The Pokémon Company has introduced a new facial recognition system aimed at curbing scalpers of the Pokémon Trading Card Game in Japan. This innovative measure restricts customers to one purchase per day by verifying each shopper’s identity before entry.
According to the official Pokémon Card Game website, each store will implement facial recognition technology to monitor customers and prevent multiple purchases within a 24-hour period. If an individual attempts to enter a store or obtain a numbered ticket more than once in a day, access will be denied for the remainder of that time frame.
This system applies to all customers from elementary school age and older, ensuring even younger buyers cannot be exploited to bypass the restrictions. The company also highlights that preschoolers are not allowed to enter stores unaccompanied; a guardian must be present to accompany them. The technology is designed to detect repeated entry attempts, and any such actions will result in refusal of entry.
Broader Measures to Combat Scalping
Facial recognition is just one component of The Pokémon Company’s broader strategy to tackle scalpers, who have become a significant issue not only in Japan but globally. Earlier plans proposed the introduction of a system requiring the use of the My Number Card, Japan’s official government-issued ID, starting in August 2026. This identification system would further regulate who is authorized to purchase Pokémon Trading Card Game products.
These initiatives reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring fair access to Pokémon cards and preventing the exploitation of demand by resellers. By combining biometric verification with government ID checks, The Pokémon Company is pioneering a rigorous approach to protect genuine fans and collectors.