Yes we are pretty far from the 80s and I probably could have stated my point better. First, KFC in the US has been on a severe downhill slide since the 80s. Only in the last couple of years have they started to improve. They still have a long way to go. Even at their lowest point in the USA though, every other country I've tried them has been worse. Sometimes MUCH worse.

I have not tried them in Japan, but it doesn't surprise me that they are good there. Japan is the only country that I've found McDonalds to be noticeably better than USA.