Key facts
- Japan's government is considering regulations for its rapidly growing trading card market.
- A new parliamentary group within the Liberal Democratic Party will examine issues such as counterfeiting, scalping, and money laundering.
- The domestic trading card market reached approximately 338.4 billion yen (US$2.3 billion) in fiscal 2025.
- High-value cards, particularly from franchises like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, are increasingly being treated as investment assets.
- The government aims to promote the industry while addressing challenges that hinder genuine fans and legitimate businesses.
Japan is contemplating regulatory measures for its burgeoning trading card market, a sector experiencing significant growth and facing issues such as counterfeiting, scalping, and potential money laundering. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has formed a new parliamentary group to investigate these challenges, with its first meeting scheduled for July 23. This group will engage with industry organizations and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to discuss the market's state and its problems.
The trading card industry in Japan, particularly for franchises like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, has seen substantial expansion, with the domestic market reaching approximately 338.4 billion yen (US$2.3 billion) in fiscal 2025. This boom has led to sophisticated counterfeit cards and scalpers who acquire new releases in bulk, making it difficult for genuine fans to purchase items at retail prices. Authorities are also concerned that the high resale value of certain cards could facilitate money laundering.
In response to these issues, some businesses have implemented their own measures, such as limiting sales or requiring proof of fandom. The Pokémon Center Online has begun requiring Japan's My Number Card and Digital Identification App for specific purchases to deter scalpers, though this has raised privacy concerns and excluded overseas visitors. The government's new parliamentary group aims to establish rules to combat counterfeits and bulk buying, while also supporting the industry's growth and international expansion. The group's initial phase will focus on discussion and establishing a forum for dialogue rather than immediate legislative changes.