More Than a Card A Journey Through Kumamoto 2
This article is a continuation of my previous post.
As of February 23rd, the Kumamoto Prefecture Special DON!! Card is still holding a high price in the Japanese market.
I understand that many overseas collectors may feel:
Why is it so expensive?
To be honest, I personally believe the current price is influenced more by seller expectations and speculation than by true long-term value.
In Tokyo, the ONE PIECE BASE shop requires lottery-based online reservations just to enter. The win rate is low, which naturally drives up prices.
However, Kumamoto is different.
There has been an official announcement that this card will be reprinted and sold continuously in the future.
In my personal opinion, even in Japan, a fair market price should be around ¥13,000 (about $84 USD) at most.
I have seen listings overseas for ¥25,000 (around $162 USD), but I’ve also heard that some sellers quickly canceled those listings and adjusted prices.
Right now, the first batch is limited, so supply is small — and that’s why prices are high.
But honestly, I think the current international pricing is too expensive.
That said, we are not able to purchase these cheaply either.
Still, my goal is not to maximize profit — it is to share these with as many collectors as possible.
Thank you for understanding the situation in the Japanese market.
We Didn’t Get the Card… So We Did Something Better
Sales began on February 22nd.
Unfortunately, my daughter and I were not able to purchase one that day.
But there was no way we were just going to go home.
Even if we couldn’t get the card, I know the beauty and spirit of Kumamoto.
So we decided to go on a ONE PIECE statue journey together.
The Sales Location Very “Local Japan”
The card was sold at a temporary booth next to a train station.
Only 250 copies were available.
This is not a busy tourist area just a quiet local station with a small souvenir shop.
Payment methods were limited to cash and PayPay.
While Japan is often seen as highly modern and cashless, in rural areas and small-scale events, cash is still very common.
If you plan to visit regional Japan someday, I strongly recommend carrying cash.
The sale felt very local simple, polite, and community-based.
Not a flashy commercial event.
Just honest people doing their best.
If you ever visit Japan, I truly hope you experience Kumamoto in person.
Visiting the ONE PIECE Statues of Kumamoto
There are 10 Straw Hat Pirate statues placed throughout Kumamoto Prefecture as part of the reconstruction project after the 2016 earthquake.
We visited 6 of them this time.
Nami Statue Moenosato (Tawarayama)
We first visited Nami’s statue, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Kumamoto also sells limited bronze-style figures based on these statues.
They sell out immediately when restocked.
Luffy is the most popular, but Nami is also very difficult to obtain.
I was incredibly lucky to purchase the Nami figure.
I also received a Kumamoto Reconstruction Project commemorative card something rare enough that it could easily be resold. But for me, it’s something special.
Witnessing a Mountain Fire… or Not?
On the way to the next statue, we saw mountains burning.
It looked like a wildfire.
But don’t worry it was something called “Noyaki,” a traditional controlled grass burning held once a year.
The purpose is:
• Prevent forest overgrowth and preserve grasslands
• Remove harmful pests
• Help healthy grass grow for livestock
We happened to visit on the exact day of this annual event.
It was powerful and unforgettable.
Nico Robin Statue Earthquake Museum KIOKU
Robin’s statue is located inside the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum.
In April 2016, two magnitude 7 earthquakes struck within 28 hours something never recorded before in Japan.
The slope in the photos may look like a ski resort.
It is not.
It was caused by a massive landslide triggered by the earthquake.
A major highway was buried.
Tokai University, located below, was destroyed beyond repair.
Instead of erasing the damage, part of the destroyed campus was preserved to remember the disaster.
Robin, a character who protects history, stands there as a symbol of remembrance.
This place is powerful.
Zoro Statue
Zoro stands in a regular public park.
There is nothing “special” around it.
But simply standing there as a fan feels meaningful.
Nearby is a supermarket called Direx very affordable and fun to explore if you visit.
Chopper Statue
Located inside a zoo facility.
If you come by car, parking is ¥200.
If you walk, entry is free.
Luffy Statue
Luffy stands proudly in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office.
Parking is available nearby.
What I Want to Share With You
Many of you follow my blog, Instagram, or Substack because of trading cards.
Yes, I am a seller.
Of course, I am happy when someone purchases a card from me.
But I also believe something else is important.
Sharing Japan.
Sharing local culture.
Sharing stories beyond just products.
Through cards, we connect across countries.
Through stories, we understand each other better.
Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kumamoto and surrounding areas) is a volcanic region with hot springs, geothermal activity, beautiful mountains, and incredible food.
I moved from Tokyo to Fukuoka years ago.
People sometimes assume Tokyo is “better” for business and life.
But I enjoy both business and fun here Pokémon GO events, ONE PIECE projects, nature, and community.
If you are thinking about visiting Japan or even living here someday please consider Fukuoka and Kumamoto.
Beautiful nature.
Fast internet.
Very few power outages.
Safe and stable.
Business Update
Yes I have secured Kumamoto Prefecture Special DON!! Cards.
They are stored carefully in protective cases to prevent any damage.
If you are interested, feel free to contact me anytime.
Instagram: @pokeshopjp
WhatsApp: (link)
Substack: We share updates and market insights
HAKATA7 