On Christmas Day in Tokyo, the most ubiquitous festive symbol isn't a decorated tree or a plate of turkey, but the distinctive red and white stripes of a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet, with queues spilling onto the pavement. When traveller Queenie Shaikh found herself in Japan over the festive period in 2025, she was determined to experience this unique cultural phenomenon firsthand.
The Origins of a Finger-Lickin' Festival
The story of Japan's love affair with KFC at Christmas began in 1974. Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan's first KFC in Nagoya, reportedly launched the "Kentucky for Christmas" campaign after overhearing an expatriate lament the lack of turkey. He suggested fried chicken as a festive alternative. The marketing genius of the campaign, possibly aided by Colonel Sanders' resemblance to Father Christmas, resonated deeply. Over five decades, it has snowballed from a simple promotion into a nationwide ritual, with families often booking their "Party Barrel" orders weeks in advance.
Queenie's exploration took her to the Takadanobaba district in Shinjuku, a calmer contrast to the neon-drenched central hub with its famous 3D cat billboard. Here, as across Japan, December 25th was a regular working day, with commuters crowding trains and no mulled wine in sight. The only hint of a European-style Christmas market near the Imperial Palace offered okonomiyaki and soba noodles rather than mince pies.
Seeking a Halal Alternative in Tokyo's Backstreets
For Queenie, one requirement presented a challenge: finding halal chicken, which KFC Japan does not provide. Fortunately, the student population around Waseda University has fostered a visible Muslim community in Takadanobaba, complete with halal eateries capitalising on the Christmas chicken frenzy. Her search led her to Halal Master Chicken, where a paper sign advertised Christmas fried chicken and a queue curled out the door.
Inside, the scene was one of bustling celebration. Families and friends packed the orange tables, clutching Christmas-themed cups and buckets. The queue was a mix of Muslims and locals, some deterred by packed KFCs or the cost—a KFC Christmas Party Barrel costs around ¥4,580 (roughly £23). The lone chef worked furiously, frying and grilling whole birds, the aroma saturating the air.
A Shared Feast Beyond Borders
Speaking to a fellow diner, Queenie learned how American pop culture and KFC's savvy marketing filled a void, creating a template for Christmas celebration in a country without its own historical traditions. Her own feast arrived—a towering burger, crisp chicken pieces, chips, and melon tea—a serving so generous it rivalled any KFC offering. The restaurant owner confirmed it was their busiest day, filled with groups in high spirits.
This experience, worlds away from a British Christmas of turkey and sprouts, highlighted a universal truth. In a nation that doesn't officially observe the holiday, people from diverse backgrounds had gathered to share a joyful, communal meal. Japan has crafted its own magical, and decidedly delicious, version of Christmas cheer, with fried chicken firmly at its heart.
