McDonald's Japan remixes its fryer 'Tirori' alarm with Gen Z songs — a 3-year hit

Japan's aging, stagnant economy — an average age of 48.6, 60% of the population over 40, and one of the world's lowest birth rates — has bred pessimism among young people, many of whom see personal success as unattainable. McDonald's, deeply connected with youth, decided to counter that negativity through music.

Since 2023, McDonald's Japan and Dentsu have run 'Tirori Mix': mashup tracks that blend artists' songs with the 'Tirori♪' sound the fryer plays when McFries are ready. The 2024 edition combined YOASOBI's 'Gunjo' with Vaundy's 'Hanauranai' and was released on McDonald's official YouTube at 11:01 AM on 11 January — the '1's a nod to fries.

The campaign's centrepiece is an animated film set in the near future: a young musician shares his music online, faces indifference and harsh criticism (people morph into demonic figures), and finds encouragement from three anthropomorphic potato friends before performing a breakthrough song that turns critics into fans.

Beyond the film, McDonald's staged live events in Tokyo and other cities where young musicians could perform. 'Tirorimix 2024' won the Commercial Grand Prix at the 61st Galaxy Awards; FRIES BEAT 2024 took the Film Grand Prix at MAD Stars 2024 and a Bronze at Spikes Asia 2025; the 2023 debut had already won Gold and Silver at ADFEST 2024, and a third edition followed in 2025.