McDonald’s scalpers in Japan are wasting tons of orders just to collect Happy Meal toys, which are selling for big bucks on eBay.
McDonald’s Japan doesn’t just have a new ‘Grand’ size fries and drinks available. The chain also has Happy Meals based on the manga series turned anime ‘Chiikawa.’
In just two days, as per People, the Chiikawa toys were completely sold out throughout the region as customers flocked to collect the Happy Meal items. The meals contained goodies such as cups, eraser heads and other nods to the collab.
Article continues after ad
However, in order to get their hands on the Happy Meal toys, customers have been forgoing the food and creating a slew of waste in the process.
Viral video reveals wasted Happy Meals as McDonald’s scalpers collect toys
Happy Meals in Japan, referred to as ‘Happy Sets,’ contain either chicken nuggets, a hamburger or pancakes along with a side of fries, salad or edamame and corn and a drink.
Article continues after ad
マクドナルドの「ちいかわ＆マイクラ」ハッピーセットが中国人転売ヤーの爆買いにより即日完売。マックの中身は床に落ち、食べ物を何だと思っているのか？転売対策も虚しくフリマサイトに高額出品が相次ぎ、購入者から怒りの声。
ちいかわ公式サイトは販売終了を発表。#中国帰れ #Chikawa pic.twitter.com/lODZChept6
— のうまにあ 願榮光🏴🇯🇵 (@FreeAll_protest) May 18, 2025
In a video posted on X, bags upon bags of Happy Meal orders were left on the counters of McDonald’s for staff to clean up after scalpers had taken their toys and left.
Article continues after ad
Other photos circulating on social media show customers with large bags filled with many Chiikawa toys.
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。 pic.twitter.com/2deTtAMtUC
— のうまにあ 願榮光🏴🇯🇵 (@FreeAll_protest) May 18, 2025
Resellers are also trying to make a huge profit on eBay, with some listings for the Happy Meal toys being over $80.
McDonald’s says they hadn’t anticipated the demand for the toys and that sales had “far exceeded expectations.” Additionally, the chain apologized for “not meeting the expectations of customers.”
A second release of the Chiikawa items is slated for May 23.
Article continues after ad
Customers going wild over McDonald’s toys isn’t a new phenomenon. In January 2025, a run of Pokemon promo cards were released and resold at prices from $600 to $800 USD.