Key Facts
• August 9, 2025: McDonald’s Japan ends Pokémon card distribution in Happy Meals.
• Promotion included two Pokémon cards with toys during the August 9–11 holiday weekend.
• Pokémon cards are globally popular, with rare cards often resold at high prices.
• McDonald’s limited purchases to five sets per customer to prevent bulk buying.
• Collaboration with Mercari aimed to curb high-priced resales and promote responsible behavior.
• Despite measures, resale posts appeared online, with 20 cards listed for $105.
• McDonald’s apologized for ending the promotion early, citing overwhelming demand.
Summary
McDonald’s Japan concluded its Pokémon card Happy Meal promotion on August 9, 2025, due to unprecedented demand. The campaign, which offered two Pokémon cards alongside toys during the August 9–11 holiday weekend, aimed to delight children while addressing resale concerns. Despite limiting purchases to five sets per customer and collaborating with Mercari to discourage high-priced resales, online listings emerged, with some cards priced at $105 for 20 pieces. McDonald’s issued an apology for the early termination, acknowledging the disappointment of customers who missed out. The popularity of Pokémon cards, both as collectibles and for their resale value, underscores their global appeal.
