My previous blog post received more reactions than I expected.

Nothing dramatic just a simple message saying, “That was interesting.”
But honestly, that meant a lot to me.
It’s different from card inquiries. When someone takes the time to comment on the story itself, it feels special. So first of all, thank you.

In my last article, I wrote about lining up early in the morning for the latest ONE PIECE release.

February 28 was a Saturday.
The next day Sunday I thought, “Surely they won’t sell everything in just one day.”
So I headed back to the store early in the morning, just like the day before.

The location: Canal City Hakata.

This shopping complex opened in 1996 nearly 30 years ago and was designed by American architect Jon Jerde. The architecture is unique, colorful, and unlike typical Japanese malls.

I actually lived in Fukuoka for one year, 26 years ago.
This place is nostalgic for me. Every time I visit, memories come back before anything else.

If you ever visit Fukuoka, I truly recommend stopping by.

…No one was there.

One hour and thirty minutes before opening.
Not a single person in line.

For a moment I wondered:
“Did they sell out everything yesterday?”

But even if there was no stock, it wouldn’t be a waste.
I’m the type of person who values experience.
Every attempt builds something data, instinct, resilience.

And lining up again the day after lining up…
It drains your energy more than you expect.

I don’t bring camping chairs or sleeping bags. I just stand and wait.
No matter how much you train your body, standing still for hours is surprisingly exhausting.

In some countries, there are professional line-standers.
But in Japan, appearance matters. If you wait in a messy way, it doesn’t look good to the store or pedestrians. I try to be respectful of that.

Slowly, people began gathering.

I stepped away for about ten minutes.

When I came back, two small groups about five people were already in line.

No problem. That level is manageable.

But then more people arrived.
And more.
And more.

Eventually, nearly 400 people were lining up.

But something felt… different.

The crowd wasn’t like the ONE PIECE release the day before.
There were families, couples, even elderly people who looked like they had been called in just to increase numbers.

Something wasn’t adding up.

Ten minutes before opening, I finally understood.

The line was for a lottery sale of a product called “Tamagotchi Paradise.”

Yes.

I had been standing in that line the whole time.

No one was even talking about ONE PIECE.

Ironically, that meant I might be the only person there for ONE PIECE.
If stock existed, I could theoretically buy boxes without competition.

Bandai, by the way, is incredibly dominant in the toy world.
From trading cards to Tamagotchi their ecosystem is powerful.

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The Result

Unfortunately, the latest ONE PIECE booster packs were sold out.

Available stock included:

• Booster Pack Royal Bloodline (OP-10)
• Booster Pack Master and Disciple Bond (OP-12)
• Premium Booster ONE PIECE CARD THE BEST Vol.2 (PRB-02)

But those weren’t what I came for.
There was no need to force a purchase.

So technically, my “profit” today was zero.

But experience? Gained.
Trend awareness? Updated.

And honestly, that’s just as valuable.

Afterward, I considered stopping by the Pokémon Center…
But the line there was massive as well. I decided to save my energy.

What’s Next?

This week:
A limited promo card with Saikyo Jump magazine.

Next week (on the 13th):
Pokémon Card release “Ninja Spinner.”

Leak images should start appearing soon.

If you’re interested in reserving boxes or packs, feel free to contact me anytime.

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