Devoted to selling authentic coffee, McDonald’s Japan’s McCafé by Barista coffee service is all set for the hot summer days ahead with delicious Hokkaido melon drinks. The Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé is making a return to the menu along with the brand new Hokkaido Melon Choco Frappé. The drinks will appear on the menu from June 24, 2020 for a limited period.

Enjoy the luscious flavour and fragrance of Hokkaido melons in the form of a refreshing frappé. Although the Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé has returned to the McDonald’s menu year after year since 2018, this year marks the debut of the Hokkaido Melon Choco Frappé.

Hokkaido Melon and Milk Frappé M Size: ¥470, L Size: ¥540

Vibrant Hokkaido melon is pureéd into a fruit sauce (2% fruit content). This is mixed with milk to bring out its full-bodied fragrance. The juicy, melt-in-the-mouth sweetness will leave you wanting more. The whipped cream topping is drizzled with more melon sauce. Mix the drink to enjoy the delicious combination of juicy melon and sweet cream.

Hokkaido Melon and Choco Frappé M Size: ¥490, L Size: ¥560

Enjoy a sweet smoothie of rich and juicy melon punctuated with notes of Belgian couverture chocolate sauce (54% Belgian chocolate) and whipped cream. With 2% fruit content Hokkaido melon pureé as the base of the smoothie, milk is added to create a mellow flavour. Crunchy chocolate Oreo® pieces are sprinkled on top along with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, adding a hint of bitter chocolate flavour.

As the weather gets hotter, make sure to cool down with a refreshing cool drink. If you’ve never tried Hokkaido melon, now’s your chance!

This summer, McDonald’s Japan is releasing three beef burgers inspired by flavours of three countries. From Japan is the “Kalbi Mac,” from Canada is the “Mighty Beef Original,” and from the UK is the “Smokey BBQ.”

When you think of McDonald’s, the first thing that’s sure to come to mind are their beef burgers. The fast food chain has added many different burger flavours to its menu, every country around the world has its own popular style of beef burger. That’s where McDonald’s Japan got the idea for this new series of international burgers, each made using recipes from their respective countries.

Mighty Beef Original: ¥490 / Value Set: ¥790 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early August 2020)

Released at McDonald’s Canada, this bacon-filled beef burger is lathered in a rich sauce that has a smokey aroma and garlic punch mixed with black pepper. The salty and smokey bacon bits are what made this burger so deliciously irresistible.

Smokey BBQ: ¥490 / Value Set: ¥790 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early July 2020)

The smokey flavour is intense with this juicy beef burger which comes from the UK. It’s filled with over 10 spices, including smokey bacon, black pepper, and cinnamon.

Kalbi Mac: ¥420 / Value Set: ¥720 (Serving: June 24, 2020 – Early August 2020)

And from Japan is beef-on-beef Kalbi Mac which is filled with spicy kalbi beef and a juicy beef patty served between a sesame seed bun. The refreshing sweet lemon sauce and crunchy lettuce serve to elevate the tasty flavours of both beefs.

This is just the first three international burgers to be released at McDonald’s Japan. A new set will be released in mid-July.

McDonald’s Japan has joined hands with Pokémon and BorneLund and will begin serving themed Happy Meals at McDonald’s branches across Japan from June 19, 2020 for a limited time.

There are six Pikachu toys to get your Pokémon Trainer hands on, all of which have Pikachu wearing his hat from the hit movie Detective Pikachu. The line-up includes everything a detective needs including a magnifying glass, a periscope which has moving parts which look different as you flip it, a real-working Pikachu compass, and more.

McDonald’s BorneLund collaboration collection also features six toys, including a pencil and stencil kit, a puzzle block set, and more. These items are sure to draw out the imaginations and creativity of kids.

Additionally, for every Pokémon Happy Meal and BorneLund Happy Meal bought on June 20 and 21, customers will receive a maze and sticker book for each the respective series.

McDonald’s Japan is collaborating with the hugely popular Japanese chocolate bar “Black Thunder” to release the “McFlurry® Black Thunder” at all McDonald’s branches across Japan for a limited time from June 10, 2020.

The McFlurry® is known to every McDonald’s customer. Made from delicious soft serve ice cream, it is mixed with various toppings and sauces and then blitzed at high speed to create a smooth, velvety dessert. The dessert has seen many collaborations with other products in Japan in the past, and it’s been 2 years since it has been mixed with Black Thunder.

McFlurry® Black Thunder: ¥290 (Tax Included)

The McFlurry® Black Thunder sees the rich, velvety ice cream combined with crumbly Black Thunder so you get the crunch of the cocoa cookie and biscuit. It’s also drizzled in a chocolate sauce that has been frozen for added crunchiness. You get the bitterness of the cocoa cookie and the sweetness of the chocolate come through.

The dessert will be served in a limited edition Black Thunder cup too. These are available while supplies last.

If you’re in Japan, don’t miss out on the delicious return of the McFlurry® Black Thunder.

McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with confectionery company Morinaga & Company to release the “McShake® Morinaga Ramune” at all McDonald’s branches in Japan. This is the first time McDonald’s Japan has collaborated with the product.

Morinaga Ramune is a candy soda, and the perfect match to McDonald’s sweet and creamy to cool down during spring and early summer.

The mixed beverage maintains the same refreshing taste as the original McShake® while drawing out the full flavour of the Ramune. It’s available in a small size only while supplies last and is the same light blue colour as Morinaga Ramune. It’s also served in an original cup.

McCafé by Barista branches of McDonald’s in Japan are releasing two new limited edition drinks on May 20: the “Goro Goro Peach Smoothie” and “Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe.”

The “Peach Smoothie” first appeared at McDonald’s Japan in 2015 and has been popular every year since. But these two new drinks are taking the peachness to the next level. Until now, the Peach Smoothie has been made with only white peaches, but the new beverages add yellow peaches to that for double the peach goodness.

Goro Goro Peach Smoothie: Regular ¥440 / Large ¥480

The Goro Goro Peach Smoothie uses the juice of white and yellow peaches to create its smoothie base. It’s also topped with a sauce made from the juice of white peach. The sweetness of this yellow and white peach combination makes for an even deeper level of flavour, and the fresh white pieces on top elevate it even more.

Fuwa Fuwa Peach Creamy Frappe: Regular ¥490 / Large ¥530

The frappe uses the same smoothie base and sauce, but adds whipped cream into the mix, resulting in a deliciously creamy texture and flavour.

And for an extra ¥60, you can add more sauce to your Goro Goro Peach Smoothie if you feel it isn’t peachy enough!

Eggs ‘n Things Japan has announced that it is releasing its “Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes” and “Mango Salsa Chicken & Eggs” to all branches throughout Japan (excluding temporarily closed branches).

Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes: Eat In ¥1,480 (Before Tax), Takeout ¥880 (Before Tax) | Serving: May 15, 2020 – June 11, 2020

The Harajuku Chocolate Mint Pancakes speak for themselves. Enjoy a serving of mint flavoured pancakes drizzled in smooth mint cream which is sure to send a refreshing tinge through your nose. It’s topped with an Oreo cookie, chocolate mint ice cream, and served with a side of chocolate sauce.

*The takeout option doesn’t come with whipped cream or chocolate mint ice cream

Mango Salsa Chicken & Eggs: ¥1,280 (Before Tax) *Takeout option available | Serving: May 15, 2020 – June 11, 2020

A plate of juicy fried chicken and a punchy mango salsa with a flavourful coriander taste and spicy kick.

Two perfect dishes to enjoy an early summer this year, coming to Eggs ‘n Things in Japan this Friday.

Baskin-Robbins launched its collaboration with Snoopy on Thursday which is set to run until June 2, 2020. The collaboration includes a flavour inspired by Snoopy’s favourite chocolate chip, a Snoopy Sundae, and much more. What better way to start the summer early than with the adorable Snoopy?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Fun: Single Regular Size ¥390 (Tax Included) / Serving: From April 25, 2020 while supplies last

Chocolate chip is Snoopy’s favourite, and this ice cream flavour represents that. It’s a mix of butter and caramel flavoured vanilla ice cream laced with fat chocolate chips. If you don’t eat it quickly and Snoopy sees you, he must just steal it from you!

Snoopy Double Cup: Small Double ¥490 (Tax Included), Regular Double ¥710 (Tax Included) / Serving: May 7, 2020 – June 2, 2020

The double cups lets you pick two ice cream flavours of your choice. The cups feature cute designs of the Peanuts characters – there are three in total.

Snoopy Sundae: ¥500 (Tax Included) / Serving: May 7, 2020 – June 2, 2020

The Snoopy Sundae lets you pick a small ice cream serving of your choice, and that’s then topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkling of chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate red heart, and a chocolate Snoopy and Belle. Make sure you don’t forget to snap an Instagram picture of this before tucking in.

Snoopy Shake: ¥620 (Tax Included) / Serving: May 7, 2020 – June 2, 2020

Have an ice cream flavour of your choice blended with milk into a shake. Have it topped with whipped cream, choc chips, and a Snoopy cookie. Your shake even comes with an original Joe Cool cup sleeve.

Variety Pack of 6 Flavours With Snoopy Cooler Pouch: Small ¥1,750 (Tax Included), Regular ¥2,330 (Tax Included) / Serving: May 7, 2020 – June 2, 2020

The takeout variety pack lets you pick six flavours, and it’s boxed in a beautiful Snoopy dog house box. The pack also comes with a cute limited edition cooler pouch. This pack is sure to get you and your friends smiling.

Stay cool this spring with Snoopy.

©2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

*Please note that prices vary from store to store

McDonald’s Japan is introducing some mouth-watering new foods to its menu including two which incorporates chicken tatsuta: the “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” which is made with walleye pollack roe, and the bite-sized “Hitokuchi Tatsuta”ーthe latter of which is arriving to the side menu.

It is also introducing the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” burger following the success of the “Rice Burger” which was released at stores for the first time earlier back in February of this year.

These new menu items will be released on May 13, 2020 at all McDonald’s branches in Japan for a limited time.

Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese

Chicken tatsuta is a popular Japanese dish which combines a soft, soy ginger-soaked chicken patty with spicy sauce and stuffs it inside a bun. McDonald’s new “Chicken Tatsuta Mentai Cheese” adds spicy walleye pollack roe mayo and smooth white cheddar cheese to the equation. It will be available all day round, including for the morning menu.

Hitokuchi Tatsuta

Rice Chicken Tatsuta

The “Rice Chicken Burger” will be available in the evenings only.

Japanese actor Toshiyuki Nishida is appearing in the TV commercials to promote the “Hitokuchi Tatsuta” while comedian Nobuyuki Hanawa and actor Katsumi Takahashi appear in the “Rice Chicken Tatsuta” commercials which feature a re-recording of the song SWEET MEMORIES ~Amai Kioku~ by Seiko Matsuda.

SAKEICE is an ice cream shop that offers a new kind of ice cream experience, combining Japanese sake and alcohol together with the frozen treat. The shop opened in Akusaka, Tokyo in March this year.

However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the store has had to close temporarily. SAKEICE wants to cheer people up during these turbulent times with their ice cream, and has therefore announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign so they can set up a website where people can order ice cream in Japan and have it delivered to them.

I tried out their ice cream

Otokoyama / Nihonshu Ice

SAKEICE’s ice cream is laced with lots of Japanese alcohol. I tried the Otokoyama and the Nihonshu Ice, the latter of which is an original ice cream flavour exclusive to SAKEICE. They both contains around 4% alcohol. I were curious exactly how they would taste.

I started with the Nihonshu Ice. The moment the ice cream hits your tongue, your taste buds are met with its smooth texture, and your nose is filled with the full bodied flavour of nihonshu. The velvety texture on your tongue as it melts is to die for. The Otokoyama has a refreshing kick to it when compared to the Nihonshu Ice. It’s creamy, but the aftertaste is refreshing, so we recommend it for people who aren’t a fan of sweet treats. Both are sure to leave you feeling satisfied, and maybe a little flushed afterwards.

These ice creams contain alcohol, so keep that in mind when coming here with minors, kids, pregnant women, or if you’re driving.

They have non-alcoholic flavours too!

Matcha / Cherry Blossom

Of course, they have non-alcoholic options too. I tried out the matcha and cherry blossom flavours.

The matcha one has an irresistible bitterness layered inside the sweetness. You get that real rich matcha taste too. The cherry blossom ice cream is a cute light pink colour and has a subtle sweetness to it. If you don’t like alcohol then you’ll definitely want to try one of delights.

Papico, a long-selling brand of ice creams in Japan known for their smooth texture, is teaming up with Rilakkuma to give 1,000 people a chance to win limited-edition Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma hand puppets. The campaign is set to run from April 20, 2020.

Papico is a popular brand of ice cream in Japan that comes in many flavours, such as Chocolate Coffee, which blends chocolate with cafe latte, and the sweet, sour and refreshing White Sour. They also sell numerous limited-edition flavours.

The collaboration designs include Rilakkuma for Coffee Chocolate and Korilakkuma for White Sour. They also come as hand puppets.

The campaign offers 1,000 random people a chance to win both puppets. It will run from April 20, 2020 to July 19, 2020. To sign up, purchase one of the ice creams and apply via the application page included on your receipt.

McDonald’s Japan is teaming up with Ezaki Glico to bring Glico’s popular “Pucchi Purin” custard pudding dessert to McDonald’s McShake®. The “Pucchin Purin McShake” will be released at all McDonald’s branches around Japan for a limited time starting on April 13, 2020.

The collaboration comes at the right time as Glico has revamped its popular Pucchi Purin dessert.

The new Pucchin Purin McShake incorporates everything that’s delicious about McShake, including its creamy texture and subtly sweet taste, and combines it with the milky Pucchi Purin pudding with all its caramel goodness, creating a drinkable dessert.

It also comes with some additional caramel sauce (available while supplies last) which only adds to the tempting sweetness of the drink. Add as much or as little as you like.

Pucchin Purin McShake is available in a small only, with cups featuring an original design. This is a must-try for fans of McShake and Japanese custard puddings, known as purin.