In quite an unusual turn of events, there's one place in the entire world where Christmas is represented by a popular fast-food brand: Japan.

How the entire country grew to adopt a fast-food meal as their Christmas tradition is a bit of a mystery to some, but it's been successful ever since its first introduction back in 1970. In theory, it's nothing new compared to much of the world's holiday traditions at the end of the year: It's still poultry, and it's heckin' delicious. The fast-food chain responsible for this Japanese holiday tradition is none other than KFC, and fried chicken is the dish that has appeared at many people's tables for decades now. And yes, if you were wondering, it is still a popular tradition, as KFC is wholly successful in Japan.

It's estimated that 3.6 million families in Japan order KFC for their holiday dinners and meals are even ordered weeks in advance in order to reserve that finger-lickin' dinner. It has become quite a staple in a country where between one and two percent of the population is Christian and celebrated Christmas traditionally, and this is how it all started.

KFC Offers Holiday Dinners

The first official KFC opened up in Japan back in 1970 and it was managed by a man who went by the name of Takeshi Okawara. Eventually, it was he who had the idea for a tradition that has spanned decades and this smart thinking and spark of creative ingenuity would catapult him to eventually becoming the CEO of KFC Japan during the 80s. Not long after the first KFC was opened, Okawara was struck with the idea of incorporating a 'Party Barrel' which was essentially a giant bucket of fried chicken as a holiday promotion. His idea was smart because it took the effort out of making Christmas dinner, still felt festive with a poultry dish, and could be readily available, hot and delicious, just in time for Christmas dinner. The idea was inspired by the tradition in the US of having a Christmas turkey and since chicken was a comparable substitution, the idea absolutely took off in Japan.

Four years later, the promotion went national and was promoted as an actual holiday meal offer. The official name of the promotion was 'Kentucky for Christmas' and featured a myriad of promotional materials, banners, flyers, and advertisements for the new dinner offer. In hindsight, the idea was brilliant in more ways than one. Without an actual Christmas tradition, Japan's holiday void was easily filled by KFC and their chicken dinners and stuck around to become one of the most popular holiday meal traditions in the country. With the US behind it and its century's old tradition of having poultry as the main dish for the holidays, there was no going wrong with chicken doing the same thing in Japan.

Related: Taco Bell Is One Of America's Healthiest Fast Food Chains, But Which Ones Come Close?

Christmas KFC Chicken Grows

As KFC for Christmas became more and more popular, more was added to sweeten the deal in order to appeal more widely to families and large gatherings. Not only was the meal accompanied by KFC's famous sides, but it also began selling with a dessert option, as well. Therefore, the promotion only gained attention and continued to grow as families now had a complete meal from the moment they sat down until the moment they were ready for dessert. Nothing else is needed nowadays when ordering a KFC Christmas dinner, as a cake is included which was a tradition long before KFC ever incorporated dessert into their seasonal promotions.

Those interested even have the option to expand their Christmas meals, with additional meat options such as ribs or a whole roast chicken that comes with stuffing. In Japan, wine is sold at KFC as well, which makes the promotion that much more appealing as those looking for a celebratory drink don't even need to leave the restaurant - they can pick up their premium KFC dinner, complete with sides, dessert, and wine. Those who have spent Christmas in Japan are likely familiar with the Christmas promotions as they've probably seen it during their visit or have actually had this dinner at a friend's or host's house. KFC is a popular option during Christmas parties as there's plenty to feed a crowd and it's liked by everyone.

Related: 20 American Fast Food Chains We Grew Up With (That Are No Longer Around)

This KFC Christmas dinner is so popular that if a person doesn't order it in advance, they'll have to wait in a (super) long line just to place their order. Even to this day, ordering ahead is suggested for those who don't want to spend their Christmas Eve or Christmas waiting to place an order.

Next: These International Dunkin' Donuts Have Us Wondering What We're Missing Out On