Current Events > KFC Japan earned 6 billion yen over Christmas weekend, proving that Japan loves

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KFC Japan earned 6 billion yen over Christmas weekend, proving that Japan loves Christmas chicken.



The fried chicken industry in Japan is no small fry.

What better way to spend Christmas than eating fried chicken and strawberry shortcake? While it may not be exactly traditional from a Westerners point of view, thats the way they do it in Japan, especially if the chicken is from good ol American fast food restaurant, Kentucky Fried Chicken. Its so popular, in fact, that placing orders for Christmas chicken ahead of time is highly recommended, especially if you want a special box, because they might not have any left if you go in on the day.

With it being tradition to eat KFC on Christmas, its no wonder that KFC Japans sales between December 23 and 25 are calculated to be over 6 billion yen (about US$53 million).



Yes, you read that right: in only three days KFC Japan sold about $53 million worth of fried chicken. Thats the equivalent of about 24 million pieces, enough for every person in Tokyo to have two and a half pieces. Perhaps the only equivalent might be turkey sales during U.S. Thanksgiving, but KFC is a fast food chain, not a whole industry, and Japan is a much smaller country than the U.S., so its amazing that a single company could have such high numbers over such a short time span.

This years sales are also 1.4 percent more than last years, and the highest ever recorded for a Christmas season. The company estimates that its because of their promotional campaign, which was composed of a cheery, Christmassy TV commercial featuring a song written exclusively for the campaign by famous songstress Mariya Takeuchi. They also believe its because they opened both online and in-store reservations as early as November 1, offering five different Christmas Packs and three different Party Barrels, including chicken that wouldnt smell too strongly on the train and bother other passengers, so that no one would miss out on the delicious tradition. They sure do have the advantage of variety (and consideration).

The fast food giants success at Christmas could also be due to the fact that its simply an increasingly popular tradition. Whats Christmas without KFC? Besides, their constant stream of great offers throughout the year, like all-you-can-drink deals for 1,000 yen, wholesome deli takeout, and yummy character-inspired desserts may have helped boost their image, making everyone crave KFC every day (like we do now, writing this article). And lets not forget their delightful KFC seasoning bath salts! (But maybe were a little biased on that one)

Three of the Christmas boxes




Whatever the case, it seems like KFC is doing something right. Somehow theyve managed to maintain dominance on the fried and grilled chicken market, making them almost the sole provider of a Chicken Christmas. Now if they can only get a handle on the Christmas Cake and New Years osechi cuisine market (and its not like they havent tried the latter), theyll have total domination of the holiday season.

KFC Holdings Japan.
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I want to experience a Christmas over there.
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To be fair, KFC in Britain was the fucking shit. They seem to be on their game overseas.
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i wonder if they serve rice with KFC like the other asian countries do
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wtf Japan celebrates Christmas?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFw-TZzqX8M
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a42ozslushie posted...

wtf Japan celebrates Christmas?

it's like their valentine's day
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it's pretty crazy how popular KFC is over there
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Popeyes is still better though
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SaccharineSmile posted...

i wonder if they serve rice with KFC like the other asian countries do

It might be a side but from what I've seen, they offer the same sides as they do here.
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A reminder that while the KFC is good, Christmas in Japan is not great for singles. While we are being happy and merry, drinking the brew, opening presents, and feasting on all sorts of food, Japanese men who are single have to suffer because their Christmas is nothing more than another Valentines Day.. If they seen how we all celebrate our Christmas, they'd wish they'd have the Christmas we all have.
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Tadamoto38 posted...

Popeyes is still better though

Agreed, but I feel Popeyes has some real shit employees behind the counter. Sometimes the chicken is amazing, other times I can tell it's been under the lights too long.
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boxington posted...

it's pretty crazy how popular KFC is over there

Its probably edible over there
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true
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