Why do Japanese people eat KFC on Christmas?

Eating KFC on Christmas Eve is a popular tradition in Japan, originating in the 1970s as a festive alternative to traditional holiday meals.

How much does KFC sell on Christmas Eve in Japan?

KFC Japan stores sell approximately 10 times their annual average sales volume on Christmas Eve each year.

When did KFC become a Christmas tradition in Japan?

The tradition of eating KFC for Christmas in Japan began in the mid-1970s, with mega ad campaigns in the 70s and 80s solidifying its popularity.

Home / Lifestyle / KFC: Japan's Christmas Fried Chicken Craze

KFC: Japan's Christmas Fried Chicken Craze

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

KFC Japan sells 10 times its average annual sales on Christmas Eve.
The tradition began in the 1970s, initiated by a KFC manager.
Millions of Japanese families now opt for KFC during the holidays.

KFC: Japan's Christmas Fried Chicken Craze

In Japan, Christmas Eve has transformed into a celebration featuring fried chicken, with KFC experiencing a remarkable surge in sales, selling ten times its annual average on this specific day.

This distinctive custom traces its roots back to the mid-1970s. The tradition reportedly began with a KFC manager who recognized a lack of traditional holiday meals and proposed a "party barrel." This idea, coupled with extensive advertising campaigns throughout the 1970s and 1980s, cemented KFC's role in Japanese Christmas celebrations.

Today, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families embrace this tradition annually, with many pre-ordering meals as early as October. KFC Japan even introduced a pop-up restaurant in Tokyo in 2025 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its party barrel, further highlighting the enduring popularity of this unique holiday practice.