The New Era of Pokémon Card Collecting in Japan
Pokémon card collecting has been an exhilarating hobby for fans around the world. However, the latest trend in Japan has added another level of complexity: buying a pack now requires more than just money — it requires your face. With overwhelming demand leading to scalpers clearing shelves in minutes, the Pokémon Company has adopted facial recognition systems to help combat this issue.
What the Company Has Announced
The Pokémon Company is launching a facial recognition system in its dedicated Pokémon Card Stores across Japan. These smaller retail locations are distinctly separate from the larger Pokémon Centers. According to the company’s official site, the primary objective of this system is to “provide a safe shopping environment for all customers, prevent crime, and ensure compliance with entry and purchasing regulations.” This initiative will debut with the launch of the Storm Emeralda set, which features the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza.
How It Works in Practice
Customers aged in elementary school and older must agree to have their faces scanned to enter the store and obtain a shift number. The system retains a record of the visitor’s face and tracks the number of visits, thereby preventing any individual from entering multiple times in one day or attempting to acquire several tickets. Interestingly, preschool children are exempt from scanning but must always be accompanied by an adult.
Why Such Extreme Measures?
This move is born out of necessity. The issue of scalping has intensified recently, leading scalpers to buy up products en masse and resell them for exorbitant prices, leaving genuine fans empty-handed. In the past, stores attempted various strategies to mitigate this problem, including removing protective seals from boxes or administering questionnaires to confirm collectors’ intent. Unfortunately, these measures proved inadequate.
More Barriers to Purchase
The facial recognition initiative isn’t the only barrier put in place. Earlier this year, the Pokémon Company began requiring valid identification for certain purchases. Beginning in August, even online transactions at certain Pokémon Centers will require ID photo verification, representing a further tightening of regulations against resale.
Security Considerations
Safety is another significant factor behind this initiative. In March, an employee tragically lost their life due to a stalking incident at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, bringing security concerns to the forefront. This isn’t just a local issue; in the U.S., the escalating value of cards has led toincreased violent robberies in stores.
What Happens with Your Data?
The Pokémon Company’s privacy policy indicates that they will collect extensive data beyond just facial scans, including email addresses, job details, and even educational information. Although the company assures that this data will only be retained as long as necessary before being deleted, the lack of a specified timeline raises eyebrows.
What If You Don’t Want Your Face Scanned?
For those who are not comfortable with facial recognition, the options are incredibly limited. Without consent for facial scanning, entry into the store and obtaining a shift ticket is off the table. However, individuals can leave the premises temporarily and re-enter if they notify staff beforehand.
What Lies Ahead?
Currently, the facial recognition process is limited to Japan, with no immediate plans for expansion to other countries. Its future applicability to Pokémon Centers remains uncertain as well. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa hinted at upcoming measures to address product shortages and resale, and now we see what those measures may entail.