One of the things I love the most about the marketing strategy of major F&B brands in Japan are their openness and enthusiasm in using animation for their promotional media, in particular the work of lesser known, indie animators and artists.
In this summer ad campaign for McDonald’s Japan, the company engaged the artist Urachan ( 浦浦 浦ちゃん ) to create a series of 3 animated spots to market their Samurai Mac burger. The animation style is lively and fresh, giving great exposure to the artist and at the same time also selling lots of burgers. A win-win.
Somehow, I was unable to locate the original videos even on McDonald’s Japan’s official youtube channel, so I’m embedding the twitter versions here for everyone to enjoy –
ｱｰｳ!🍔 https://t.co/aY863oom4W pic.twitter.com/dsRTPwPBQX
— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) August 29, 2026
第二話「君のとなりで、夏が暮れる。」
声：佐々木舞香(＝LOVE) https://t.co/jg0LXVuSRq pic.twitter.com/Ixlo9Tqhm8— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) August 21, 2026
最終話「また会えるなら、それでいい。」
声：佐々木舞香(＝LOVE) https://t.co/4z4CxeV26q pic.twitter.com/lYq44sfAsW— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) August 22, 2026
Craving for a McDonald’s burger yet ? You can follow Uranchan on twitter here.
You might also be interested in these items :
McDonald’s Japan and Ebi-chan
McDonald’s Adverts 2023 UK / JAPAN
Isao Takahata Anime Exhibition 2025
Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009
Anime Commercials Compilation
September 9th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
These are great. In addition to being lively and fresh, as you mention, I also like how they present a very genuine feel. I can’t imagine McDonald’s having ad campaigns like this in America (at least not these days).
September 11th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
Chris – Yes indeed, the artistic sensibilities of Japanese vs American ads are just markedly different, and it is so refreshing to see a take like this. :]