That popular burger from McDonald's is going regular!? "Regular Spot Audition" now underway

McDonald's Japan launched limited-time sales of the "Egg Double Mac," "Teriyaki Chicken Filet," and "McRib" on May 9th. Simultaneously, it started the "You Choose the Regular Menu Audition" campaign, where future regular menu items will be decided based on popularity votes and sales figures. A press conference was held the previous day, May 8th, in Minato Ward, Tokyo.

Senior Manager Takanori Konoe of the Marketing Division stated, "This campaign is packed with the fun of choosing the next menu item, while of course letting customers enjoy the deliciousness of the products. We want people to feel closer to our regular burgers, which they can enjoy anytime." He explained the audition system: entry items were selected based on criteria including having been sold multiple times in the past without becoming a regular menu item and not having been sold nationwide within the last two years. Only the burger ranked first will earn a spot on the regular menu.

Comedian Ryota Yamazato of the duo Nankai Candies, serving as Commissioner, emphasized the campaign's appeal, adding his personal perspective: "Getting the right to decide a new menu item is amazing. If you want to eat your favorite menu item, you'll cheer for it wholeheartedly. It's just like supporting your favorite idol."

After Senior Manager Shigeaki Wakana from the Menu Management Department explained the PR points for each of the three products, Tsukasa Saito and Takashi from Trendy Angel, along with comedian Natsuko Yokozawa, entered the stage as "supporting comedians" alongside the products. Yamashiro's partner, Shizuyo Yamazaki (Shizu-chan), then appeared.

Ignoring the plan, Shizuchan rushed onto the stage. Yamazato-san admonished her, "You're supposed to appear after the supporting comedians introduce themselves. That's wrong," but she acted as if nothing had happened, drawing laughter from the audience.

Saito passionately presented the appeal of the "Egg Double Mac," Takashi highlighted the "Teriyaki Chicken Filet," and Yokozawa emphasized the "McRib." Special judge Shizuchan then tasted each entry burger in turn.

Asked for her vote as a special judge, Shizuchan deliberated before commenting, "They're all delicious, so shouldn't they all be regular menu items?" leaving everyone on stage flabbergasted. However, she then urged voting for the audition, saying, "They're all delicious, so I want you to try them all. You won't know unless you try them, so please eat and vote."

The audition results will be announced on May 30th via the campaign site ( http://mcdonalds-regularaudition.jp/ ) and other channels, following interim announcements on May 18th and 23rd.