McDonald's Happy Meals litter the streets of Japan in search of Exclusive Pokémon cards

TOKYO — Over the weekend, sidewalks outside McDonald’s locations in Japan were strewn with untouched Happy Meals as eager customers rushed to purchase limited-edition sets featuring Pokémon cards. The collaboration between McDonald’s and Pokémon was short-lived, ending just hours after its launch on Saturday, as many patrons opted to buy meals in bulk solely for the exclusive cards, leaving the food behind.

A Happy Meal, priced at approximately $3.50 (around 510 yen), includes a meal, drink, and toy. However, opportunistic scalpers have begun listing the Pokémon cards from McDonald’s Japan on eBay for around $28 each, significantly inflating their value. This has led to a frenzy among collectors and resellers, overshadowing the original intent of the promotion.

“We regret to inform you that the distribution of Pokémon cards to customers who purchased the Pokémon Happy Meal, which was scheduled for three days only from August 9 to 11, has ended at many stores due to higher than expected sales,” McDonald’s Japan posted on its official website.

Social media has been flooded with images of discarded Happy Meal bags and uneaten food left on self-pick-up tables, sparking public outrage over the waste generated by this promotional event. The sight of so much food being thrown away raises important questions about consumer behavior and the ethics of reselling, highlighting a troubling trend where the excitement of collecting overshadows the value of nourishment.

Japan is often celebrated for its exceptional cleanliness, with visitors frequently admiring the pristine streets and high public hygiene standards. This reputation makes it all the more surprising when images of littered areas surface on social media, drawing significant attention.

Recently, such images depicting heaps of trash sparked concern among the public, prompting many to call on McDonald’s management to address the situation. The contrast between Japan's usual tidiness and the sight of litter has resonated deeply with both locals and tourists alike.

The outcry reflects a collective desire to maintain the country's esteemed reputation for cleanliness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community responsibility in preserving the environment, encouraging everyone to take action when faced with such challenges.