What do Japanese eat for Christmas?

Every Christmas season, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families treat themselves to fried chicken from the American fast-food chain, in what has become a nationwide tradition. A bucket of KFC chicken

KFC chicken

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is an American fast food restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that specializes in fried chicken.

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KFC - Wikipedia

has been the go-to dinner for Japan since the 1970's, when KFC launched their “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign.

Why do Japanese eat KFC for Christmas?

According to KFC Japan, it all dates back to 1974 after a KFC Japan sales team member overheard a foreign customer complain about not being able to get turkey and making do with fried chicken for Christmas.

What is the traditional Xmas dinner in Japan?

(CNN) — Almost every year since she was a child, Hokkaido resident Naomi has looked forward to her family's traditional Christmas meal: a KFC "party barrel" brimming with salad, cake and lots of fried chicken. "In Japan, it is customary to eat chicken at Christmas," says the 30-something Japanese woman.

Do Japanese eat KFC on Christmas?

While the design of the bucket and the sides may change each year, KFC's famous fried chicken stays at the center of the party bucket, and the Christmas holiday in Japan. Kentucky for Christmas is a Japanese tradition that's here to stay.

What is Japanese Christmas cake?

In Japan, Christmas cake is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. The cake is simply a sponge cake, frosted with whipped cream, often decorated with strawberries, and usually topped with Christmas chocolates or other seasonal fruits, and a Santa Claus decoration.

What do Japanese people eat for Christmas!?

What is the most popular Christmas meal in Japan?

As turkey is difficult to find in Japan, the staple dish for Christmas in Japan is chicken. Many restaurants offer special limited-edition Christmas chicken menu items for eat-in or takeout. This is usually fried or roast chicken, and may contain sides as well.

Is it rude to drink from soup bowl in Japan?

It's perfectly good manners in Japan to pick up the bowl you're eating from in one hand while you eat, and totally acceptable to drink soup straight from the bowl.

What are the Christmas traditions in Japan?

In Japan, Christmas is the time for friends and couples to have parties, make plans to meet up for dinner and celebrate as much as they can. And New Year is the time of the year when all members of the family come together, visit the temple, and usher-in January 1st, with food and drinks.

What does Japan call Santa?

In Japan Santa is known as サンタさん、サンタクロース santa-san (Mr Santa). Another Japanese gift bringer is Hoteiosho, a Japanese god of good fortune from Buddhism and not really related to Christmas. The Japanese New Year (called 'o shogatsu') is more like a traditional Western Christmas.

What are 5 facts about Christmas in Japan?

How does Japan say Merry Christmas?

Saying "Merii Kurisumasu" (Merry Christmas)

Written in katakana script, the form of writing Japanese use for all foreign words, the phrase looks like this: メリークリスマス (Click the links to listen to the pronunciation.)

Is it rude to finish your plate in Japan?

Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one does not wish to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.

Is it polite to burp in Japan?

Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.

What do Japanese restaurants yell when you leave?

Instead, it is polite to say "gochisosama deshita" ("thank you for the meal") when leaving.

How much KFC Do Japanese eat on Christmas Day?

When it comes to Christmas, the Japanese seek out fried chicken. Per Fodors, more than 3.6 million Japanese citizens consume KFC on Christmas – an increase of about 10 times the average consumption during non-Christmas seasons.

Is waving offensive in Japan?

Waving your hand in front of your face

The Japanese hand gesture of waving it back and forth in front of your face, with the thumb facing you and pinky away from you, means “no.” When you're accused of something, it implies "Not me." or "No way!".

What country is it polite to fart?

Farting etiquette 101

For instance, did you know that farting after a meal is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to the Inuit people of Canada? But other cultures – and people – might not be as understanding as the Inuit.

Is it rude to stick chopsticks in rice?

2. When you are eating food with chopsticks, especially with rice, do not stick your chopsticks into your food or rice. This is seen as a curse in Chinese culture. This is taboo and said to bring bad luck because it reminds people of the incense used a funeral.

Is it rude to talk while eating in Japan?

Others are manner rules universal: don't speak with your mouth full, and close your mouth while you are chewing. What's special for Japanese food is perhaps the use of chopsticks. Please avoid holding food with two pairs of chopsticks.

Why do Japanese slurp when eating?

The first is that slurping actually enhances the flavor of the food. Slurping the noodles allows one to take noodles and air into their mouth at the same time, which works to further bring out the flavor of the noodles.

Why are there no benches in Japan?

And hence it seems the greatest reason that Japan really does seem to lack seating in public spaces is simple: the government has no incentive — and perhaps even has a disincentive — to create it.

Is Christmas big in Japan?

Even though only about 1 percent of the Japanese population are Christian, Christmas is still a pretty big deal over here (as you may have noticed with the plethora of Christmas markets and stunning illuminations dotting every corner of Tokyo).

Does Japan have Christmas trees?

The decorations of the Christmas celebrations in Japan include all the traditional elements. The Nativity scene is given a corner in every house. They also have turkey for Christmas dinner, Christmas trees, evergreens and mistletoe in their stores and homes and even their own version of Santa.

Do Japanese send Christmas cards?

Japan's Nengajo is the counterpart of a Christmas card in Western countries. Sending out cards to friends and relatives in New Year has been an unceasing tradition in the country. One writes not only to greet the other a happy new year but also to wish for continued favor with the other party.

What is a traditional Japanese food?

The traditional cuisine of Japan (Japanese: washoku) is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes; there is an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Side dishes often consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or in sushi.