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Here’s something rather odd but respectable if one might say: KFC Japan holds annual memorial services in honour of the chickens that have fed the people of Japan.
To be more specific, the memorial service is known as Chicken Thanksgiving, and is an annual event that allegedly has been taking place since 1974, as a way of appreciation to the contributions made by an estimated 22 million brave souls (chickens), as well as prayers for healthy and safe meat for the subsequent year.
You can spot these memorial services around June period at famous shrines like Higashi-Fushimi Inari in Tokyo as well as Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, with signboards displaying ‘Chicken Thanksgiving’ (Chicken Kanshasai).
The annual event is typically attended by people like the president of KFC Japan, as well as key appointment holders from the supply chain such as sales reps, meat processors, and seasoning producers.
With such a historical custom held by KFC Japan annually, one would think that this ceremony is well-known amongst Japanese people. In fact, many people from Japan do not actually know about it, although these kind of ceremonies for those who have passed on are quite common in Japan.
If you are considering to pay respects to these chickens, perhaps bring an offering of seven herbs and spices to the next Christmas Thanksgiving?
Dates & Times: Chicken Thanksgiving is held annually in June
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