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McDonald’s Japan Cuts Short Pokémon Card Happy Meal Promo Over Food Waste Outcry

by rrollins, August 15, 2025

McDonald’s Japan abruptly ended its Pokémon card Happy Meal promotion after viral images showed unopened meals discarded by collectors seeking the limited-edition cards. The campaign, aimed at children, was hijacked by resellers and adult fans, sparking public backlash over food waste and ethical marketing. Social media users criticized the brand for encouraging wasteful behavior, prompting McDonald’s to cut the promo short. The company apologized and pledged to prevent similar issues in future campaigns. The incident highlights the risks of collectible-driven promotions and the need for more responsible strategies when targeting mixed-age audiences.
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