The widespread issue of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) reselling has prompted The Pokémon Company to explore new measures. The company has announced it is considering the use of My Number cards, Japan’s official identification cards, to help combat scalping and ensure fair access to products.
In an effort to curb scalping of Pokémon TCG products and related events, The Pokémon Company is contemplating the introduction of an ID verification system in Japan. This proposed system would leverage the “My Number” card, a government-issued social security identification, allowing fans to participate in lotteries and purchase specific TCG items from Pokémon Center Online.
This initiative, initially reported by Automaton, aims to restrict certain TCG purchases and lottery entries to residents of Japan. The My Number card is primarily issued to Japanese citizens and long-term foreign residents with a residency record, thereby preventing individuals from overseas, or those attempting to bypass restrictions with tools like VPNs, from making excessive purchases.
The outlined process involves utilizing an external service to read the IC chip on the My Number Card via a smartphone, authenticating the user’s Players Club account. This service will employ the “User Authentication Electronic Certificate” embedded within the card for purchase verification. The Pokémon Company assures that neither the user’s information nor their My Number Card ID will be stored after the transaction is completed.
While The Pokémon Company has not yet specified which particular products will require My Number Card verification beyond “lotteries” and “certain products,” it is understood that scalpers often employ tactics such as creating multiple accounts to acquire large quantities of TCG cards for resale. The significant problem of TCG scalping, evident in numerous viral videos and the rapid depletion of products like Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Boxes on the resale market, is being addressed at its source by The Pokémon Company Japan through this proposed checkout measure.
The next TCG set, Chaos Rising, is slated for release on May 22. Although not yet confirmed, the implementation of this new system is being considered for around August 2026. Should this plan proceed, the company will release further details regarding the specific launch date, targeted products and events, authentication procedures, and other relevant information once the system is finalized.
English Translation & Rephrased Text
The Pokémon Company Considering My Number Card Integration for TCG Purchases in Japan to Combat Scalping
Recognizing the severe issue of Pokémon TCG reselling, The Pokémon Company is exploring the use of Japan’s My Number identification cards as a strategy to combat scalping and improve product accessibility for genuine fans.
The Pokémon Company has announced its contemplation of implementing an ID verification system in Japan to mitigate scalping activities related to Pokémon Trading Card Game products and associated events. This system is intended to utilize Japan’s “My Number” card, a government-issued social security card, to enable fans to participate in lotteries and acquire select TCG items from Pokémon Center Online.
As initially reported by Automaton, the new system is designed to exclusively permit Japanese residents to enter lotteries and purchase specific TCG products. The My Number Card, primarily issued to Japanese citizens and long-term foreign residents with official residency, would act as a barrier against international buyers or those using virtual private networks to make bulk purchases.
The proposed process involves using a third-party service to scan the IC chip on the My Number Card via a smartphone, thereby verifying the user’s Players Club account. This service will leverage the card’s “User Authentication Electronic Certificate” for purchase validation. The Pokémon Company has assured that personal data and My Number Card IDs will not be retained post-transaction.
Although specific products subject to My Number Card verification, beyond “lotteries” and “certain products,” have not yet been detailed, scalpers are known to employ various methods, including the creation of multiple accounts, to hoard TCG cards for resale. The persistent problem of TCG scalping, evidenced by widespread online content and the swift appearance of products on the resale market, is something The Pokémon Company Japan aims to address directly at the point of sale with this new measure.
The upcoming TCG set, Chaos Rising, is scheduled for release on May 22. While not officially confirmed, the company is looking into implementing this new system around August 2026. Upon finalization, The Pokémon Company will announce the precise implementation date, the specific products and events targeted, the authentication methods, and all other pertinent details.