Hello everyone!

Before I begin today’s post, I have a little update to share.

I recently upgraded this blog to a paid WordPress plan. Until now, I was using the free version, which meant I constantly had to worry about storage space for photos. Sometimes I even had to delete older posts just to upload new images.

From now on, I can finally share more photos and give you a better look at everyday life here in Japan.

So, let’s begin!

Today’s walk started at JR Hakata Station, the transportation hub of Kyushu.

If you’ve ever visited Fukuoka, you’ve probably stood in this very place.

Recently, I’ve been receiving more and more messages asking,

“I’m visiting Fukuoka. Where should I go?“

To be honest, I think Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most underrated cities.

Of course, everyone talks about Hakata ramen and it’s absolutely worth trying—but what I love most is how easy it is to experience completely different sides of Japan.

Within just one or two hours, you can leave the city behind and find yourself surrounded by mountains, rivers, hot springs, or beautiful coastlines.

That’s one of the reasons I never get bored living here.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, feel free to ask me for recommendations.

Sometimes I think I know more about sightseeing than trading cards! 😄

Next, I stopped by the Pokémon Center Fukuoka.

As many of you already know, Storm Emerald has just been released in Japan, and the excitement is incredible.

Before entering the store, everyone first receives a numbered ticket and returns later at the assigned time.

Even after entering, people line up once again—this time just to buy Pokémon cards.

When I shared this on my Instagram Stories, many people replied,

“No way…“

“Is this real?“

Yes it really is.

Around 80% of the visitors were looking for Storm Emerald packs.

Interestingly, most of the people I saw weren’t local residents. Many were tourists from overseas who had come specifically hoping to find Pokémon products.

Purchasing is limited to just three packs per person, so many collectors spend hours waiting for only a few packs.

This is simply the reality of Pokémon releases in Japan today.

After leaving the Pokémon Center, I visited a local bookstore.

One thing many overseas collectors don’t realize is that some of Japan’s best collectibles aren’t found in card shops…

They’re found in bookstores.

Recently, magazines and novels have become increasingly popular because they include exclusive promotional cards.

When I visited today, there were still plenty of copies of Saikyo Jump featuring Dragon Ball promo cards, as well as ONE PIECE Novel Zoro, which also includes an exclusive bonus card.

In larger cities like Tokyo, these often disappear very quickly.

Fortunately, here in Fukuoka, they’re still easier to find.

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People sometimes ask me,

“Do you spend all day buying cards?“

Not really.

Buying cards has simply become part of my everyday life.

If I go shopping for groceries and there’s a bookstore nearby, I’ll stop in for a quick look.

If I’m in the city, I’ll visit the Pokémon Center.

Years ago, I used to line up on release day just like everyone else.

Today, I’ve learned that enjoying the process—and finding smarter ways to collect is much more rewarding than rushing to buy everything on the first day.

August is one of the busiest months for trading card releases in Japan, so while many people are enjoying their summer holidays, I don’t really get much time off!

Still, I enjoy every moment of it.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, or if you’re curious about Japanese collectibles, feel free to send me a message anytime.

I’d be happy to help.

Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you in the next post!