McDonald’s Japan has once again surprised its fans with a collaboration, in this case merging otaku culture, Christmas celebrations and the popular fast food. In a recent publication, the fast food chain teamed up with VTuber Sakura Miko, one of the most beloved personalities in the Japanese virtual world, to celebrate the year-end season in a very special way. Not only has it attracted national attention in Japan, but it has also captured international attention, especially among fans of anime and digital culture.
Sakura Miko and McDonald’s Japan’s Christmas spirit come together in a curious advertisement
McDonald’s Japan has found an innovative way to connect with young fans of anime and otaku culture by introducing a collaboration with the famous VTuber Sakura Miko, the virtual personality known for her participation in the group Hololive. And now she has starred in a challenge that has left many surprised and delighted, trying to rap the Gracoro Song, a catchy song that refers to a hamburger that McDonald’s Japan traditionally launches every winter and now was no exception.
In a video shared on McDonald’s Japan’s official Twitter/X account, Sakura Miko appears performing the song with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, which has generated thousands of reactions on social media. This type of collaboration with a VTuber, a figure very close to young fans of anime and video games, not only highlights McDonald’s Japan’s unique advertising, but also highlights its ability to understand and take advantage of digital culture trends, as evidenced by its interaction with followers.
In addition to the video, McDonald’s Japan released another Twitter/X post in which Sakura Miko invites everyone to join a New Year’s Eve party, with the phrase, “I know it’s too soon, but I want to have a New Year’s Eve party with everyone.” This phrase refers to bounenkai, a Japanese tradition that consists of a gathering to bid farewell to the year and celebrate friendship or work ties.
In the image, the VTuber can be seen sitting in front of a festive table, with a tray containing two Gracoro burgers and fries, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Through this release, McDonald’s Japan reinforces its connection to Japanese traditions, while maintaining its modern touch, and uniting the Vtuber’s fans with the followers of the McDonald’s Japan chain.
The popularity of the Gracoro (Gratin Croquette Burger), which has a recipe based on a gratin croquette with white sauce and macaroni, has made this sandwich a true symbol of Japanese winter. Although it is a hamburger, its unique taste has made it a seasonal food that many look forward to each year, it is not uncommon to see long lines at McDonald’s in Japan when the Gracoro returns to the menu. It even has its own fan club, the Gurakoro Doumei (Gracoro Alliance), which celebrates its near-mythical status within the local food culture.
In fact, the name Gracoro is an acronym for the words guratan (gratin) and korokke (kibble), and has endeared itself to many for its comforting taste and crunchy texture, making it a real guilty pleasure, for fast food lovers. And by partnering with Sakura Miko and such a beloved dish as Gracoro, McDonald’s Japan shows again that it knows how to interact with its audiences through digital and popular media.
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