Pokémon Japan Introduces Facial Recognition at Official TCG Stores to Combat Scalping
The Pokémon Company is taking another major step in its fight against Pokémon TCG scalpers, announcing that facial recognition technology will be introduced at selected official Pokémon Card Store locations across Japan.
The new system is designed to create a fairer shopping experience by preventing customers from repeatedly entering stores or collecting multiple entry tickets in a single day—one of the tactics commonly used by scalpers to secure extra stock.
A New Anti-Scalping Measure
Beginning with five new Pokémon Card Store locations opening in Japan, customers of elementary school age and older will be required to complete facial recognition when receiving a numbered entry ticket and when entering the store.
According to The Pokémon Company, the system has three primary goals:
- Provide a safe and secure shopping environment.
- Help prevent crime.
- Ensure customers follow entry and purchasing rules fairly.
If the system detects that the same person has attempted to obtain multiple numbered tickets or enter the store more than once on the same day, staff will be alerted and entry may be refused.
How the System Works
The facial recognition system is being introduced specifically for official Pokémon Card Stores, which are separate from Japan’s larger Pokémon Center stores and focus primarily on Pokémon Trading Card Game products and beginner events.
Some important rules include:
- Facial recognition is mandatory for customers of elementary school age and above.
- Preschool-aged children are exempt but must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Customers must agree to facial recognition to receive an entry ticket and enter the store.
- Staff may speak with customers if repeated entry attempts or suspicious behaviour are detected.
The Pokémon Company also states that facial image data and visit information will be managed in accordance with its privacy policy and retained only for a limited period.
Part of a Bigger Crackdown
This isn’t the first anti-scalping initiative announced by The Pokémon Company in 2026.
Earlier this year, the company confirmed it would begin using Japan’s My Number Card identity verification system for selected online Pokémon TCG product lotteries, official events, and some high-demand 30th Anniversary releases sold through Pokémon Center Online. The company emphasised that it verifies identity without storing customers’ personal My Number information.
Together, these measures show a broader strategy aimed at ensuring genuine fans have a better chance of purchasing highly sought-after Pokémon TCG products.
Why Is Pokémon Taking These Steps?
Over the past several years, Pokémon cards have become increasingly difficult to purchase in Japan due to:
- Professional scalpers buying large quantities of product.
- Automated purchasing bots.
- Organised resale groups.
- Extremely high demand for special promotional and anniversary products.
The Pokémon TCG’s popularity has surged during Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary, with premium releases frequently selling out within minutes and appearing on resale marketplaces at heavily inflated prices.
The new facial recognition system is intended to stop individuals from bypassing existing purchase limits by repeatedly joining queues or collecting multiple entry tickets.
Will It Expand to Pokémon Centers?
At this stage, The Pokémon Company has only confirmed facial recognition for the official Pokémon Card Store locations.
There has been no announcement that the technology will be introduced at regular Pokémon Center stores. However, with ID verification already planned for some Pokémon Center Online purchases, many collectors are watching closely to see whether similar measures could eventually expand further.
