Fried Chicken Day (Furaido Chikin no Hi)
Food DaysWhat Is "Fried Chicken Day" on November 21st?
Fried Chicken Day commemorates the opening of Japan's first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant on November 21, 1970, in a suburb of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture (in what was then Nishikasugai District, Nishiharu Town). The day is recognized as an occasion to celebrate the deliciousness of fried chicken and look back on the history of KFC.
Colonel Sanders and the History of KFC
KFC's founder, Harland David Sanders (Colonel Sanders), began his franchise business after retiring at age 65, armed with a recipe he had developed at his own restaurant in Kentucky for "Original Recipe chicken made with 11 herbs and spices." After numerous failures and rejections, his eventual success became a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit—proof that it's never too late to pursue a new challenge.
KFC Japan and Christmas Chicken Culture
In Japan, a campaign launched in 1974 with the slogan "Kentucky for Christmas" established KFC's Christmas chicken as a uniquely Japanese tradition. Around December 25th each year, KFC stores record their highest sales of the year, with chicken often selling out unless reserved in advance. This phenomenon is rarely seen outside of Japan.
Tips for Making Fried Chicken at Home
- Marinate thoroughly: Soaking the chicken overnight in salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce helps the flavor penetrate
- Double-coat for extra crunch: Coating with flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs (or potato starch) twice creates an extra-crispy texture
- Control your oil temperature: Keep the oil between 170–180°C, cooking through at a lower temperature first before finishing at a higher temperature for that perfect crisp
- Get creative with spices: Try paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and other spices to create your own signature flavor
What You Can Do on Fried Chicken Day
Fried Chicken Day is a great occasion to enjoy fried chicken at KFC or a local specialty chicken restaurant. Trying your hand at homemade fried chicken is another fun option. It's also a wonderful opportunity to share Colonel Sanders' philosophy of "never giving up, no matter how many times you fail" with children.