
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】
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Super! Eel Bread takes Japanese sushi into uncharted territory
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon Happy Meal toys appear at McDonald’s in Japan
One Piece Happy Meals indefinitely postponed as McDonald’s Japan battles scalpers
Here are four ways McDonald’s Japan could combat scalpers after its Pokémon Happy Meal fiasco
McDonald’s Japan unveils latest anime Happy Meal collaboration: Chiikawa!
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
Japan’s largest online resale site banning scalper sales of McDonald’s new anime Happy Meal toys
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 Japan has Precure anime magical girl Happy Meal toys, and they’re Wonderful!【Photos】