
In the world of fast food, it often seems like the name of the game is “innovate or die.” Though you’d think that two buns, lettuce, tomato, onions, and a hamburger patty would be enough, McDonald’s Japan introduces new sandwiches faster than we can count them.
In fact, next Friday, the fast food chain will release a new sandwich called the “McToast.” But wait a second, look at that picture. Isn’t it just two inverted buns, cheese, and ham? And, hey, doesn’t it look kind of…familiar?
Yes, it does! It turns out the Japanese “McToast” seems to be the exact same thing as the French “Le Croque McDo,” which gained quite a few fans in Europe. But let’s back up a moment and take a look at what, exactly, this sandwich is made of.
▼ By this point, all McDonald’s kind of look the same to us.
Isn’t this just a couple of inverted buns?
Yes.
Wait, wait, there’s more! Yes, the sandwich is basically two inverted buns with roasted ham and cheese pressed in the middle. But the buns are also toasted and the sandwich is pressed together–kind of like a really lazy panini made with hamburger buns.
▼ The real thing never looks as good as the picture, though, does it?
So, this is the same as the French sandwich?
Well, the Japanese McToast hasn’t been released yet, so we can’t say 100% for sure until we can put the hot, steaming mess in our mouths…but it certainly looks the same. The pictures on the marketing material released so far look almost identical, so you probably wouldn’t be wrong thinking they’re the same.
▼ Well, hey, how tasty would you look with your skin torn off?
What’s it going to taste like?
As you probably know, while the English side of RocketNews24 focuses mainly on Japan and Asia, the Japanese side has a slightly wider reach. With our numerous highly skilled and incredibly attractive Japanese writers out and about in the world, we’ve already taste-tested the McToast–in France!
And how was it? Pretty good. The sandwich was denser than we’d initially expected, so even though it was fairly thin, it was still filling. At the same time, the cheese and the ham were good together, as cheese and ham tend to be. Finally, even though the bread was basically just hamburger buns, it had a toasted aroma that enhanced the whole thing perfectly.
▼ It looks so gross…and yet I want it so badly!
Sure to get fans in Japan
With all the cheese slapped in there, the sandwich actually has more volume than it lets on. Combine that with the great taste (for a McDonald’s sandwich) and we can see this really taking off over here. Even if it is nothing more than cheese and ham pressed between two inverted buns.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go wait in line for the McToast to be released. But you can stick around and check out some more photos and videos below.
▼ All part of a balanced meal!
▼ The best food in France? Probably not.
But sometimes you just really want a McDonald’s sandwich!
▼ Mmmmm…toasted buns!
Finally, you can check out our official RocketNews24 Le Croque McDo/McToast unwrapping video below!
[ Read in Japanese ]








McDonald’s Japan starts new campaign featuring burgers from their overseas restaurants
Back by popular demand! McDonald’s Japan brings back “American” series
We tried the new McDonald’s Japanese seasonal exclusive “Full Moon Cheese Tsukimi Burger”!
McDonald’s Japan introduces square burgers that take us to New York for a limited time
We taste McDonald’s Japan’s brand-new garlic burger, shrimp sandwich, and more
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Super Mario teams up with JR Kyushu for the perfect power-up steamed bun snack
Geezer group JI-POP is here to promote tourism, steal your grandma’s heart【Video】
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Akiba Dental Clinic: The Akihabara dentist where a moe maid in cosplay cleans your teeth
We were blown away by Funabashi Sauce Ramen, just a short ride from central Tokyo【Taste test】
Japan’s top 10 open-air hot spring baths with cherry blossom views【Survey】
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
You’ll Never Guess What’s for Breakfast at McDonald’s in Turkey
McDonald’s Japan’s Texas Burger: Our Reporter Takes One for the Team
McDonald’s Japan releases new “Ultra” prawn and macaroni croquette burger
McDonald’s Japan stuffs up our order for a New York burger
Eating ALL the McDonald’s and KFC Tsukimi Moon Viewing Burgers in Japan!
Watch Kanto’s Strongest Italian Chef transform McDonald’s into fine cuisine!【Recipe】
We check out this year’s new “Ultra” Gratin Croquette Burger from McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan’s new Tsukimi “moon-viewing” burger takes melty cheese to a whole new level
Samurai Mac burgers arrive at McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan to give new burgers away for free—provided you have the right name
McDonald’s new toppings yield a cheap surprise: Hidden Chicken Crisp for 140 yen!
McDonald’s Japan set to release new Sanrio character-themed menu item
McDonald’s and KFC Japan release new Tsukimi “moon-viewing” burgers for 2020
McDonald’s to Sell McGriddles All Day Long, It’s about Time!
McDonald’s Japan may be winning back fans with Crab Croquette Burger