What's Happening?
In Japan, a unique Christmas tradition has taken hold where millions indulge in Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) meals during the holiday season. This custom originated in the 1970s when Takeshi Okawara, the manager
of the first KFC franchise in Japan, noticed a demand for turkey dinners among foreigners. He launched a chicken bucket campaign, which has since evolved into a national craze. The tradition has become so popular that orders are placed weeks in advance, with Christmas Eve being the busiest day for KFC in Japan. The company has capitalized on this demand by offering discounts for pre-orders to manage the high volume of customers.
Why It's Important?
This phenomenon highlights the power of cross-cultural marketing and how a brand can adapt and thrive in a different cultural context. For KFC, this tradition represents a significant portion of its annual revenue in Japan, showcasing the brand's ability to integrate into local customs and create a new market. The success of KFC's Christmas campaign in Japan underscores the potential for businesses to innovate and find new opportunities by understanding and catering to cultural nuances.
What's Next?
The tradition shows no signs of waning, with KFC continuing to expand its offerings and promotions to maintain customer interest. As the company celebrates nearly half a century of this unique marketing success, it is likely to further entrench itself in Japanese holiday culture, potentially inspiring similar campaigns in other regions.
