In Japan, some McDonald’s resellers are unnecessarily discarding a large number of meal orders solely to amass Happy Meal toys, which are being sold at high prices on eBay.
McDonald’s Japan isn’t only offering a larger ‘Grand’ size for their fries and beverages, but they’ve also introduced Happy Meals inspired by the popular manga series-turned-anime, “Chiikawa.
Over the course of only two days, according to People, all Chiikawa toys were snapped up across the entire region as people rushed to purchase the Happy Meal accessories. These meals came with various trinkets like cups, erasers, and subtle references to the collaboration.
Instead, it seems that people are opting to bypass the actual meal when purchasing Happy Meal toys, thus generating a significant amount of waste as a result.
Viral video reveals wasted Happy Meals as McDonald’s scalpers collect toys
In Japan, Happy Meals are known as ‘Happy Sets.’ These sets typically include options such as chicken nuggets, a hamburger, or pancakes. They come accompanied by a variety of sides like French fries, salad or edamame (soybean pods), corn and a beverage.
McDonald’s “Chewbacca & Minecraft” Happy Set was sold out instantly due to a frenzy of resale by Chinese dealers. With the contents of the box falling on the floor, people wonder what they are eating. Resellers continue to post high-priced items on online marketplaces, causing anger among buyers.
The official Chikawa website has announced the end of sales. #BackToChina #Chikawa
— のうまにあ 願榮光🏴🇯🇵 (@FreeAll_protest) May 18, 2025
In a video shared on X, I saw mountains of untouched Happy Meals lined up at McDonald’s, remnants of a mass order that scalpers had swooped in to claim the toys from, leaving behind a mess for the staff to clean up.
Photos circulating across social media platforms depict customers carrying numerous Chiikawa toys in big shopping bags.
そんなに買って、誰が食うんだよ
ちいかわハッピーセットのオーバーツーリズム。中国人の間でも、食べ物にもキャラクターにも愛の無い、転売ヤー(黄牛)に対する批判も。— のうまにあ 願榮光🏴🇯🇵 (@FreeAll_protest) May 18, 2025
On eBay, resellers are aiming to earn substantial profits as well, with certain Happy Meal toy listings priced above $80.
As a dedicated fan, I can share that I’ve been informed by McDonald’s themselves that they didn’t foresee such an overwhelming demand for their toys. The excitement and enthusiasm among fans like me have truly surpassed their initial expectations. Regrettably, it seems they weren’t able to meet the high standards we, as customers, had set. They extend their sincerest apologies for this inconvenience.
A second release of the Chiikawa items is slated for May 23.
It’s not uncommon for customers to get excited about McDonald’s toys, as demonstrated in January 2025 when Pokemon promotional cards were launched. These cards were later resold for prices ranging between $600 and $800 USD.
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2025-05-22 23:48