Japan KFC Opens Its First-Ever Original Chicken Specialty Shop for Three Days Only
Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan (President: Atsushi Nashima, HQ: Yokohama, Kanagawa) will host “Meister’s Kitchen,” the first Original Chicken specialty shop in Japan KFC’s history, at its Takadanobaba branch from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026 — three days only. The pop-up restaurant is the third installment of the “Original Chicken Deliciousness Secret Discovery Campaign” launched in June, timed to September, the birth month of founder Colonel Sanders. Lottery applications for reservations opened on Wednesday, August 26 at 10:00.
Japan KFC’s Original Chicken was once praised by Colonel Sanders himself as “the closest to the Colonel’s own taste.” This pop-up offers a rare, one-time-only chance to experience the craftsmanship and attention to detail behind that flavor.
All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Fried by the “Original Chicken Elite Cooking Unit”
Every KFC staff member who cooks Original Chicken must obtain the company’s proprietary “Chicken Specialist” certification. At Meister’s Kitchen, Original Chicken prepared exclusively by the “Original Chicken Elite Cooking Unit” — those with the highest level of knowledge and skill — will be served all-you-can-eat for 30 minutes. The unit is led by Kazuki Kasahara, the only person in Japan holding the title of “Chicken Meister.”
Original Chicken comes in five cuts: the rich, satisfying Thigh; the collagen-packed, deeply flavored Wing; the light and tender Keel (breast); the savory Rib; and the juicy, easy-to-eat Drum. Guests can compare each cut’s character and appreciate the depth of Original Chicken. Please note that specific cuts cannot be requested during the all-you-can-eat session.
At the start of the session, guests receive 3 pieces of Original Chicken, 1 Biscuit, 1 small Potato and a medium drink, after which additional Original Chicken can be ordered freely. Free refills apply to Nacchan Clear Orange, Lemonade, Lemonade Soda and Suntory Oolong Tea. Last order is 10 minutes before the session ends, and the offer is dine-in only with no takeout.
Live Cooking Demonstration by Japan’s Only Chicken Meister
The venue will also feature a live Original Chicken cooking demonstration by Chicken Meister Kazuki Kasahara. He will explain the care taken at each step while performing part of the actual cooking process right in front of guests — a special opportunity to witness up close the techniques and artisanal skills handed down since Original Chicken was perfected in 1940.
Weekend-Only “KFC Oishinable Kitchen with Chicken Meister”
On Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, a special edition of KFC’s food education program, “KFC Oishinable Kitchen with Chicken Meister,” lets participants learn Original Chicken cooking directly from the Chicken Meister. Structured around a “question → experience → answer” flow, it also includes a taste comparison between chicken you cook yourself and chicken cooked by the Meister. Since participants roll up their sleeves for breading, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and non-slip shoes are recommended.
Event Details and How to Apply
- Event: Meister’s Kitchen
- Venue: KFC Takadanobaba (1-28-10 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
- Dates: September 11 (Fri) – September 13 (Sun), 2026
- Main program: Sept 11, 10:00–19:00 / Sept 12 & 13, 13:00–19:00; 45 minutes per session; 22 guests per session (18 sessions, 396 guests total); fee 1,000 yen (tax incl.)
- Oishinable Kitchen: Sept 12 & 13, 10:00–12:00; 120 minutes per session; 10 guests per session (2 sessions, 20 guests total); fee 2,000 yen (tax incl.)
- Lottery application period: Aug 26 (Wed) 10:00 – Sept 2 (Wed) 00:00
- Results: Announced around Sept 3 (Thu); winners notified by email only
Participation is by advance reservation only, and same-day sign-ups at the store are not accepted. Apply via the reservation form on the special campaign page by entering your preferred date and time along with the required details. Applications are limited to two people per group including companions; multiple dates may be entered, but only one slot can be won. Fees are paid at the store on the day, and cash, credit cards, transit IC cards, e-money, QR code payments, Ponta and Rakuten Points are accepted.
“Original Chicken Master Exam” Social Media Quiz
As part of the campaign, KFC’s official X account (@KFC_jp) will run the quiz content “Original Chicken Master Exam” for seven days from August 28 (Fri) to September 3 (Thu), 2026. Answer the quiz and receive your own personalized “Original Chicken License” based on your results; a perfect score earns the title of “Grand Master.” It’s a fun way to test your knowledge while learning the secrets behind Original Chicken’s flavor.