The Curious Case of Japan’s Christmas Fried Chicken Tradition

A Tradition Born from a Marketing Fluke

When discussing fake news, it’s often met with public outrage and calls for accountability. Yet, some instances of “fake news” have seamlessly blended into cultural traditions, becoming part of societal norms. One of the most iconic examples is Japan’s unique Christmas tradition of eating fried chicken — specifically from KFC. This peculiar custom, rooted in a simple misunderstanding, has since become a staple of Japanese holiday celebrations.

In the winter of 1973, KFC was still a fledgling brand in Japan, with fewer than 100 stores nationwide. Most Japanese citizens, unfamiliar with the concept of fried chicken, often mistook the red-and-white storefronts for wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shops. It was during this period that Takeshi Okawara, the manager of the Aoyama branch in Tokyo, found himself at the center of what would become a cultural phenomenon.

A Serendipitous Encounter

As Christmas approached, Okawara’s store experienced sluggish sales. One day, a nun from a nearby kindergarten rushed into the restaurant with an unusual request. She needed someone large enough to play Santa Claus at the school’s holiday event and wondered if Okawara could also provide fried…