"K. Annabelle Smith is a writer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico who covers a wide variety of topics for Smithsonian.com."

Yes I'm sure she's an expert on the subject.

While I won't claim to be. The idea that Japan is obsessed with KFC on Christmas is ludicrous. KFC has simply run a very long and successful Christmas marketing campaign. It's not much different to the American association of Macy's with Thanksgiving. Or perhaps the "shamrock shake" for St. Patrick's day.

Though the history of the KFC franchise expansion into Japan is pretty interesting. It's been one of the more successful fast food brands (second perhaps only to McDonald's) which is impressive as it has been notoriously difficult for American fast food restaurants to break into the Japanese market for a number of reasons. Especially for something like KFC which hasn't changed the menu all that much.

KFC opening first in Nagoya, the center of Japanese car industry was smart, as that area is much more resembling of suburban America so the drive through concept is more appealing.

Another interesting chain to look at is Denny's. They're owned by 7&11 in Japan and their menu doesn't at all resemble an American Denny's menu. They have been successful but totally changed all but the branding to meet the Japanese market.

Of course by far the most interesting of all Asian fast food chains is Jollibee. It has been wildly successful to such a degree that even McDonald's must be jealous. Which is surprising as it tastes like ass and makes McDonald's look like gourmet food in comparison. Of course it is only successful in it's home country of the Philippines but it totally eclipses the market on fast food there.

McDonald's international expansion is also fairly interesting they're mildly successful in China and Japan but have done horribly in places like Vietnam where Burger King expanded first and gained majority market share.