# Transforming Bullet Train Toys In Japan, McDonald’s Happy Meals Now Come with Shinkalion Toys By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2024-05-19 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinkalion References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2024/05/18/mcdonalds-happy-meals-in-japan-now-come-with-shinkansen-robots/)  [McDonald's Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-genesis-evangelion-2) is paying homage to the country's speediest trains with the debut of new Shinkalion Happy Meal toys. In Japan, the Shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a network of high-speed railways that can reach speeds of up to 320km/hour. Now, McDonald's is celebrating the country's world-renowned public transit with Happy Meal toys dedicated to Shinkalion. In total, there are six new Happy Meal toys and each one is dedicated to a unit from Shinkalion: Change the World (an anime franchise based on a toy collection by [Takara Tomy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punirunes) and [Japan Railways Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dabuchi)). Each toy is a little transformer that can be adjusted to create a train-based robot superhero. The transforming Shinkansen toys will be rolled out of the course of two weekends at McDonald's locations in Japan, with the first installment coming May 17-23. Image Credit: SoraNews24, McDonald's Japan, Project Shinkalion ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 24% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Anime-inspired Collectibles:** Anime franchises are expanding their reach by integrating with popular fast-food chains, creating exclusive collectibles that appeal to both children and collectors. - **Transforming Toys:** Toys that can change forms, such as from vehicles to robots, are capturing the imagination of young consumers and introducing dynamic play concepts. - **Cultural Homage Merchandise:** Businesses are tapping into national symbols and cultural icons to create merchandise that resonates deeply with local consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast-food:** The fast-food industry is leveraging partnerships with entertainment franchises to enhance their Happy Meals, driving customer engagement and loyalty. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers are continually innovating with multifunctional designs to captivate a tech-savvy, young audience. - **Public Transit:** Public transit branding is being revitalized through collaborations with various merchandise and marketing channels, boosting public interest and pride. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transformable QSR Toy Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-genesis-evangelion-2.md) - [Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio-happy-meals.md) - [Anime-Themed QSR Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokmon-natsumatsuri-happy-set.md) - [Expansive QSR Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-happy-meals.md) - [Outdoor Anime QSR Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-pokmon.md) - [Video Game Meal Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-happy-meal-toys.md) - [QSR Race Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gr-gt3-happy-meal.md) - [QSR Meal Sunkissed Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-happy-meal.md) - [Anime-Inspired QSR Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-5.md)