McDonald’s Japan abruptly ended its limited-edition Pokémon card promotion just hours after its launch over the weekend, sparking frustration and backlash from fans and customers. Originally set to run from August 9 to 11, the campaign offered six collectable Pokémon cards bundled exclusively with Pokémon-themed Happy Meals priced at 500 yen (about US$3.50). But demand quickly outstripped supply, and McDonald’s had to halt distribution early at many locations.
The promotion offered exclusive Pokémon cards bundled with Happy Meals, priced at 500 yen (approximately $3.50). Despite McDonald’s attempt to limit purchases to five sets per customer, many buyers, some reportedly from outside Japan, exploited loopholes to place multiple mobile orders and resell upwards of 2,000 yen ($13+). The situation escalated to the point where local police were called to some restaurants due to tensions between regular customers and scalpers.
The fallout was immediate.
Long queues stretched outside many restaurant chains, with reports of customers placing multiple mobile orders to circumvent purchase limits. Meanwhile, discarded Happy Meals piled up, food wasted as buyers cared more about the cards than the meals themselves. That’s especially striking in Japan, known worldwide for its spotless streets and cultural obsession with cleanliness, even without trash cans around. So scenes like below are not a common sight.
One X user posted images of plastic bags full of uneaten Happy Meals dumped outside restaurants, while another lamented the chaotic aftermath: “Early morning chaos in Shibuya. McDonald’s burgers and fries scattered on the streets, turning into a feast for pigeons. We ask customers to take responsibility for the food they buy and properly dispose of trash.”
早朝の渋谷のカオス。
— スミレンジャーZ（愛称スミレちゃん、元スラウザーです） (@iijNWqUQ7i41630) August 9, 2025
マクドナルドのバーガーやポテトが道にばら撒かれた結果、ハトの大宴会が開かれている模様。
買った食品は責任持って食べきっていただきたいし、ゴミは持ち帰っていただきたい。 pic.twitter.com/VYLo2Fte26
マクドナルドで中国人(と思われる)がハッピーセット1人5セットまでなのに40個買ってる事に対し、店員ではなく日本人の「お客さん」が注意したと話題に
— まっつんtype3.0 (@san_san_san333) August 9, 2025
#ハッピーセット
#ポケモンカード
#転売
#転売ヤー pic.twitter.com/f4AhWpyE54
Tensions escalated at some locations, including a case where conflicting claims over missing cards prompted the police to intervene.
McDonald's was quick to issue an apology to disappointed fans, stating: "We sincerely apologise for not being able to meet the expectations of our customers who were looking forward to the product due to the early end of distribution. Please refrain from contacting stores regarding stock availability."
