Good question! I'm going out on a limb here, but it is safe to say that the smiles will still be free indefinitely into the future. McDonald's Japan is known for their exemplary customer service, and there is no doubt that all of their associates are taught to smile when asking "Would you like fries with that?" A corollary to your question is, of course, will McDonald's associates continue to be expected to wear a mask (which hides much of a smile--except for the eyes), as the country seems to be taking baby steps toward getting away from mandatory mask wearing. Don't hold your breath! Seriously, the "Smile Zero Yen" campaign (スマイル0円) has been used effectively as a marketing tactic for many years in Japan. I hope that McDonald's Japan will be able to hold the line on any potential price increase for the free smiles! BTW, given your interest in McDonald's Japan, you might also be interested in the following article which can be classified under "Only in Japan" https://japaninsider.com/japanese-man-recreates-the-last-supper-out-of-mcdonalds-wrappers/
Only if I'm walking around with $USD in my wallet. I haven't been tracking the Yen, so I was shocked to see the dive last year. When I was there I could convert price labels just by covering the last two digits in the price (close enough).
Thanks Mark! Great article. That inspires me to have a Happy Meal for my last supper! 😉
Are smiles still free at McD's? :-)
Good question! I'm going out on a limb here, but it is safe to say that the smiles will still be free indefinitely into the future. McDonald's Japan is known for their exemplary customer service, and there is no doubt that all of their associates are taught to smile when asking "Would you like fries with that?" A corollary to your question is, of course, will McDonald's associates continue to be expected to wear a mask (which hides much of a smile--except for the eyes), as the country seems to be taking baby steps toward getting away from mandatory mask wearing. Don't hold your breath! Seriously, the "Smile Zero Yen" campaign (スマイル0円) has been used effectively as a marketing tactic for many years in Japan. I hope that McDonald's Japan will be able to hold the line on any potential price increase for the free smiles! BTW, given your interest in McDonald's Japan, you might also be interested in the following article which can be classified under "Only in Japan" https://japaninsider.com/japanese-man-recreates-the-last-supper-out-of-mcdonalds-wrappers/
First Japanese phrase I learned:
Hotto kohi, Size S (holding hand up with thumb and forefinger slightly apart)
Hilarious! Well, are you still willing to pay for it, now that it costs 120 yen?
Only if I'm walking around with $USD in my wallet. I haven't been tracking the Yen, so I was shocked to see the dive last year. When I was there I could convert price labels just by covering the last two digits in the price (close enough).