s annual sales. KFC at Christmas is such a widespread custom that people make reservations for their food weeks in advance. It might not ruin the entire holiday, but not getting those special Christmastime orders can definitely put a damper on the usual wintertime cheer.

KFC Has A Strong Significance In Japanese Culture

It may seem surprising that Kentucky Fried Chicken has become a national tradition in Japan. Its success comes down to one simple reason: food brings people together. Food is one of the best ways to explore another culture, regardless of your location.

For example, a person in suburban Ohio can have ramen with sushi for dinner. Suddenly, they are enjoying food that has defined a distant nation. On the other hand, someone in rural Hokkaido can order KFC and taste food that represents the American South. This shared enjoyment of food creates a wonderful sense of connection. It helps bring the world together in a positive way.

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What else makes it special?

Sharing food is a meaningful way to spend time with family. Even if it’s just a bucket of greasy chicken, sitting down with loved ones to enjoy biscuits and gravy creates lasting holiday memories. It may seem odd to feel sentimental about KFC. However, for company men who rarely see home and students visiting family, even one evening there can be the year’s highlight.

This is a clear example of the positive impact of globalization in Japan. Instead of being just another Western brand, KFC became a surprising hit that fit well into Japanese society. It may never reach the cultural status of ramen or sake, but enjoying KFC at Christmas has become a fun tradition across the country.

Just as anime, manga, and video games have gained massive popularity in the US, Japanese restaurants offering traditional cuisine have flourished in America. Likewise, the American fast-food chain KFC has successfully established itself in Japan.

KFC In Japan Is A Surprisingly Positive Sharing of Two Different Cultures

KFC has a mixed history in the States. Not only is it fast food, but it’s also a whole world of culinary misadventures that’s usually relegated to quick and questionable meal decisions, and it’s also super greasy chicken. It garnered much scrutiny when it launched its Double Down, a sandwich that used chicken instead of buns. 

In fairness, the Japanese menu is much broader than the US one, offering special sandwiches and cakes not seen in the States. Like McDonald’s, the Japanese version of tried-and-true American fast food, while still fast food at its core, is a step above what’s often served in America. Have you had KFC in Japan before? If so, what was your favorite dish? Please let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you thought of it!