In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it’s impossible to find a country without a KFC outlet.

Which means, millions of chickens are slaughtered every day to be battered and coated in KFC’s secret spices before being fried to perfection.

Yet, how many of us stop and thank the chicken that have died for our bellies?

Well, KFC Japan does that...every year!

A show of respect

According to a report by website Soranews24, KFC Japan actually organises thanksgiving services in honour of the fallen chickens.

The memorial service, called the 'Chicken Thanksgiving', is an annual event.

In fact, the tradition has reportedly been going on since 1974, with KFC Japan's president as well as other top brass and key people making an appearance every year to thank the chickens.

In case you're wondering, yes; KFC’s beloved mascot Colonel Sanders also makes an appearance every year.

The news portal reported that Chicken Thanksgiving is often held at Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Higashi-Fushimi Inari Shrine in Tokyo, usually in June.

私の好きなすみよしhttps://t.co/cWypqs2oleに投稿しようと面白そうな写真を探すと7年前6/25に住吉っさんで行われたチキン感謝祭発見。この年は「おかえり！カーネル」もhttps://t.co/5G69Gr2JLn pic.twitter.com/Vl6JsxZYSB

— きむいさ (@kimuisa) May 16, 2016

According to a KFC spokesperson, the service was a way for the company to show respect for the 22 million birds slaughtered each year for Japanese restaurants, as well as to pray for safe and healthy meat.