When it comes to Christmas in Japan, alongside the city’s illuminations, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) becomes a hot topic. While turkey is traditionally eaten overseas, Japan has established a culture of enjoying chicken at Christmas. This began with a campaign launched by KFC in the 1970s. Today, gathering with family or romantic partners around limited-edition menu items like the Party Barrel has become an annual tradition.
This article provides detailed information about why KFC is chosen for Christmas in Japan, reservation methods, and other standard Christmas dishes.
1. Why Do Japanese People Eat KFC at Christmas?
The custom of eating KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) at Christmas in Japan has become established as a unique cultural tradition. Originally, Japan did not have the custom of eating turkey at home like Western countries, and many people were uncertain about what to prepare for their Christmas table. It was KFC’s marketing strategy that sparked the spread of this custom.
In 1974, the “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign launched by KFC Japan is considered the beginning of this tradition. At the time, inspired by foreign customers’ comments that “it’s difficult to get turkey in Japan,” the company proposed chicken as a Christmas dish. This campaign was the catalyst for establishing the association between Christmas and chicken.
Furthermore, KFC sold special menu items like the Christmas-exclusive Party Barrel, creating a Christmas experience that families could enjoy at home. The stores incorporated Santa Claus decorations and music, establishing their position as a special dining experience for families and couples.
In Japan, Christmas has become established as an occasion to spend with family or romantic partners, and KFC’s chicken has become its symbolic representation. As a result of adapting Western traditions to suit Japanese lifestyles, the culture of “Christmas equals Kentucky” was born and continues to be widely embraced today.
2. KFC Menu Items Eaten at Christmas in Japan
KFC’s Christmas menu, which symbolizes Christmas in Japan, appears each year with slightly different offerings. Christmas 2025 features a gorgeous lineup with limited-edition menu items and new desserts.
| Party Barrel |
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| Since its launch in 1985, this has been a beloved staple of Kentucky Christmas. 2025 marks its 40th anniversary, offering two varieties: the Party Barrel Original with a generous 8 pieces of Original Chicken, and the Party Barrel Variety combining 4 pieces with Chicken Tenders and Biscuits. Both come with this year’s new additions: Domestic Chicken Special Meat Gratin and Strawberry Vanilla Mousse. |
| Christmas Packs |
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| A total of 6 varieties of sets to choose from based on group size and occasion. Centered around Christmas-exclusive items like Chicken Tenders and Barbecue Chicken, these are perfect for parties with family and friends. |
| Side BOX & Packs |
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| Special packs that add the limited-edition Barbecue Chicken to standard sides like Biscuits and Potatoes. Enjoying these alongside main menu items creates a more satisfying dining experience. |
| Side Menu Items |
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| Items available for individual purchase include the savory Barbecue Chicken and Chicken Tenders marinated in garlic soy sauce. |
Since menu contents and designs are partially updated each year, enjoying that year’s unique flavors is part of the appeal of KFC Christmas.
3. How to Make Reservations for KFC in Japan
In Japan, KFC’s Christmas menu is extremely popular every year, and advance reservations are essential. Early reservations are recommended to avoid congestion. There are two main reservation methods.
■KFC Net Order (Online Reservations)
Order through the official website or app and specify your pickup store, date, and time. For 2025, reservations began on November 2 (Thursday). An “Off-Peak Reservation” exclusive to online orders is being implemented, offering “Burger Trial Vouchers” to those who pick up during certain time periods (until 1:00 PM / after 8:00 PM) on December 19 (Fri) – 23 (Tue) or December 24 (Wed) – 25 (Thu).
■In-Store Reservations
Direct applications are possible at KFC stores nationwide. Reservation periods vary by location, and quantities are limited, so early visits are advised.
Additionally, early bird specials offer 500 yen off the regular price for Party Barrel reservations made by December 12 (Friday). Since reservations can be easily made either online or in-store, even first-timers can confidently enjoy Kentucky Christmas in Japan.
4. Standard Christmas Dishes in Japan Other Than KFC
For Christmas in Japan, there are many standard dishes beloved at homes and restaurants beyond KFC. Centered on Western cuisine, menus that enhance special dining with family and romantic partners are popular. Here are representative dishes commonly featured at Christmas.
4-1. Tori no Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Tori no Karaage, a popular staple dish in Japanese homes, appears on many Christmas tables as well. These bite-sized pieces of fried chicken with crispy exteriors and juicy interiors are loved by everyone from children to adults. In Japan, seasoning varies by household, with Japanese-style marinades using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger being common. Its ease of eating makes it popular as a main dish for home parties.
Lighter than fried chicken overseas, it offers the delicate flavors characteristic of Japan. Since it can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets, it’s a Christmas food that tourists can casually enjoy during their travels.
4-2. Roast Beef
Roast beef has become established in Japan as a popular Christmas dish for “special occasion feasts.” Tender beef is sliced thin and enjoyed with gravy sauce or horseradish. Beyond homemade preparations, it’s also offered as a Christmas-exclusive menu item at department stores and restaurants.
Japanese roast beef is characterized by cooking methods that minimize fat and bring out the flavor of lean meat. As a result, it offers an elegant taste that isn’t too heavy and pairs excellently with wine or champagne. As a Western traditional dish adapted to Japanese style, it’s a highly popular menu item even among foreign travelers.
4-3. Beef Stew
Perfect for cold weather, beef stew is a standard home-cooked dish for Christmas dinner in Japan.Tender slow-cooked beef combined with the deep richness of red wine and demi-glace sauce creates a luxurious flavor. In Japan, it’s commonly eaten with rice or bread, making it particularly popular during the winter Christmas season.
At home, it can be easily made using commercially available roux, while restaurants offer authentic dishes carefully prepared by chefs. For overseas travelers, this is a recommended warm menu item that provides a sense of Japanese home cooking culture beyond traditional Japanese cuisine.
4-4. Pizza
As a Christmas party food, pizza is highly popular in Japan. It’s a standard menu item embraced for being easy to share with family and friends and for adding flair to the table. Japanese pizza in particular is characterized by unique toppings including cheese and tomato sauce along with seafood, teriyaki chicken, and mayonnaise.
During the Christmas season, delivery chain stores sell limited-edition menus and heart-shaped pizzas to create a special atmosphere. It’s also conveniently available through hotel room service and convenience stores, making it accessible for tourists.
4-5. Shortcake
When it comes to indispensable Christmas sweets in Japan, it’s the strawberry shortcake. This cake decorated with fluffy sponge, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and red strawberries is an iconic representation of a white Christmas in Japan.
Developed from Western confectionery culture that spread in Japan during the 1920s, it has now become a standard Christmas dessert with reservations flooding cake shops nationwide. Its gorgeous appearance and delicate sweetness attract high popularity even among foreign tourists. Enjoying it together with KFC chicken is the quintessentially Japanese Christmas style.
4-6. Chirashi Sushi
Chirashi Sushi is a traditional dish beloved for occasions like Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day Festival), but its gorgeous appearance makes it a frequent choice for Christmas tables as well. With salmon, shrimp, ikura (salmon roe), kinshi tamago (shredded egg crepe), and other colorful ingredients arranged atop vinegared rice, it decorates the table as gorgeously as a Christmas tree.
In recent years, chirashi sushi base mixes and ingredient sets that make home preparation easy are widely sold, with the ability to easily create a special atmosphere being another reason for its popularity. While incorporating Japanese elements, it pairs easily with Western party menu items, establishing itself as a warm, quintessentially Japanese home-style Christmas dish.
Summary
In Japan, the culture of eating KFC chicken at Christmas has become established, sparked by the 1974 “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign. In Japan, which didn’t have the custom of eating turkey, chicken dishes that could be easily enjoyed gained popularity. Today, limited-edition menu items like the Party Barrel appear, enhancing special days spent with family and romantic partners.
Beyond KFC, dishes like karaage (Japanese fried chicken), roast beef, beef stew, pizza, shortcake, and chirashi sushi are beloved as standard fare, allowing people to enjoy the diverse Christmas tables characteristic of Japan.
*This article was created based on information as of November 2025
