McDonald’s Japan has officially released the trailer for a highly anticipated collaboration with Hatsune Miku, the virtual idol who has taken the world by storm. The partnership, which will likely include things like themed menu items and exclusive merchandise, has instantly captured the attention of both anime fans and fast-food enjoyers. However, while the campaign is generating buzz in Japan, international fans are feeling left out. The collaboration is region-locked to Japan, meaning McDonald’s locations outside the country will not be participating.
The disappointment only grew when McDonald’s decided to restrict access to the promotional trailer via their X account, @McDonaldsJapan, after receiving backlash online. The decision to lock the video has sparked heated debates, with many being upset that the company geo-locked the trailer after the response turned chaotic. While Japan-based fans are eagerly preparing to enjoy this unique crossover, international audiences, particularly those in the U.S., are very frustrated over missing out.
McDonald’s and Hatsune Miku are the Perfect Mix
Why The McDonald’s And Miku Team Up Is A Dream Collaboration
Hatsune Miku’s influence extends far beyond Japan, with a global fanbase that has embraced her as a pop culture icon. Her collaborations with major brands are always met with excitement, making McDonald’s latest partnership a perfect fit. The animated promotional trailer, which showcased the vibrant energy of the collaboration, was initially well-received before McDonald’s unexpectedly restricted access.
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The decision to geo-lock the trailer was surprising, considering that international fans have long played a role in Miku’s popularity. Some speculate that certain online reactions influenced McDonald’s decision, as the internet can often take things to an extreme. While many fans were excited, others made outlandish jokes or inappropriate comments, leading McDonald’s to possibly shield the campaign from further controversy. Instead of celebrating the collaboration globally, the company has unintentionally fueled more disappointment by limiting access to its promotional content.
Why the U.S. Will Miss Out on This Event
McDonalds’ Collaboration With Hatsune Mi
Despite Hatsune Miku’s worldwide appeal and internet fame, McDonald’s has no plans to bring the collaboration outside Japan. This is not the first time the fast-food giant has kept exclusive promotions region-locked, but it stings more for international Miku fans who are used to seeing her concerts and merchandise available globally. The U.S., in particular, has a large Miku fanbase that would likely sell out the McDonald’s x Hatsune Miku promotion. However, logistical challenges, licensing concerns, and cultural marketing strategies often dictate how these collaborations roll out.
While it is disappointing that the Miku collaboration will only be coming to McDonald’s in Japan, the all-new trailer and Hatsune Miku visuals are still very fun to see. Whether McDonald’s will reconsider in the future remains uncertain, but for now, the only way international fans can experience this event is by watching from afar, or booking a flight to Japan.
Source: @Kudasai_NEWS and @McDonaldsJapan/X
Hatsune Miku
- Created By
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Sasaki Wataru
- Cast
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Saki Fujita
- Alias
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Miku, The Blue Diva, Virtual Pop Idol
- RELATIONSHIPS
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Kagamine Rin (virtual friend, collaborator), Kagamine Len (virtual friend, collaborator), Megurine Luka (virtual friend, collaborator), Kaito (virtual collaborator), Meiko (virtual collaborator)
- Alliance
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The “Crypton Future Media” family of vocaloids
- Race
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Vocaloid
