What Is A Traditional Japanese Christmas Dinner?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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And in Japan, Christmas means KFC. On December 25th every year, you’ll find millions of Japanese people sitting down to a hearty meal of

KFC fried chicken

, with orders placed with the restaurant months in advance. It’s all thanks to a very effective marketing campaign that began in the 70s.

Why do Japanese eat KFC for Christmas?

In 1970, Takeshi Okawara—manager of the first KFC restaurant in Japan—began promoting fried chicken “party barrels” as

a Christmas meal intended to serve as a substitute for the traditional American turkey dinner

. … Eating KFC food as a Christmas time meal has since become a widely practiced custom in Japan.

What is the most popular meal for Christmas in Japan?

Every Christmas season, an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families treat themselves to

Kentucky Fried Chicken

, in what has become a nationwide tradition.

What is traditionally eaten for Christmas dinner?

Traditional Christmas dinner features

turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables

. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham are also used.

What are 3 Christmas traditions in Japan?

  • Eat Strawberry Shortcake. …
  • Dine On Chicken. …
  • Go Shopping. …
  • Exchange Gifts. …
  • Admire The Christmas Illuminations. …
  • Attend The Disney Christmas Parade. …
  • Go On A Date.

Is KFC a Christmas 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.

What do Japanese drink on Christmas?

With

Chanmery

, a children’s party drink provided at many celebrations, children can celebrate and make toasts along with the adults. The name is a combination of two words: “Champagne” and “Merry Christmas”! It usually tastes like a carbonated grape juice, but you can find other flavors during the Christmas time.

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 rude to drink from soup bowl in Japan?

Soup served in a small bowl, such as miso soup, which is typically served at the start of most Japanese meals, doesn’t need to be eaten using a spoon. Instead, you may bring the bowl close to your mouth and drink it. … Loud slurping may be rude in the U.S., but

in Japan it is considered rude not to slurp.

Is it rude to stick chopsticks in rice?

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.

What is the most popular food at Christmas?

The Most Popular Christmas Dishes

The #1 pick is

roast potatoes

, with a win percentage of 76%. Mashed potatoes came in second (75%), and turkey was third (73%)—the only protein in the top five.

What are the 7 fishes for Christmas Eve dinner?

Typical feast

The meal’s components may include some combination of

anchovies, whiting, lobster, sardines, baccalà (dried salt cod), smelts, eels, squid, octopus, shrimp, mussels and clams

.

How long does Christmas last?

The

12 Days

of Christmas start on Christmas Day and last until the evening of the 5th January – also known as Twelfth Night.

What Christmas food is considered uniquely Japanese?

Christmas Food

What may be considered as the unique Christmas Celebrations in Japan are

Christmas Cakes, Fried Chicken , and ‘Daiku’

.

How do Japanese spend Christmas?

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.

Is Christmas a big deal 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).

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.