Over the past few years, Pokemon cards have been consistently offered in North American McDonald’s Happy Meals, making it almost an annual event, despite some issues in 2021. In contrast, these cards have seldom appeared at McDonald’s restaurants in Japan, with gaps of several years between promotions. However, this month saw a change in Japan, where a promotion featuring an exclusive new Pikachu card was launched. The popularity of the promotion led to unprecedented demand, causing McDonald’s locations in Japan to prematurely end the offering.
Pokemon cards have been regularly included in North American McDonald’s Happy Meals for several years now, making them almost an annual tradition, despite some complications in 2021. In comparison, these cards are rarely found at McDonald’s restaurants in Japan, with promotions taking place years apart. But this month, a promotion featuring an exclusive new Pikachu card was introduced in Japan. The demand for this promotion was so high that it forced the early termination of the offering due to the overwhelming response.
From my perspective as an avid Pokémon fan, it seems the latest promotion was never meant to last long; the coveted Pokémon cards were intended for a mere three-day span. Yet, the demand was so immense that all the stock got depleted within roughly a day. The scenario echoes the chaos we witnessed in North America some years back, characterized by extensive lines, edible goods discarded due to card frenzy, and even sealed packs of cards being resold on platforms such as eBay.
In 2021, the Happy Meal TCG promotion by The Pokemon Company and McDonald’s in North America faced some chaotic demand issues. However, for subsequent promotions, both parties have significantly improved in fulfilling demand. The Pokemon Company appears to be producing more cards and has implemented tighter restrictions on what restaurants can sell. This approach has been beneficial, and it’s hoped that McDonald’s locations in Japan will follow suit if they decide to replicate this promotion. It’s likely that the allure of an exclusive artwork card contributed to the significant interest observed in Japan.
In my excitement as a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share that, at the moment, neither The Pokémon Company nor McDonald’s have confirmed if this unique Pikachu card will be available outside of Japan. The card showcases an adorable illustration of Pikachu reaching for a burger and even sports the iconic McDonald’s logo. While it appears likely that we might get to enjoy this special release locally, I can’t predict exactly when.
Given our previous Pokémon Happy Meal promotion in the U.S. earlier in 2025, it feels reasonable to assume we won’t see another one until sometime next year. So, fellow fans, let’s keep our fingers crossed for more exciting collaborations between these two beloved brands!
The escalating popularity of Pokemon cards is causing significant issues for The Pokemon Company. New releases are being snapped up practically as soon as they hit the shelves, with many being bought by resellers intending to profit from them on platforms such as eBay. In an effort to address this problem, The Pokemon Company has boosted production and implemented several strategies aimed at discouraging reselling. This is evident in measures like establishing a queue system on the Pokemon Center website and limiting the number of cards that can be purchased at once through official TCG vending machines.
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2025-08-11 19:08