"Kentucky for Christmas": Here's how KFC became Japan's go-to Christmas dinner

Christmas means different traditions for those who celebrate, whether it's white elephant gifts, seeing holiday lights, volunteering, caroling with good company or partaking in various foods. Four years after its inception, KFC launched its first Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or "Kentucky for Christmas" marketing campaign created by Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan's first KFC, whose source of inspiration still remains a mystery today. Because the demand for fried chicken is so high, KFC Japan "starts advertising and taking pre orders and reservations for its holiday specials as early as late October," according to the chain's official website. In addition to their signature "party barrels," KFC Japan offers seasonal items like a premium roast chicken, which KFC describes as "a locally grown and sourced, premium chicken that's hand prepared and stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, baked fresh in the restaurant." "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," KFC said.