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】
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Pikachu Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s, provide electrifying fun for the whole family
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
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
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]
New Nintendo toys coming to McDonald’s Japan’s Happy Meals
McDonald’s Japan offers Yo-Kai Watch cards with Happy Meals, traffic jams and giant lines ensue
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】
McDonald’s Japan’s Nintendo Happy Meal toys are here, and we’ve got the whole set!【Photos】
Pikachu is now the McDonald’s Happy Meal Box, but not in Japan
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 releases Doraemon anime movie Happy Meal toys, and we’ve got the whole set【Pics】
DBZ at Mickey D’s! McDonald’s Japan launches Dragon Ball anime Happy Meal toys【Video】