VOL. 1, NO. 4
DECEMBER 16, 2021
THE YELLOW PAGES BASIS Independent Fremont Journalism Club
HOW KFC BECAME A CHRISTMAS TRADITION
BEHIND THE SCENES: THE NUTCRACKER
By Amber Wong & Ariana Yi
By Bella Alcaine
Christmas is a holiday of cheer and fun, however, some countries may deviate from the iconic, hallmark Christmas, a
Rapid urbanization rippled across the world, and this time period of globalization established the US as a powerhouse. Western
testament to the diversity of the holiday. Traditional Christmas
culture became more prevalent, causing a mass introduction of
dinner commonly features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes,
Western franchises to enter the fast-food sector in Japan. This
gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. For dessert, pie, pudding, and cake are common
allowed Okawara to more easily advertise KFC in the Japanese market. Okawara promoted fried
choices. However, Japan took the
chicken as an apt substitute for a
Christmas feast to the next level with thousands of people ordering KFC weeks ahead. The fast food
Christmas turkey, advertising fried chicken “Party Barrels”, and decorating the jovial Colonel
chain is newly offering foods
Sanders as Santa. Soon, Okawara’s
such as cole slaw, shrimp gratin, promotions reached the ears of the triple-berry tiramisu cake, and, of national broadcaster NHK. When course, fried chicken. According asked if eating KFC was a common to figures released by the
tradition overseas, Okawara agreed.
American fast-food chain, KFC Japan pulled in 6.9 billion yen (roughly US$63 million) from
Though he admitted on “Household Name” that he was regretful about lying about Western traditions, it
December 20 to 25 in 2018, with lines out the door starting on December 23 and an estimated 3.6 millions Japanese families eating KFC during the Christmas season.
simply was an opportunity he could not turn down. After his promotion of KFC on national broadcast, in 1975, KFC began taking the marketing plan national, calling it
But what made this tradition so “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii”, or common, and how did it originate? translated into English: “Kentucky It all started with Takeshi Okawara, a manager in the first KFC in Japan. According to
for Christmas”. The rest is history, and KFC was established as a holiday tradition. Despite the lie
Okawara, he visited a KFC teststore in 1970, and was smitten by the success of Colonel Sanders.
that originated “KFC for Christmas”, it ultimately established a lasting custom and saved a
Shortly thereafter, he was offered a position at the fast food chain.
corporation from likely disaster.
Okawara opened his own KFC in Nagoya in 1970, but the store did not do as well as he hoped and left Okawara destitute. However, Okawara understood what he needed to do to boost KFC Japan to a soaring success.
INTRODUCTION The Nutcracker is a famous two-act ballet based on the novel “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice”, written by E.T.A. Hoffman. This year, for the 56th time, San Jose Dance Theater is hosting its very own performance. It was my privilege to interview Minna Ko, who has been participating in this performance as either a cast or backstage crew member in previous years, for a look behind the scenes of this festive tradition.
WHEN DOES PREPARATION START? Preparation for The Nutcracker first begins around September 1st, and rehearsals are held on September 12th. Between the two casts (one cast for the first act and another for the second act), there are over 100 dancers. There are also over 35 other members that go into the making of this production and at least 15 additional backstage crew members. The backstage crew is in charge of helping with props, costumes, hair, makeup, and many other things. It takes about 3 weeks to prepare the costumes. On the days of the shows, cast members have to arrive at 9 a.m., even though the shows start in the afternoon. Like any other performance, there is so much excitement and chaos behind the scenes that you can practically feel it in the air.
CANDY LAND Candy Land is a VIP meet and greet with the cast members. It is a festive opportunity to enjoy wonderful food and drinks as well as getting to meet and talk to the cast members. Make sure to buy your tickets for the show before it’s too late! Check out the website: sjdt.org. Also, shoutout to Minna Ko for being our inside source! :)