# McDonald's operational and menu changes in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mcdonalds-operational-and-menu-changes-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-10-07T08:18:03.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

McDonald’s is implementing various operational and menu changes in Japan. In late September 2026, the company announced store renovations in Chiba Prefecture, specifically the temporary closure of the Kitakata-cho branch in Ichikawa City, and the upcoming opening of a new Nishi-Kawaguchi West Exit branch in Saitama Prefecture.

Following these physical expansions, McDonald’s Japan announced a significant menu refresh scheduled for October 21. After five years of development, the company is transitioning its primary chicken offerings from breast meat to whole thigh meat. This shift includes the introduction of new products such as the ‘Zaku Zaku Juicy Mac’ and the ‘Teriyaki Chicken Juicy Mac’, while phasing out existing items like the ‘Chicken Filet’ and ‘Shaka Chiki’.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: McDonald's Japan to launch new thigh meat chicken burgers

McDonald's Japan is replacing its Chicken Filet with a new line of whole thigh meat burgers, including the ‘Zaku Zaku Juicy Mac’, starting October 21 after five years of development.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mcdonalds-japan-launches-seasonal-desserts-and-collaborations

### 2026-09-23: McDonald's announces store renovation and new opening in Japan

McDonald's announces a renovation closure for its Kitakata-cho branch in Chiba and a new store opening in Kawaguchi, Saitama, scheduled for late October 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mcdonalds-announces-store-renovation-and-new-opening-in-japan

---
Cite as: McDonald's operational and menu changes in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mcdonalds-operational-and-menu-changes-in-japan