Rare Pikachu Card Hits McDonald's in Japan for Just Three Days

Did you know that fast food restaurants sell collectibles that people pay hundreds of dollars for years later? McDonald's in Japan gave out a special Pikachu trading card, which had the identification number 020/M-P. This occurred only through Happy Meals as a limited-time special offer in the year 2025. This card existed for people to get during a period of only three days, which made it a quick item to grab for people who like Pokémon.

For a comprehensive look at this exclusive promotion and the complete card set, check out our detailed guide to the McDonald's 2025 Pokémon Promo Pack.

What Makes This Card Special?

The Pikachu 020/M-P is a Japanese McDonald's promotional card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Information about the market shows that people bought and sold it on second-hand websites such as eBay. Copies in excellent condition, confirmed as genuine by grading services like PSA, sold for amounts between $12 and $36 late in 2025. Its short time of availability - limited to three days - created quick interest among people who collect things, because these kinds of promotional items often become rare fast. Pokémon TCG promotional items connected to deals at fast-food places like this happen often, but they relate only to specific areas of the world. Japan has a history of these kinds of joint offers, which exist separately from bigger global plans, such as the 30th anniversary Happy Meals set for 2026 in places like the U.S. and UK.

The Three-Day Rush: Why Was It So Short?

In contrast to offers that run longer, this Pikachu card's existence was extremely limited: it was available for just three days at McDonald's places in Japan that took part in the offer. No official facts about the exact dates exist in records, but information about sales confirms activity during October through December 2025, which fits with a short time frame. People who liked the cards had to act fast, because the supply ran out quickly. This is similar to past McDonald's Pokémon cards that people bought only to resell at higher prices, forcing stores to put limits on how many packages a customer took home.

What Does This Say About McDonald's Pokémon Deals Overall?

McDonald's has provided Pokémon Happy Meals around the world for many years, often including TCG packets inside. A 2025 Japan promotion fits this pattern. It happened before the 2026 anniversary plans:

U.S. - February–March 2026 Happy Meals included packets of four cards for the 30th anniversary.
UK - May 15–June 17, 2026 (about a month). This set had 15 cards to collect, with one shiny card per four-card pack.

Japan's version stood out because it focused on Pikachu and set a three-day limit. This drew in local people who collect things and place value on promotional items for completing their sets of species without spending high amounts of money.

Why Does This Specific Card Matter to People Who Collect Things?

These cards give a simple way for new fans to begin their collection. The cards require a low price of purchase - simply buying a meal - but they hold a high level of desire because of their rarity. Past information shows that prices increase after the promotion ends as the supply of cards runs out. However, they serve best for enjoyment rather than as a financial investment. If you hunt for similar items, check the rules at your local McDonald's. Some places limit the number of card packets you take home to one per visit. This promotional item highlights the lasting attraction of Pokémon, combining fast food with things to collect in events set within a specific time. These events spark global excitement.

For collectors looking to acquire this exclusive card now that the promotion has ended, they may be available through specialty retailers like Packtoria, which specializes in importing and selling Japanese Pokémon promotional items.

FAQ
Was this specific Pikachu card available outside of Japan?

No, the Pikachu 020/M-P card was a Japanese McDonald's exclusive promotional item linked to their Happy Meals in 2025. It did not appear in the wider global deals, such as those planned for the U.S. or UK in 2026.

How much does the 020/M-P Pikachu card sell for today?

Based on market data from late 2025, copies of the card that showed little wear and tear sold for around $12 to $36, especially when confirmed as genuine by professional grading services. Prices go up and down depending on how good the card looks and what the current demand is.

How quickly did the card disappear from McDonald's stores?

The card was available for only three days in participating Japanese McDonald's restaurants. Because the card existed for such a short time, supplies ran out quickly, and people who wanted the card needed to visit the store fast.