Key Facts
• McDonald’s Japan postponed the release of the Happy Meal “Let’s Play with Cinnamoroll!” from August 29 to September 12.
• The delay follows a resale controversy involving Pokémon-themed Happy Meal toys and cards on August 9.
• Customers purchasing Happy Meals during the delay will receive previously distributed toys.
• The release of the “One Piece Card Game” Happy Meal, also scheduled for August 29, was postponed with no new date announced.
• Pokémon Happy Meals launched on August 8 caused store overcrowding and chaos due to high demand for toys and cards.
• McDonald’s Japan had requested a purchase limit of five sets per customer, but some exceeded this limit.
• Resale of promotional items led to criticism of McDonald’s Japan’s handling of the situation on social media.
Summary
McDonald’s Japan has delayed the release of its Happy Meal “Let’s Play with Cinnamoroll!” from August 29 to September 12, following a resale controversy involving Pokémon-themed toys and cards earlier in August. The company is revising its promotional strategies after chaotic scenes at stores, where customers overwhelmed locations to obtain limited-edition items. During the delay, customers will receive previously distributed toys with their Happy Meals. Additionally, the “One Piece Card Game” Happy Meal, also set for August 29, has been postponed indefinitely. Despite efforts to limit purchases to five sets per customer, some exceeded this limit, exacerbating the issue. The resale of promotional items has drawn criticism of McDonald’s Japan’s management on social media.
