Hong Kong McDonald's has ignited a citywide craze with Monday’s launch of its CHIIKAWA-themed Happy Meal toys, drawing massive crowds across multiple districts and overwhelming digital queues with over 20,000 people.
The limited-edition collection features eight figurines of viral characters, including Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi, triggering early-morning lines exceeding 100 people at branches like Olympian City.
Our reporters observed orderly queues spanning generations – from teens to seniors carrying toddlers – with McDonald's implementing crowd control measures.
Notably absent were reseller scalpers, and operations proceeded smoothly without the food waste issues seen during Japan's Chiikawa promotions.
Community reactions highlighted the phenomenon's cross-generational appeal.
Members of the "Chiikawa HK Fans Club" Facebook group reported 80-strong queues at Sha Tin's City One outlet, with one shocked user posting: "The scene outside McDonald's after breakfast was terrifying – easily over 100 people." Others remarked on the unexpected senior fan presence, commenting: "So many elderly enthusiasts!"
The digital rush proved equally intense, with McDonald's App users facing a virtual queue surpassing 20,000 at peak.
While some reported seamless purchases, others described entering a lottery-style system with thousands ahead.
The Chiikawa mania came as excitement is building for the upcoming "CHIIKAWA DAYS" exhibition in August.
The "CHIIKAWA DAYS" exhibition will be held at K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui from August 1 to 24.
The exhibition will showcase over 100 3D sculptures, a giant inflatable sculpture, and recreations of iconic manga scenes. Interactive experiences and Hong Kong-exclusive merchandise, including a "Dim Sum" series, will also be available.
Read more: Thrills for 'CHIIKAWA DAYS': Fans line up for free party sets in excited haze
