Do you really know? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?
Dec 24, 2024
In Japan, Christmas means KFC instead of roast turkey, creating a unique festive tradition. Families brave the winter cold to queue up for colorful Christmas buckets filled with fried chicken, coleslaw, and even strawberry shortcake. This phenomenon traces back to the 1970s, driven by clever marketing strategies during the country's post-war economic boom. The podcast dives into how a fast-food chain became a holiday staple and the cultural significance of Christmas celebrations in Japan.
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Post-War Japan & Western Influence
- Post-war Japan saw a surge in interest in Western culture, including food, as its economy boomed.
- The fast-food industry grew rapidly, paving the way for KFC's arrival in 1970.
KFC's Christmas Origins
- Takeshi Okawara, the first KFC Japan leader, noticed foreigners missed turkey on Christmas.
- He launched a Christmas bucket with fried chicken, aiming to fill this gap.
Christmas in Japan
- Christmas in Japan is a secular, cultural import like Valentine's Day.
- Traditional Japanese fried dishes like 'karaage' made KFC's fried chicken easily adaptable to local palates.