How KFC became Japan’s traditional Christmas food with millions wolfing down buckets
IT'S the festive fact that you wouldn't believe...but it's true.
Every year millions Japanese flock to KFC on Christmas Eve to chow down on buckets of the Colonel’s chicken.
But why has this happened? Is it because the Colonel’s trademark white beard makes him look a little like Santa Claus?
Or because they’ve realised that fried poultry is always better than roasted?
Every year since the mid-1970s, life-size Colonel Sanders statues dressed as Santa have welcomed millions from across the country.
According to figures released by the fast-food chain, KFC Japan pulled in £49million from December 20 to 25 in 2018.
KFC Japan's busiest day is usually December 24, on which they usually sell about five to 10 times more than typical days.
The bizarre tradition is down to some clever marketing when a sales exec struck gold in 1974 after starting the “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii” campaign
KENTUCKY FOR CHRISTMAS
It translates to “Kentucky for Christmas”.
The idea came when a group of tourists in Japan couldn’t track down a Christmas turkey and one suggested that a KFC was the best alternative.
The company realised the marketing potential and launched its first Christmas meal - a combo of Chicken and wine.
Today their Christmas offerings include cake and champagne as well as the Colonel’s secret recipe chicken.
Despite an estimated one percent of the population being Christian, the meal has become synonymous with the day and people come in their droves to collect their bargain buckets.
Lines can be up to two hours long and people often pre-order in advance
Since she was a child, Hokkaido resident Naomi has looked forward to her family's traditional Christmas meal: a KFC "party barrel" brimming with salad, cake and lots of fried chicken.
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She told CNN: "In Japan, it is customary to eat chicken at Christmas.
"Every year, I order the party barrel and enjoy it with my family.
"I like the delicious chicken and the cute picture plate that comes with it as a bonus."
