What is the first thing you think when you heard Christmas? Santa Claus, turkey, Mashed potatoes, Gravy, Gingerbread houses? To me, KFC is the first thing that I came up, when I heard Christmas. Fuck Santa Claus and turkey. Santa Claus gives shitty presents, and Santa is not even real you know. KFC gives you Crespy fried chicken in bucket. While Americans battle mall crowds for the perfect pine, Japanese people are lining up at KFC for Colonel Sanders’ festive fowl. But why this clucking crazy tradition?
It all started in 1970, thanks to a KFC manager’s “party bucket” dream (seriously!). He overheard some Christmas-missing foreigners, and BAM! the idea was hatched. Fast forward to 1974, KFC throws a Christmas marketing blitz, and boom! Buckets become a holiday staple, pricier than turkey but way tastier (arguably).
But there’s more to it than just fried goodness. The most of Japanese are Buddhism, Shinto, and atheism. Only 1.5% are Christianity. Japanese people are not celebrating Christmas for religious reason. Christmas KFC is about families gathering, sharing laughter, and making memories over finger-licking’ good chicken. Celebrating Christmas with Kentucky chicken has become a part of Japanese culture. If you are in 20s or 30s and do not have significant other, I would recommend to not go outside on Christmas eve. You can see a lot of couple celebrating at romantic restaurant or holding hands on public on that day. You might get hurt emotionally, or even worse, you get depressed. People who do not have significant other have two options, you can stay at home or work at that time. If waiters work at that time on Christmas eve, that mean they are Sigle and not ready to mingle. Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, so if it on weekday, you have to go to school or work on Christmas day. So, grab a drumstick, raise a toast to the Colonel, and join us in celebrating Christmas the Japanese way. It’s an adventure you won’t forget, and a reminder that sometimes, the best traditions are born from dreams, buckets, and a whole lot of finger-licking’ good chicken.
ケンタッキークリスマス2023｜KFC
These pictures are actual KFC Christmas menu 2023. the middle and right one come with Christmas decorate plate and only cost 47000 yen which 33 USD.
クリスマスケーキ（Christmas Cake）is one of Christmas traditional dessert in Japan. In Japan, the tradition of Christmas cake dates back to the post-World War II era when Western customs gained popularity. Introduced by confectionery shops, Christmas cake quickly became a symbol of the festive season. The iconic Japanese Christmas cake, typically a light sponge cake adorned with whipped cream and strawberries, is eagerly awaited each year, marking a sweet culmination to the holiday celebrations. Over time, this delightful treat has woven itself into the cultural fabric of Japan, bringing joy and a touch of sweetness to the festive season.
If you come to Japan in Christmas season, you should try to eat KFC and Christmas cake with friends or significant other to make unforgettable memory. During winter, illumination and Christmas tress is everywhere, especially big stations and departments.
Hakata Station illuminations in Fukuoka city 12/22/2023.
Merry Christmas!!!