Japan’s most-followed religion is Shintoism, with less than 1% of its population being Christian. And yet, the nation celebrates Christmas in full spirit, with an extra helping of romance.

For many people in Japan, KFC is central to their Christmas celebrations. Every year at Christmas, 3.5 million Japanese families opt for KFC, according to an Instagram clip shared by BBC.

It's not even a public holiday in Japan, but Christmas is big business. How did it become such a popular occasion?

For millions of people in Japan, the perfect Christmas dinner is a good meal from KFC. Yup. You’re reading that correctly. Business booms every year for KFC on Christmas Day. Instead of going the turkey route, folks are opting for Kentucky Fried Chicken, according to BBC.

This country of 124 million people didn't have a traditional Christmas meal in the 1970s, so KFC decided to try and change that.