KFC Japan will celebrate its 50 anniversary this year.

After its successful trial at the Osaka Expo in March 1970, KFC Japan was founded on July 4 in honour of Independence Day in the fast-food chain’s home country, the US.

The first KFC Japan store was opened in the suburban location of Nagoya in November that year.

Back then, the term “fried chicken” wasn’t widely used in Japan. However, KFC is now one of the country’s most popular fast-food chains, and has even become a tradition at Christmas.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, KFC Japan has designed a logo for the event and plans to roll out TV commercials and special menu items later in the year.

“In the changing world, KFC Japan will continue to express appreciation by providing delicious taste through food,” the company said in a statement.

“We will express our sincere thanks through our products, campaigns and activities during our 50th anniversary year and promise to continue to protect the ‘deliciousness that no one can imitate’.”

Japan is the third largest market for KFC after China and the US, with 306 outlets directly operated by the company in Greater Tokyo and 826 restaurants run by franchisees in regional areas.