If you've ever visited Japan or watched anime, you're likely familiar with FamilyMart, one of Japan's most beloved convenience stores. Among their offerings, the fried chicken snack known as Famichiki stands out as a fan favorite. While casually exploring fun facts about Famichiki online, I stumbled upon an intriguing origin story.
What caught my attention most was the dedication of a manga artist who moved to Okinawa just to create a manga inspired by his love for Famichiki. I reached out to him for an interview for my newsletter. Although he showed interest, communicating with his publisher proved to be a daunting challenge—like scaling a mountain of endless queries, which ultimately led me to abandon the attempt. Despite not securing the interview, I believe the story of Famichiki is one that deserves to be shared widely.
When it first hit the shelves in 2006, Famichiki revolutionized the snack scene by offering a boneless chicken option, a convenient alternative to the traditional bone-in fried chicken. This innovation quickly caught the public's attention.
By 2013, sales had soared to 500 million meals, reaching 1 billion by 2017, and by 2023, they surpassed an impressive 2 billion meals!
FamilyMart's Famichiki was introduced as an easy-to-eat snack that could be enjoyed one-handed, distinguishing itself from the conventional offerings. Few people realize that this delicious treat actually hails from the South, and I'm not talking about Australia—I mean Okinawa!
Fried chicken helped save Okinawa's FamilyMart when it was struggling because of other companies. This success led to the popular Famichiki being sold all over Japan.
The story of Famichiki started in October 2000 when Okinawa FamilyMart first sold their fried chicken. It was so successful that FamilyMart's main office in Tokyo decided to sell it across Japan starting in 2001. Now, Famichiki is so famous in Okinawa that people there call any chicken cooked at FamilyMart "Famichiki."
Here are some fun facts about convenience stores across Japan's 47 prefectures:
The total number of convenience stores nationwide exceeds 57,000.
The "Big 3" chains—Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson—together have over 50,000 stores, accounting for more than 90% of the total.
In Okinawa, FamilyMart has more stores than Seven-Eleven, with FamilyMart having 336 stores compared to Seven-Eleven's 172. Meanwhile, Lawson is particularly popular in Hokkaido, surpassing FamilyMart in the number of stores. Some attribute FamilyMart's success in Okinawa to their popular local product, Famichiki, which has garnered a loyal following.
FamilyMart recently conducted an online survey with 5,000 people aged 15 to 69 across Japan to find out the most popular chicken restaurants. FamilyMart ranked second in two categories: it was thought of as the second most popular chicken restaurant (40.1%) and the second most delicious chicken provider (24.0%). The top positions in these categories went to a specialized chicken fast-food restaurant. Among convenience stores, FamilyMart was voted number one for both popularity and taste.
Here are some of the unique chicken dishes that FamilyMart offers during Christmas and throughout the year:
Famima Premium Chicken (Bone-in) Limited Quantity
Price: 232 yen (tax included: 250 yen)
*From 12/19 (Sun) to 12/25 (Sat)
Release Area: Nationwide
Description: A bone-in chicken seasoned with 18 different spices and herbs, featuring a crispy coating and a succulent meat texture for an irresistible, authentic taste.
Flame-Roasted Chicken Leg Limited Quantity
Price: 276 yen (tax included: 298 yen)
*From 12/19 (Sun) to 12/25 (Sat)
Release Area: Nationwide
Description: A bone-in chicken with a savory, crispy skin and a tender texture, uniquely prepared through direct flame roasting.
Tartar Sauce in Famichiki
Price: 230 yen (tax included: 248 yen)
Release Date: February 13, 2024 (Tuesday)
Release Area: Nationwide
Description: A juicy Famichiki filled with a tartar sauce that has a clean, refreshing acidity.
Three-Type Chicken Party Set Limited Quantity
Price: 2,023 yen (tax included: 2,184 yen)
*From 12/19 (Sun) to 12/25 (Sat)
Release Area: Nationwide
Description: A party set that's perfect for large groups, featuring the classic Famichiki along with two types of bone-in chicken ideal for Christmas.
Set Contents: Famima Premium Chicken (bone-in) (3 pieces), Direct Flame-Roasted Chicken Leg (3 pieces), Famichiki (boneless) (3 pieces)
Famichiki's enduring popularity can be attributed to its secret flavor, which has remained unchanged for 17 years since it was first introduced. This consistent, unique taste is the key reason for its widespread appeal.
In addition to enjoying Famichiki as a tasty snack, fans can experience a range of collaborative products that bring the iconic Famichiki theme into everyday life.
The diverse lineup includes "Lined Socks" and "Imabari Towel Handkerchiefs," featuring Famichiki-inspired colors and designs overseen by the globally acclaimed designer Hiromichi Ochiai.
Additionally, eco-bags and magazines with pouches showcase Famichiki bag patterns, while "original smartphone cases," compatible with about 90 models, complete the collection. These items offer unique ways to appreciate the Famichiki brand beyond just eating.
References:
Oricon Photo Series: Link
Curazy Article: Link
FamilyMart Official News Release, February 2024: Link
PR Times Press Release: Link
FamilyMart Official News Release, June 2024: Link
Kurage Bunch Manga Episode: Link
Livedoor News Article: Link
Wikipedia Entry on Famichiki: Link
Kobe Newspaper Omoshiro Column, May 2022: Link
コンビニエンスストア: Link
