Perhaps you already know that this supreme fast-food restaurant can be found in Japan, but did you know that there are multiple differences between American McDonald’s and Japanese McDonald’s? Here’s everything you need to know about it!
How It Started?
The first McDonald’s was started by the McDonald brothers in 1940, in California. The hamburger-making company released a service based on quickness and efficiency that now is replicated by hundreds of businesses and organizations in the world. An example of the impact such service had was that Den Fujita decided to bring it to Japan in 1967 after discovering it.
If you wonder about the Japanese name it was given, is Makudonarudo (マクドナルド), an adaptation from the original name. The first store ever in Asia opened in 1971 in Tokyo as part of a Ginza department store. It launched Japanese-taste burgers like the Teriyaki McBurger. Since then, Japan’s love for the restaurant has just increased over time, becoming the second-largest consumer of McDonald’s behind the United States.
What Sets Japan Apart?
Disregarding the fact that McDonald’s uses the same marketing campaigns in different countries, the fast-food chain has settled apart from others in Japan due to the addition of multiple menu items. This tactic of creating new products of different and strange flavors is common in Japanese snacks, so once introduced to McDonald’s the result just launched the country to the top of differentiation.
Likewise, Japan has implemented its own animation (known as anime) to make exclusive marketing campaigns in form of commercials.
Where To Find McDonald’s In Japan
As for 2022, Japan counts with more than 2,900 locations. This makes Jana the third country with more McDonald’s in the world.
McDonald’s Reputation In Japan
Both in the United States and Japan, McDonald’s doesn’t have the reputation of being a fancy restaurant. Yet, many teenagers enjoy hanging at the place, even though they don’t always consume food (just drinks). A primary consumer of the fast-food chain is the middle age worker, who goes to McDonald’s for a quick and cheap grab-o-bite breakfast and coffee. This speaks of the brand’s efficiency, something for which the restaurant is appreciated in Japan.
Unique Menu Items
Can you imagine McNuggets with wasabi sauce? Well, you can find them in Japan! Along with these other remarkably unique items:
Burgers
American Funky BBQ Beef/chickenBeverly Hills BurgerShakachiki Burger Gracoro Burger Carbonara ChickenCheese Katsu BurgerChicken TatsutaHot Gold MasalaMega TamagoSakura Teritama Burger
Snacks
Strawberry and Kit Kat McFlurrySakura-flavored french friesAnko piesBelgian Chocolate pieBacon and potato pie
*Sakura is the name of a Japanese tree that is very popular for both locals and foreigners.
High-Quality Service
Japan is known for having politeness in a very high value, so logically McDonald’s service would also be of the best quality when it comes to consumer service. The cleanness of the restaurant is also a characteristic that customers admire and even look for every time they visit.
Prince Comparison
A reason why McDonald’s is so popular in Japan is that it’s cheap. To give you an idea, a basic Big Mac costs 390 yen which is proportional to $3.44. However, the prices vary depending on location, so you might be able to find a burger for the proportional of $1.
Portion Size
Most of the foreigners that visit McDonald’s in Japan don’t feel as satisfied after having a cheeseburger as they would in America, the reason (that might not surprise you) is that portion sizes of food and drinks are smaller in Japan than in the United States. As you see, culture is still around us all the time and affects not only what we eat but also the portion size: Japan, like other Asian countries, tends to ration its meals so they won’t consume more calories than needed.
Other Features
You can get free Wi-Fi at McDonald’s in Japan, so it´s a very convenient place to work or study while enjoying a tasty burger or shake. You can charge your phone in any of the multiple plugs that the restaurant has.
Conclusion
It is remarkable how very different cultural features can make two countries fall in love with the same place. Japanese people love McDonald’s efficiency and convenience while Americans love its food, portions, and price. The fast-food chain has managed to find new yet loyal-to-the-original ways to attract consumers in every place, launching commercials with Japanese animation in the country along with exclusive menu items that reflect its personality.
Does Japan McDonald’s have happy meals?
Yes. They’re called happy sets (ハッピーセット).
Does McDonald’s have a local competition in Japan?
Sure, it does. One of them is the fast-food chain called MOS Burger.