McDonald's × Pokémon Cards Resurge! Happy Meal Causes Chaos, Attention Drawn to Resale Countermeasure "Tricks"

■ 1. Introduction: Why "Pokémon Card × Happy Meal" is a Hot Topic

The collaboration between McDonald's and the Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon Card) is becoming a "regular event" in recent years. In the summer of 2025, the Happy Meal with Pokémon cards made another appearance, leading to long lines at some stores in Japan from the morning.

Although designed for children, there are many voices on social media saying "adults are seriously aiming for it" and "resellers are on the move," making this event another tumultuous affair.

■ 2. The Social Impact of Pokémon Cards and Japanese Culture

Pokémon Cards originated in Japan in 1996 as a trading card game. Since then, it has been loved worldwide, and from the 2020s onward, it has also gained attention as an "investment with asset value." Especially in Japan, due to its compatibility with children's anime and games, it has deeply rooted itself as a "culture enjoyed by parents and children."

■ 3. Details of the Collaboration: Distribution Methods and the Meaning of Notices

In the 2025 edition of "Happy Meal × Pokémon Card," the following points have particularly attracted attention:

• Cards are not randomly included

  • The official site states "Cards are not random."

  • In reality, the cards distributed are determined by the day of the week, making collection easier.
    
    

• Purchase limit per person

  • Some stores have a limit of 3 sets per person.
    
    

• Cards cannot be distributed individually

  • A Happy Meal purchase is required.

This phrase "not random" is also seen as a "trap" aimed at confusing resellers, and it has attracted attention on social media with comments like "Isn't this actually a trap?"

■ 4. Why are "resellers" targeting it? Comparison with Past Examples

● The Turmoil of 2021 and 2022

• "Adults buying in bulk first thing in the morning" became rampant

• Unopened cards were resold at high prices on platforms like Mercari

• Criticism erupted over children being unable to buy

● Measures for This Time (2025)

• Distribution spread out by day of the week

• Limited number of card types (total of 5 types)

• The "excitement of not knowing what you'll get" has diminished, but a calmer sales system
  
  

■ 5. Reactions from Children and Parents

• Parents: "Finally able to buy normally"

• Children: "I wanted the Pikachu card the most!"

• Although some stores sold out as soon as they opened at 8 a.m., the reduction in bulk buying for resale purposes has allowed more children to actually get their hands on the cards.
  
  

■ 6. Voices on SNS and the Internet

• "The original purpose is to buy it to enjoy with children, not just for the cards"

• "Does the fact that the cards distributed differ each day mean I have to go every day?"

• "Not random = easy to complete, but maybe less exciting"
  
  

■ 7. Comparison with Overseas and "Japanese Consumer Culture"

Such "organized sales" and "notices aimed at preventing resales" can be seen as a very Japanese approach. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the tendency is rather towards "first-come, first-served," "limited quantities," and "including rare cards to stimulate desire," making Japan's "excessive consideration" culturally distinctive.

■ 8. The "Happy Meal" as a "Special Presence" in Japan

In Japan, the McDonald's "Happy Meal" is a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond just a children's menu.

• Numerous collaborations with educational toys (educational blocks, encyclopedias, etc.)

• Regularly linked with trends and anime
  
  

The appeal of "adults wanting to buy it too" can be attributed to the cleverness of the brand strategy.

■ 9. Future Prospects and Challenges

Expected future developments:

• Further collaboration developments

  • Expectations for joint projects with Nintendo, Ghibli, Disney, etc.
    
    

• Possibility of introducing online purchases or reservation systems

  • A system is needed to prevent congestion and correct regional disparities
    
    

Challenges:

• Sustainability of resale countermeasures

• Balance between marketing and the original target audience (children)
  
  

■ 10. Conclusion: "Towards a Society Where Children Smile"

The collaboration between McDonald's and Pokémon Cards is not just a sales promotion.
It is an attempt to bring joy to children, time to parents and children, and to question consumer society.
The small notice with the wish "so that every child can receive a card" quietly challenges our consumer behavior.

【List of Reference Articles (Clickable Links)】

1. 🔗 McDonald's Official: Happy Meal "Pokémon" Introduction Page
   　※Official information. Includes card types, distribution schedule, and notices.

2. 🔗 Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Site (Japanese)
   　※Comprehensive information on the latest Pokémon cards, product information, rules, and event schedules.

3. 🔗 Nikkan Sports | McDonald's × Pokémon Card, Happy Meal Details (July 15, 2025)
   　※Introduces the latest campaign details and reactions from fans and parents.

4. 🔗 J-CAST News | Summary of Past Pokémon Card Happy Meal Confusion (August 19, 2022)
   　※In-depth explanation of past resale issues and the background of purchase restrictions.

5. 🔗 Yahoo! News | Attention on McDonald's Official "Notice" on SNS "Is This Resale Countermeasure?" (July 15, 2025)
   　※Considers the meaning of the current "not randomly included" notice.