Japan celebrates Christmas with KFC and strawberry shortcake traditions

Conde Nast Traveler reported that Christmas in Japan is celebrated in a distinctive way, despite not being a national holiday. Since 1974, a marketing campaign by KFC popularized the slogan 'Kentucky for Christmas,' leading many Japanese families to enjoy a feast of fried chicken on Christmas Day.

This tradition has become so popular that ordering KFC weeks in advance is often necessary to secure a meal for the holiday. The original Christmas meal also included a bottle of wine, adding to the festive experience.

In addition to the fried chicken tradition, strawberry shortcake is a favored Christmas dessert in Japan. This cake consists of layers of sponge, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, highlighting the importance of food in the country's holiday celebrations.

Conde Nast Traveler also noted that food plays a central role in Christmas celebrations globally, with various countries embracing their own unique customs and dishes during the festive season.