While the rest of the world calls the famous McDonald's mascot by its original name, Japan has a whole different name for him. In Japan, the McD mascot is called Donald Mcdonald and also goes by the name Donarudo Makudonarudo.
The reason for the different name is because the sound required to say Ronald Mcdonald in Japanese is difficult to say in quick succession due to the lack of a clear "r" sound in Japanese enunciation. Hence, to please the citizens and to make it easy to pronounce, they changed the mascot's name.
McDonald's is often called 'Makku' or 'Makudo' in Japan. The restaurant founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald's, serves millions of customers in 119+ countries. In Japan, the famous fast-food restaurant was first opened in Ginza, Tokyo in 1971.
Who is Ronald McDonald?
Known for being the famous mascot of McDonald's for ages, Ronald Mcdonald is a clown character who inhabits the fictional world of McDonald land along with his friends Mayor McCheese, the Hamburglar, Grimace, The Fry Kids and Birdie the Early Bird.
Ronald Mcdonald first appeared in 1963 as the 'Hamburger-Happy Clown' on three separate local television spots. Since then the clown was then used as the mascot as it helped the restaurant gain immense popularity worldwide. The first person to play Ronald Mcdonald was Willard Scott.
What's different in McDonald's Japan menu?
McDonald's serves millions of customers daily in various countries. It's well known for adapting to the diversity and culture of a particular country and understanding the taste buds of locals to curate the best hamburgers and other side dishes for them. For example, in India, one would find more vegetarian options for the citizens and there would be absolutely no beef option on the menu.
Whereas in the US one would find various non-vegetarian options including bacon and beef. Just like that, McDonald's in Japan comes up with different burgers and side dishes to alleviate the palates of the citizens. One might not find these burger options available in another country except Japan.
Starting with the famous breakfast menu option, most of them are the same just like the menu option in the US. One can order Egg McMuffin, Bacon EggSandwich, Hotcakes, Mega Muffin, and Big Breakfast in Japan McDonald's too. There aren't many changes in the breakfast options.
Then starts the Regular menu. In this menu option, you can find different burgers like Karubi Burger, Teriyaki burger, Shrimp Filet-O, Roasted Soy Sauce Bacon Tomato Thick Beef burger, Wild Beef Burger with onion rings and cheese. The normal Big Mac and Double Cheeseburgers are also available. The regular menu starts at 10:30 a.m.
By 5:00. p.m. most of the Japanese McDonald's outlets start their dinner menu options. In this, you can order burgers like Gohan Karubi, Gohan Chicken with Soy Sauce Flavor, Gohan Teriyaki, Bai Big Mac, Bai Teriyaki Chicken Filet-O, Bai Hamburger, and other Cheeseburgers too. For sides, you can choose from fries, and chicken nuggets options.
In case one wants to choose a bit healthy option then they can choose the side salad and Edamame & Corn option. As another side option, there is something called Shaka-Chicki that one can choose in red pepper or cheddar cheese option.
When it comes to drinks and McCafe menu options are diverse in McDonald's Japan. Apart from the normal coke, One can enjoy different Fanta flavors, Qoo White Grape juice, Earl Grey Iced Tea, etc. Their McCafe and dessert options are unique too. You can find Darjeeling Tea, Orange Latte, Godiva Chocolate Frappe, Uji Matcha Frappe, Tea Chiffon Cake, and also Macaron options.
How many McDonald's restaurants are there in Japan?
After first opening in Ginza, Tokyo, McDonald's was a huge hit in Japan. Now there are approximately 2,900 restaurants in Japan which approximately 1.3 billion customers visit annually.
When do McDonald's outlets in Japan open?
Just like any McDonald's outlet in any other country, McDonald's Japan outlets also open early in the morning. Though it depends from store to store. By 10:30 a.m. they began their regular menu option and by 5:00 a.m. they start their dinner menu option.
FAQs
Q Do McDonald's Japan stay 24 hours open?
A. Most McDonald's outlets in Japan are open 24 hours.
Q. What is Ronald McDonald called in Japan?
A. Ronald McDonald is called Donald McDonald in Japan. He also goes by the name Donarudo Makudonarudo.
Q. There are how many McDonald's stores in Japan?
A. There are approximately 2900 McDonald's stores in Japan.
Q When was the first McDonald's store opened in Japan?
A. The first McDonald's store in Japan was opened in 1971, in Ginza, Tokyo.
