Pokemon Card Craze Overwhelms Japanese McDonald’s Happy Meal Promotion

Japan’s enduring passion for all things Pokemon was on full display as The Pokemon Company and McDonald’s launched a highly anticipated Happy Meal promotion featuring exclusive Pokemon cards.

The special collaboration, rolled out across McDonald’s locations in Japan, saw an overwhelming turnout from fans eager to secure the limited-edition Pokemon cards included with each Happy Meal purchase. Launched as part of a marketing effort between The Pokemon Company—one of the world's most recognized entertainment brands and creators of the iconic Nintendo franchise—and the global fast-food leader McDonald’s, the promotion instantly captured the attention of collectors, children, and gaming enthusiasts throughout Japan.

Historically, Pokemon cards have enjoyed immense popularity, routinely generating large sales figures and driving significant interest in related Nintendo Switch releases and media tie-ins.

This particular campaign leveraged the nostalgia and collecting culture that has defined the Pokemon franchise since its inception on Nintendo hardware in the 1990s. Within days of the promotion’s start, McDonald’s Japan found itself confronted by soaring demand that far exceeded expectations.

Lines formed outside restaurants; social media was abuzz with images of fans proudly displaying their card hauls.

In response to the unprecedented popularity, numerous McDonald’s outlets reported running out of stock entirely.

The company made the decision to temporarily suspend the campaign at selected locations, citing shortages and a desire to ensure a fair distribution of the sought-after Pokemon cards. In an official statement addressing consumers, McDonald’s Japan conveyed sincere apologies to customers who were unable to participate in the promotion, emphasizing that they were overwhelmed by the "extraordinary response" and rapidly depleted inventory of card stocks.

The statement, paraphrased for clarity, underlined the company’s commitment to meeting customer expectations, while acknowledging that the level of demand had been unforeseen even for such a widely anticipated collaboration. The Pokemon Company’s partnership with McDonald’s marks another successful instance of cross-promotional synergy, reinforcing the cultural and commercial strength of the Pokemon IP in Japan.

Over the years, Pokemon promotions have regularly set benchmarks for engagement, helping sustain interest in both the digital and physical aspects of the brand—including booming Nintendo Switch game sales, ongoing anime releases, and robust merchandise campaigns. For fans and collectors in Japan, the resounding popularity of this Happy Meal Pokemon card event serves as yet another testament to the franchise’s unparalleled appeal—one that continues to bridge generations and bring enthusiasm to new corners of the gaming and collecting community.

Pokémon Japan Happy Meal Pokemon McDonald’s