McDonald's in Japan nixes Happy Meal Pokemon card promotion after collectors ditch untouched food, trash at stores
The golden arches announced that two limited edition cards would be included in each 'Happy Set' sold in Japan, which retail for roughly $3.50, according to the Associated Press.
Each 'Happy Set' — the Japan's 'Happy Meal' equivalent — was guaranteed to have a Pikachu card, which featured art of the rat-like critter reaching for a burger.
Cutthroat card collectors took advantage of the offer — flocking to locations and buying out the 'Happy Sets' solely for the collectible card.
Many of the card sharks simply dumped their food in front of the restaurants after making away with their Pokemon memorabilia which was intended to be a promotion for children, according to CNN.
Those cards were then reportedly relisted en masse online with sellers asking for as much as $28.
There are roughly 3,000 McDonald's locations in Japan, according to the company.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
McDonald's said they would not abide profiteering and wastefulness and quickly shut down the promotion.
'We do not believe in abandoning and discarding food. This situation goes against our longtime philosophy that we have cherished as a restaurant to 'offer a fun dining experience for children and families,'' the company said in a statement obtained by CNN.
'We sincerely accept that our preparations had not been adequate.'
The company said that for the next Pokemon promotion they will limit the number each person could buy and end online orders.
Many Pikachu cards online can sell for over $1,000 —- with the most expensive Pikachu card ever sold going to streamer Logan Paul for $5.27 million, which he later lost.
Many card collectors ordered their 'Happy Sets' online and bought out the stock meant for children.
X/@sikasika1122
Last week, Milwaukee Brewers rookie all-star phenom, pitcher Jacob Misiorowksi, went viral when he pulled a rare Charizard card out of a booster Pokemon pack while sitting in the clubhouse after beating the Mets.
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