As of this writing, there are more than 25,000 KFC branches in over 145 countries around the world, with 1200 of those located in the Japanese archipelago. Even if you’ve never tried the food—for some wild reason—, you’ve definitely seen the iconic head of its distinguished founder, Colonel Sanders, floating high above traffic, beckoning you to sink your teeth into his crunchy poultry. Interestingly enough, in Japan, this same southern gentleman is also present at every single Christmas dinner table spreading his dapper cheer.
But why? How did an ubiquitous fast-food restaurant become an indispensable part of the Japanese holiday tradition?
Embracing the Colonel
According to a Harvard University expert on Japanese culture, once the population rose above the post-World War II levels of poverty and began to become financially independent, they could now partake in the myriad of consumer options that populated the country, which were more than a few.
During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, the proliferation of Western customs spread like wildfire around the nation, bringing beloved chains like Baskin Robbins, Mister Donut and yes, the mustachioed mascot himself into dining culture in 1970.
“Kentucky for Christmas”
Meanwhile in 1970s America, KFC began an aggressive media campaign advertising their buckets of fried gold, none more influential than soul-singer Joe Tex’s spirited on-stage endorsement of its “finger-lickin’” goodness. KFC Japan followed suit a few years later in 1974 with a series of ads initially targeting ex-pats living abroad that suggested they try “Kentucky for Christmas” in lieu of the coveted yet elusive turkey. Why, with a “Party Barrel” set menu, one could easily simulate the warmth of the season thanks to KFC’s one-stop-shop.
The greasy deal was permanently sealed when then-CEO of KFC Japan, Takeshi Okawara, donned a Santa costume at the Christmas party, which not dazzled the children, but opened his eyes to the true potential of “Kentucky for Christmas”.
On The Advertising Wagon
Naturally, an idea and a Santa costume won’t bring in Christmastime customers simply like a barrage of carefully orchestrated and emotionally targeted commercials can. By the 1980s, KFC Japan’s ad machine spared no expense and had clearly thought through the ways of how to make fried chicken with roots in the plains of Kentucky hit home with Japanese families.
Take this jazzy bubble-era collage of city-living denizens enjoying KFC for Christmas, or, conversely, a heartwarming 1983 spot featuring Stephen Fosters 18th-century tune “My Old Kentucky Home” played over scenes of rural Americana. With a TV in every household, families were exposed to the idea that perhaps KFC was not only synonymous with family, but Christmas as well. Thus, Okawara’s original spark had finally transformed into tradition.
A Modern Holiday KFC
Iterations on the commemorative plates, employee costumes and commercials changed over time, ultimately solidifying KFC’s hold on Christmas. This exclusive phenomenon exists in a space that’s fundamentally American and yet uniquely Japanese. So, if you find yourself in Japan during the holidays, why not indulge in the national pastime and grab yourself a bucket. It may just feel strangely familiar.
Josh Furr
Joshua first came to Japan with his family over 10 years ago and it completely ruined his life (in the best of ways). When he’s not trying to pass the JLPT, he’s researching Japanese history, enjoying 80s J-Pop and dreaming of 牛丼. He’s currently writing, writing, writing…mostly about Japan and video games.
