Kids nowadays have it rough. Sure, they have the Internet, sophisticated video games, and more electronics than fingers, but their McDonald’s Happy Meal toys are awful. I remember the days when you’d get a quality, hard-plastic toy that would withstand anything your imagination could throw at it. Now it’s half-heartedly put together pieces of garbage that are strewn alongside your mini pouch of fries (or apple slices if your mom isn’t cool). But in Japan, everything is different, especially this Christmas. Not only do you get a toy that blows all other modern day Happy Meal toys out of the water, your entire meal comes in a real cardboard golden arches box, just like old times.
Though technically called “Happy Set,” the name change doesn’t take away from this meal’s cool factor. Children (and awesome adults) are invited to order kids’ meals at McDonald’s across Japan and get their hands on special Mario toys. Here’s the line-up:
▼ Available on November 22
▼ Available on November 29
The Happy Set will come in a special Christmas edition box that can fold out to reveal a full Christmas tree:
Both the Mario toys and Christmas box will only be available for three weeks, and those purchasing their 420 yen (US$4.19) Happy Set on December 23 or 24 will receive a special dice game.
So go ahead and indulge a little this holiday season with a Happy Set from McDonald’s Japan. You can reminisce about the good ol’ days and talk about how kids just don’t understand a good toy when they see one.
Source: Game Watch
Images: McDonald’s Japan





Videos of the first four Happy Meal Marios from McDonald’s Japan!
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
Awesome limited-edition Super Mario toys to come with McDonald’s Japan’s Happy Meals
McDonald’s hopes to make kids happy — by teaming up with Japan’s favorite blue friend Doraemon!
New Mario Kart Happy Meal toys are racing up to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pikachu Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s, provide electrifying fun for the whole family
New Happy Meal in Japan lets you play with your food — and comes with a Pokémon toy to boot!
McDonald’s Japan updates children’s Happy Meals to be more inspiring and nutritionally sound
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
McDonald’s Happy Meals in Japan now come with Shinkansen robots
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
McDonald’s Japan offers Yo-Kai Watch cards with Happy Meals, traffic jams and giant lines ensue
New Nintendo toys coming to McDonald’s Japan’s Happy Meals
McDonald’s Japan’s new Pokémon Happy Meal toys are better than ever
Pokémon Happy Meal toys for outdoor fun are on their way to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Pikachu is now the McDonald’s Happy Meal Box, but not in Japan
McDonald’s Japan’s Nintendo Happy Meal toys are here, and we’ve got the whole set!【Photos】
Pokémon Happy Meals from McDonlad’s Japan are the happiest meals of all【Videos】
Pokémon GO can wait while we play with these new Happy Meal toys from McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan unveils latest anime Happy Meal collaboration: Chiikawa!
Demon Slayer and Pretty Cure anime-themed Happy Meals arrive at McDonald’s Japan