
You don’t need to specifically choose Pikachu, because it’s a promise that he’ll be in your Happy Meal.
McDonald’s Japan is right in the middle of a collaboration with Sanrio, currently serving up Happy Meals with summer suntanned Hello Kitty Toys. But cravings for burgers and fries will always return, and so McDonald’s is already planning its next team-up with a superstar character in Japan, and this time it’s Pikachu.
Coming on August 8 is a new line of Pokémon Happy Meal toys, and fans of the franchise have most likely now marked that date on their calendars. If you can hold off until the next day, though, there’s something even better, as in addition to the toy, you’ll also get exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game cards!
The lineup consists of a half-dozen Pocket Monster species, including Riolu, Ralts, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Then, of course, there’s Pikachu, whose card features an adorable illustration of the franchise mascot sitting in a restaurant booth and about to dig into a delicious hamburger. Well, actually, judging from the way the cutlery on the table is oriented, he’s asking for a bite of the burger ordered by the Pokémon Trainer who’s taken him along on this McDonald’s run, but come on, get serious, there’s no way anyone would ever say no to such a heart meltingly cute appeal.
8/8(金)~
— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) July 15, 2025
ハッピーセット®にポケモンのおもちゃが登場!
8/9(土)〜8/11(月)はポケモンカードも
もらえるよ!#ポケモン #ポケカ pic.twitter.com/mJqrfJhNdp
With a total of six designs, though, you might be wondering how many Happy Meals you’re going to have to order in order to snag the Pikachu card, but that’s where the deal gets really sweet. Each Happy Meal comes with two Pokémon cards, and one of them is guaranteed to be Pikachu.
However, while the odds are in your favor, time isn’t necessarily on your side. McDonald’s is yet to say how long the Pokémon Happy Meal will be available for, but usually each toy theme runs for about two weeks. The Pokémon cards, however, will only be given out on August 9, 10, and 11. And should you decide to go on august 8 as well to make extra-sure you don’t miss out on the toys, ending up with a bunch of leftover McDonald’s French fries in the process, we’ve got some tasty ideas for how to reuse them.
Source: Twitter/@McDonaldsJapan via Jin
Top image: Twitter/@McDonaldsJapan
Pokémon ©Pokémon, ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game Freak Inc.
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

McDonald’s Japan vs. Pokémon Happy Meal Resellers – New purchase restrictions announced
Pokémon Happy Meal trading cards cause chaos at McDonald’s branches in Japan
McDonald’s Japan issues official apology over Pokémon Happy Meal reseller problems
McDonald’s releases new Pokémon Happy Meals, but in the U.S., not Japan
Pokémon Happy Meal toys for outdoor fun are on their way to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Japan’s two-month Shut-in Pilgrimage – A 1,200-year-old way to deal with a modern issue
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Japan has an awesome one-person bento box rice cooker, and here’s what we made with ours
Tokyo all-you-can-eat tonkatsu pork cutlet restaurant is all we need for a happy meal
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japan Misunderstood: 3 stereotypes that live on
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Pokémon Happy Meal toys appear at McDonald’s in Japan
One Piece Happy Meals indefinitely postponed as McDonald’s Japan battles scalpers
McDonald’s Japan unveils latest anime Happy Meal collaboration: Chiikawa!
Here are four ways McDonald’s Japan could combat scalpers after its Pokémon Happy Meal fiasco
Pokémon Japanese summer festival toys to make Happy Meals extra-happy at McDonald’s Japan【Pics】
Pikachu is now the McDonald’s Happy Meal Box, but not in Japan
Pokémon Poké Peace Happy Meals at McDonald’s Japan fill us with happiness【Photos】
McDonald’s releases Pokémon Happy Meal toys in Japan, but are they actually good?
McDonald’s Japan’s new Pokémon Happy Meal toys are better than ever
Suntanned Hello Kitty Happy Meal toys on their way to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
McDonald’s Japan sets anti-scalper rules for Sanrio Happy Meals, may not have happy ending
New Mario Kart Happy Meal toys are racing up to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Pokémon Happy Meals from McDonlad’s Japan are the happiest meals of all【Videos】
Spy x Family Happy Meals now at McDonald’s Japan as anime switches fast food loyalties
McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal toys: Summer festival hit or miss?
Leave a Reply