KFC Japan Launches 'Discover the Secret of Original Chicken' Campaign on June 17, Featuring Limited-Time 'Founding Anniversary Pack'

Japan Kentucky Fried Chicken Co., Ltd. (President: Atsushi Najima, Head Office: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; hereinafter “Japan KFC”) will launch a series of initiatives under the campaign titled 'Discover the Secret of Original Chicken' starting Wednesday, June 17, leading up to September, the birth month of founder Colonel Sanders. As the first initiative, Japan KFC will offer the limited-time 'Founding Anniversary Pack' at all KFC stores nationwide from June 17 (Wed) to July 7 (Tue). On the same day, a new TV commercial titled 'Experience It — You Can't at Home' will begin airing nationwide, revealing the delicious secrets behind KFC’s signature 'Original Chicken'.

From the 'Experience It — You Can't at Home' commercial:

KFC’s iconic masterpiece, the 'Original Chicken', has been beloved by customers since its creation in 1940 after founder Colonel Sanders spent over a decade perfecting it. Did you know that this beloved 'Original Chicken' is packed with KFC’s unique craftsmanship? Under the 'Discover the Secret of Original Chicken' campaign, KFC will roll out multiple initiatives through September — the Colonel’s birth month — to share the charm of 'Original Chicken' with even more customers.

The one-of-a-kind flavor of 'Original Chicken' comes from its blend of 11 herbs and spices. Only three people in the world know the exact formula that Colonel Sanders developed through years of research to create 'even more delicious chicken'. This treasured recipe is safeguarded by all employees. Additionally, instead of using standard fryers, KFC uses specialized pressure fryers to cook each piece for about 15 minutes, achieving a uniquely juicy and tender texture that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

As the first initiative of the campaign, to celebrate Japan KFC’s Founding Anniversary on July 4, the 'Founding Anniversary Pack' will be available starting June 17. This pack includes the meticulously crafted 'Original Chicken' and the popular side menu item 'Colonel's Crispy', offered at a special discounted price. Also on June 17, a new TVCM titled 'Experience It — You Can't at Home' will premiere, starring brand ambassador Shiori Sato. The commercial features a cooking experience event held in a KFC store kitchen, showcasing the delicious secrets behind 'Original Chicken'.

Details of additional initiatives to promote the appeal of 'Original Chicken' will be announced gradually — stay tuned for further updates.

<First Initiative of the 'Discover the Secret of Original Chicken' Campaign>

Celebrate Japan KFC’s annual festival — Founding Anniversary Day — with the delicious charm of 'Original Chicken'! Launch of the 'Founding Anniversary Pack'.

July 4 marks Japan KFC’s Founding Anniversary. To celebrate this special annual occasion, the 'Founding Anniversary Pack' will be available for three weeks only, from June 17 (Wed) to July 7 (Tue). The pack includes 'Original Chicken' and 'Colonel's Crispy', offering a savings of ¥290 compared to the regular combined price. This is a perfect opportunity to fully enjoy KFC’s signature 'Original Chicken'. Don’t miss this chance to discover the delicious secrets of 'Original Chicken'!

* Savings calculated against the combined individual item prices.

'Founding Anniversary Pack' visual

New TVCM revealing the delicious secrets of 'Original Chicken' begins airing.

Starting June 17 (Wed), the new TVCM 'Experience It — You Can't at Home', starring brand ambassador Shiori Sato, will begin airing nationwide. The commercial showcases Shiori’s experience at a cooking event held in a KFC store kitchen, where she praises the delicious taste of 'Original Chicken'.

Story:

Shiori participates in a 'Original Chicken' cooking experience event at a KFC store with a friend. The chef leading the session is Kasahara, a 'Chicken Maestro' — selected from among KFC’s certified 'Chicken Specialists' for possessing the highest level of knowledge and technical skill in preparing 'Original Chicken'. Seeing Kasahara’s cooking technique, Shiori exclaims, 'This is it! The secret spices, right?!' Her friend looks amazed. After taking a big bite of the juicy, pressure-fried 'Original Chicken', Shiori spontaneously blurts out, 'This is impossible to make at home!' — ending the commercial on a relatable note.

'Experience It — You Can't at Home' commercial

Title: 'Experience It — You Can't at Home'

Broadcast Period: June 17 (Wed), 2026 – July 5 (Sun), 2026 *May vary by region.

Broadcast Area: Nationwide (both spot and program ads)

Who is the 'Chicken Maestro' featured in the new TVCM?

To preserve the secret recipe developed by founder Colonel Sanders and ensure consistent deliciousness no matter when or where customers enjoy it, all staff preparing 'Original Chicken' must obtain KFC’s proprietary certification, 'Chicken Specialist'. Among these certified specialists, the 'Chicken Maestro' is selected from those with the highest level of knowledge and technical expertise. Currently, only one 'Chicken Maestro' exists in Japan — a true ambassador of KFC’s delicious legacy who carries on Colonel Sanders’ vision and teaches the cooking methods. The 'Chicken Maestro' selection program, previously active from 2013 to 2023, is being revived in conjunction with the launch of the 'Discover the Secret of Original Chicken' campaign. This will further strengthen staff training systems, enhance product and service quality, elevate experiential value, and promote the appeal of 'Original Chicken'.

Information on 'Chicken Specialist' and 'Chicken Maestro' is available on the official website:

https://www.kfc.co.jp/about_kfc/commitment/chickenspecialist

[Product Details] *All prices include tax. *Combined price refers to the sum of individual item prices.

Product Name

'Founding Anniversary Pack'…¥990 (Combined individual price: ¥1,280)

[3 pieces Original Chicken, Colonel's Crispy]

Release Date: June 17, 2026 (Wed) – July 7, 2026 (Tue)

Sales Locations: All KFC stores nationwide

*Not available at some locations.

*Menu items and prices for delivery may differ from in-store offerings.

'Founding Anniversary Pack' visual

Shiori Sato (Shiori Sato) Profile

Born in 1990. Debuted as a model at age 11 in 2001. Has since appeared in various women’s magazines such as 'BAILA' and 'SPUR'. In recent years, she has also worked as a TV talent, serving as an MC on 'The King's Brunch' (TBS network) and appearing regularly on popular shows such as '100 Million People’s Big Question!? Please Laugh!' and 'Ariyoshi no Kabe' (both on Nippon TV network).