Card Craze: Unusual Bulk Orders Witnessed at Japanese Shops

Culture | August 10, 2025
Pokemon cards Card games Bulk buying Retail challenges Japanese culture Collector's items

A recent incident involving an excessive purchase of Pokémon cards was witnessed in a Japanese store, stirring debate among local netizens. Japanese stores, popular for such collector's items, are seeing an unprecedented surge in bulk orders, mainly Pokémon cards. The issue has led to discussions on the balance between collectors' enthusiasm and potential implications for regular customers.

In Japan, trading card games like Pokémon are not only popular among kids but also adults, attracting collectors and resellers. Many collectors regard these as investment opportunities, leading to bulk buying behavior. This can potentially affect the availability of these cards for regular customers. Social values of respect and fair distribution are under review amidst these incidents.

In the U.S. or E.U., similar trends are observed, especially for popular items like sports or trading card games. However, the scalping (buying items in bulk to resell for a profit) issue has led to regulations and store policies limiting product purchases. The current situation in Japan is inviting comparisons and discussions on the implementation of similar practices.

Information for Your Country

If you are a trading card enthusiast and cannot find certain cards in your local shops, consider websites like TCGPlayer or eBay. Always be aware of the fair practices and terms of these platforms before making a purchase.