It’s one of the most popular discount store chains across Japan, well known for its unique atmosphere and loved by both locals and international visitors.
Interestingly, there is a special collaboration card between Don Quijote and Yu-Gi-Oh.
Today, I’d like to introduce a very unique promotional card distributed during the “Yu-Gi-Oh SEVENS × Don Quijote” campaign in 2021.
■ How it was obtained
In 2021, this card was given as a bonus item when purchasing collaboration-designed kids sneakers at Don Quijote stores.
Only 5,000 copies were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For Yu-Gi-Oh cards, a print run of 5,000 is considered quite limited, and this card has gradually gained attention among collectors.
■ Why this card is interesting
At first glance, it has a playful and character-driven design. However, it represents a unique blend of Japanese retail culture and a globally recognized franchise like Yu-Gi-Oh.
Because of this, it’s starting to be appreciated not just as a promo card, but as a “story-driven collectible” among international collectors.
■ Current market
Availability in Japan is gradually decreasing, and it may become harder to find in the near future.
For now, it is still relatively affordable, making it an interesting option for both collectors and investors.
April 3rd marked the release of Saikyo Jump May Issue in Japan. Here’s a real on-the-ground report from Japan.
This issue was highly anticipated, as all buyers were guaranteed access to a One Piece card, designed by Sohei Koji from One Piece Academy. Because of this, demand exploded even before release.
Online platforms like Amazon were already sold out in advance. Personally, I had secured multiple copies through pre-orders at different bookstores, so I had no issues obtaining my reserved copies.
Since most bookstores open around 9:00 AM, I decided to visit a store where I had not made a reservation, just to see what would happen.
Luckily, I found 6 copies available in front of me, and all of them were still available for purchase. At the register, a foreign customer was purchasing 4 copies, so it seemed that the store had received around 10 copies in total 4 sold first, and I purchased the remaining 6.
After that, more foreign buyers came to the store, but upon seeing it was sold out, they left immediately. It gave a clear impression that there was organized buying activity happening.
I then visited several other bookstores, but all of them were already sold out.
Since I had already secured enough through pre-orders, this trip was more of an experiment to see how many copies could realistically be obtained by physically visiting stores over about 5 hours.
Recently in Japan, many magazines come bundled with trading cards. I also found a Dragon Ball Fusion World book, which had sold out instantly on release day. This one was labeled as a “canceled reservation,” likely from someone who didn’t pick up their pre-order.
Of course, I purchased it and after sharing it via WhatsApp, it sold out immediately (laugh).
In total, I managed to secure 22 copies over approximately 5 hours, including not only One Piece but also related items like Dragon Ball.
If someone is seriously trying to resell, one strategy is to place people at multiple stores early in the morning to buy everything at opening. However, with proper preparation and pre-orders, there’s usually no need for that you can secure a large quantity in advance.
Even two days after release, many people on X (Twitter) are saying they couldn’t get it, and there is strong demand from overseas as well.
We have secured sufficient stock, so feel free to contact us if you’re interested.
Today’s blog is about one of our customers or rather, a friend.
At the moment, we are no longer selling on eBay. However, we did use eBay for a period of time in the past.
The main reasons we stopped were high fees and the difficulty of setting shipping costs in advance.
For example, even for a single card: – Around $1.8 without tracking – Around $4.24 with tracking
When selling low-priced cards, these costs plus eBay fees make it very difficult to maintain profit. Additionally, if a package without tracking is lost, we are required to compensate the buyer — which can easily turn into a loss.
That’s the honest reason why we stopped selling on eBay.
During that time, we met a customer from Southeastern Europe (I’ll keep the country private). Through repeated transactions, we started having more personal conversations, and naturally became closer.
Recently, this customer visited Japan and we had the chance to meet in Fukuoka.
Today, I’d like to share that story.
In fact, this isn’t the first time we’ve met customers in person. We’ve had coffee with some, and with others, we delivered items directly to their accommodation and had short conversations.
Of course, we don’t meet everyone. But our business style is based on direct communication.
We mainly use WhatsApp to: – Handle orders from a single card – Share real product photos – Discuss pricing – Provide accurate shipping costs
This makes the process easier and more transparent for both sides.
Because of this, relationships naturally become closer. We often inform customers about new releases first, and many customers casually ask us, “Can you get this?”
This particular customer had already visited Japan multiple times. While many people choose Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, this time they chose Fukuoka.
They said, “If it’s Fukuoka, we want to meet you,” and we spent time together.
It was truly an honor, and honestly, we had been looking forward to it for about a month.
Since it was cherry blossom season, we first visited a park to enjoy the sakura 🌸
Then we went to Pokémon Center Fukuoka. Each Pokémon Center in Japan has exclusive items, and it’s also a great place to buy Pokémon cards.
After that, we visited the Nintendo Store. Even if you’re not deeply into games, Nintendo is a globally recognized brand so we wanted it to be part of their memories.
Finally, we went to Ichiran (Ichifudo / Ippudo style ramen experience). In fact, Pokémon Center Fukuoka even sells collaboration goods with Pikachu and Ippudo that’s how popular it is.
Personally, I focused not just on guiding them, but on creating memories.
Travelers often don’t get many photos of themselves unless they ask strangers. So instead of just landscapes, I made sure to capture them actually experiencing Japan.
All photos were shared privately via WhatsApp, not posted publicly.
This is just a part of the story there’s actually more to share, so I’ll continue in another post.
We receive new inquiries and messages from existing customers almost every day, so life is quite busy (haha).
But for us, it’s not just about making money it’s about enjoying the process.
Every customer is different, and understanding those differences is what makes this work interesting.
In business, you should never reject the customer. We believe in accepting everything 100%, and ideally returning 120%.
That’s how trust is built.
We also learn languages through our customers, and we try to provide accurate information about Japan so they can make better decisions.
April is here, and new One Piece releases are coming. There are also rumors about a Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Box.
Many of you may already know this, but by purchasing the Saikyo Jump magazine, you gain access to exclusive One Piece cards.
This time, the cards feature artwork by Sohei Koji, known for ONE PIECEAcademy, and include a set of three cards.
The design is inspired by Japanese high school culture, with a distinctive 1980s “delinquent-style” aesthetic.
As for the current situation before release, pre-orders for the magazine have already sold out both online and in bookstores. It’s also becoming a major topic overseas.
Regarding our own reservations, we received a large number of orders immediately after the announcement. While inquiries have recently slowed down, we have already secured over 220 sets in total.
To be honest, the level of demand is comparable to the McDonald’s Pikachu promotion which has been quite surprising.
Looking at past trends, the Saikyo Jump May issue has consistently included special One Piece cards every year.
For reference, we’ve also included the 2024 and 2025 editions, and personally, I feel the artwork continues to improve each year (maybe it’s just me, though! 😄)
Each pack contains 5 cards, and the packaging design itself is also very appealing.
The 2026 version looks promising as well, and in my opinion, keeping it sealed could potentially increase its value over time.
Recently, the trading card market especially for Pokémon and One Piece has felt relatively “quiet,” with fewer major promotions compared to before.
Personally, I’d love to see more exciting releases and concepts that bring back that sense of anticipation.
That being said, this particular release stands out.
With artwork by Sohei Koji, it clearly differs from standard One Piece card designs, giving it a unique identity.
Because of this, I believe it won’t just have short-term popularity, but also steady demand in the mid to long term. It’s unlikely to see a sharp price drop.
From an investment, collection, or even resale perspective (in a good way 😄), this is definitely a product worth considering.
We still have a limited number of sets available and are accepting both new orders and additional requests.
Also, the One Piece Starter Deck will be released on April 11, which includes a bonus pack. This has already started gaining attention, and we are receiving reservations for it as well.
Yu-Gi-Oh began as a manga in 1996 and quickly grew into a worldwide phenomenon from Japan. It tells the story of a boy who solves an ancient Egyptian puzzle and awakens another self within him.
The trading card game, in particular, became incredibly popular and even holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling trading card game in the world.
Its appeal lies in deep strategy and the iconic monster designs giving players the feeling of being a duelist, like a magician battling with their own deck.
What makes Yu-Gi-Oh truly special is its core concept: “the bond between cards and the belief in your deck.”
Even in hopeless situations, believing in your cards can turn everything around. This emotional storytelling is what has kept fans connected for decades.
Originally, the story had darker supernatural themes, but after the explosive success of the card game, it evolved into multiple anime series. Today, both the generation that grew up in the 2000s and new younger fans compete together in global tournaments.
Now, let me introduce something unique.
This time, I want to share a special collaboration between Yu-Gi-Oh and a Japanese company.
Do you know “Cup Noodles” by Nissin?
It’s not just instant ramen it’s often called one of the most revolutionary inventions in food history.
Since its launch in 1971, it has sold over 50 billion servings worldwide.
In 1972, during the famous Asama-Sanso incident, footage of police officers eating Cup Noodles in the snow was broadcast nationwide and it instantly became a cultural icon in Japan.
Today, it’s sold in over 100 countries, with localized flavors like Tom Yum Kung in Thailand.
In the US and Europe, it’s also gaining popularity again due to rising living costs many people are choosing instant noodles as an affordable and satisfying alternative to dining out.
At the same time, health-conscious variations like high-protein or low-carb options are becoming more popular globally.
And now Yu-Gi-Oh × Cup Noodles collaboration.
The card is called “Instant Fusion.”
This version is a Cup Noodles exclusive design, featuring the official logo and it comes with a beautiful holographic finish that gives it a premium feel.
We already secured stock for those who pre-ordered.
And now… additional inventory keeps arriving and things are getting a bit crazy (in a good way) haha.
Many people are only interested in the card, but Cup Noodles itself is actually very practical in Japan commonly used for emergency food, camping, hiking, or even late-night meals.
This item is still available.
If you’re interested, feel free to reach out anytime.
First of all, I sincerely apologize for the delay in updating the blog. Since March 23rd, I’ve been hosting friends visiting from overseas, and we’ve been traveling together around Japan.
We originally met through eBay and had been exchanging messages for quite a long time. I’ll share that story in more detail another time, but what truly meant a lot to me was that they came all the way to Japan to meet us not just for business.
During their stay, I guided them to card shops, Pokémon Centers, and even Kumamoto.
Today’s post will be a quick one, but I’d like to share how I managed to secure the binder & cards released on March 23rd.
As many of you may know, the ONE PIECE Official Pocket Binder Vol.1 was released on March 23rd.
Contents:
9-pocket binder ×1
Refills ×10
DON!! Cards (1 design) ×10
The main target was, of course, the DON!! card.
It features a limited design of the Going Merry, and in Japan, it was only available at official stores (Bandai Namco Cross Store). Because of that, it was expected to be highly competitive even before release.
On the release day, I woke up very early and headed to the store with my family.
Last time, I arrived too late and couldn’t get the booster packs, so this time I made sure to leave much earlier than usual.
And the result…
I was first in line.
Being number one always feels great. After that, groups of resellers mostly foreigners started arriving one after another, but I was already ahead, which honestly gave me a bit of satisfaction (haha).
From what I observed, many of them didn’t even seem to know the product name. It felt like they were just lining up without understanding what they were buying.
I don’t want to be too negative, but organized reselling like this can eventually become a problem in Japan. Watching it made me realize how risky it is to act without proper knowledge.
Anyway, I successfully secured the item.
There was a purchase limit, but I managed to get enough for my family. The binder itself is actually very high quality and looks amazing in person.
To be honest, I had announced this product in advance, but since it’s “just a binder,” the reaction wasn’t that strong at first.
However, in Japan, everyone knew it would become highly competitive, and prices were already rising even at the pre-order stage.
After the release, I started receiving many inquiries from overseas, and demand increased rapidly.
Stock in stores is limited, and it’s not available online, making it quite a rare item.
This was a quick update, but I’ll write a more detailed blog soon.
If you’re interested in purchasing, feel free to contact me.
A Slow Holiday in Japan And What’s Really Happening on the Ground
Hey everyone, Hope you’re doing well.
Right now in Japan, we’re in the middle of a 3-day holiday. The pace is slower than usual, and even I’m taking things a bit easier today.
That said… I’ve always preferred working when others are resting.
One big reason I enjoy doing business internationally is the time zone difference.
During Japan daytime, the US and Europe are mostly asleep quiet, no distractions. But when Japan hits midnight, my WhatsApp starts lighting up with messages from overseas.
Ironically, that “late night” becomes my most productive time. Japan is asleep. The world is awake.
Today’s Route Real Movement, Not Theory
As always, I went out to check the market in person. Pokémon Center, Surugaya, and a few other spots.
Let me walk you through what’s actually happening right now.
Pokémon Center Demand Is Still Strong
I went to the Pokémon Center first.
Lately, I’ve had to go almost every day just to keep up with orders. Which, honestly, I take as a good sign it means people trust me.
Since it’s a holiday weekend, the store was packed. Entry required a timed ticket system.
Also, something important for anyone planning to visit Japan:
🚫 Don’t go by car 🚆 Use trains
Parking alone can take 30+ minutes. Trains are faster, simpler, and honestly the only efficient option.
Inside the store, I’d estimate around 60% of customers were foreign tourists.
Popular items? Already sold out.
Surugaya My Background in Retro Games
While waiting for my entry time, I stopped by Surugaya.
Before I got into Pokémon and One Piece cards, I was actually selling retro games and consoles on eBay.
Famicom, Super Famicom, Sega Saturn, Mega Drive… I used to repair and restore them myself.
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
Old games (30+ years) have a HIGH failure rate.
If you sell them “as-is,” there’s easily a 30% chance of complaints. So proper maintenance is everything.
That’s why it’s a niche with real value but also why I paused it. It takes time.
Unlike trading cards, buyers don’t care about “sealed.” They care about condition + functionality.
Back to Pokémon Center Reality Check
Went back at my assigned time smooth entry.
Still crowded. Still chaotic. Tourists everywhere.
And again:
If it’s popular, it’s gone.
I was mainly checking Pokémon cards including Mega Dream ex and related items.
AEON Mall Yu-Gi-Oh Release Day
Today was also a Yu-Gi-Oh release day, so I went to pick up my pre-orders.
On X (Twitter), I saw people lining up overnight.
But here’s the reality:
If you pre-order properly, you don’t need to do that.
Resellers, however, are playing a completely different game. They move in groups and secure inventory aggressively.
In Japan, this is often criticized… but it still happens.
75km Move Why I Keep Traveling
I then drove to another AEON Mall to pick up more inventory.
Total travel: ~75km (46 miles)
For most people, that sounds exhausting. For me, it’s part of the process.
I get real-time market info
I see price differences
I understand store behavior
It’s not just buying it’s research.
(Though yes… US-scale distances would be a different story 😂)
Important Insight Japanese Card Shops Are NOT What You Expect
This is something most foreign collectors misunderstand:
Japanese card shops are NOT full of expensive cards.
In fact:
Most inventory = ~$4–$60 range
High-end cards ($60+) are limited
Why?
Because many stores (especially in malls) target:
Kids
Casual players
Not collectors.
That’s why you won’t see things like:
Poncho Pikachu
Mario Pikachu
PSA 10 slabs
Those are mostly in Tokyo/Osaka specialty stores and they are NOT cheap.
Key Mental Model
In Japan:
🏪 Store = expensive 🌐 Online = cheaper
Most locals buy online.
This gap is exactly where opportunity exists.
Yu-Gi-Oh Buying “Dreams”
Yu-Gi-Oh is interesting right now.
Even people who don’t usually care about the game are buying boxes.
Why?
Because of high-end chase cards.
Some cards are worth:
~$31,000 (¥5,000,000)
So people are essentially buying “lottery tickets.”
My honest opinion?
Even if you spend $6,000+, there’s a high chance you won’t hit anything big.
But still…
Chasing a dream isn’t wrong.
Just don’t forget reality.
Final Thoughts
Japan’s market isn’t what most people think.
It’s not about just “coming here and buying.” It’s about understanding:
Today (March 19, 2026), V Jump May Special Issue has officially been released.
This issue includes an application right for the Dragon Ball Super Card Game: Fusion World, which made it extremely popular even before release.
We received a large number of pre-orders in advance.
The featured cards come with premium specifications, similar to parallel cards, including holographic and gold foil finishes. They are truly beautiful.
Also, as this is a Special Issue, V Jump often includes cards that gain value over time. Collectors who understand this know that this is a must-have release.
Personally, I purchased around 20 sets myself.
Today, I’d like to share my experience of sourcing this issue across Japan.
Before release, many bookstores and locals were already saying that this issue would be very difficult to obtain.
Because of this, I made reservations at multiple stores in advance.
However, most stores limit purchases to 3 copies per person, so securing a large quantity requires multiple locations.
I reserved from around 10 stores and planned to get the rest from in-store sales on release day.
At the first store, the magazine was not displayed on shelves.
Instead, there was a notice saying: “Due to high demand, this item is sold at the register.”
This is a common method used to control purchase limits and prevent bulk buying or reselling issues.
Since I had a reservation, I was able to pick mine up smoothly.
It’s also worth noting that the 3 main cards are NOT directly inside the magazine.
Instead, there is a serial application form, which you use to apply, pay, and receive the cards later.
This system helps prevent fraud and ensures fair distribution.
At another bookstore, I found an interesting magazine called First Grade Student, which includes a Pikachu clock as a bonus.
This item changes design every year and is quite popular, especially overseas this year.
If you’re interested, I can source this for you as well.
Some stores had strict limits like 1 copy per person, but I think this is fair and necessary.
Compared to places like Pokémon Center or Bandai Namco Cross Store, where items often sell out instantly, this system is actually quite reasonable.
Near one store, I also found a Dragon Ball Super Divers arcade machine.
For about $0.60 per play, you get a card after playing.
A bit embarrassing to play as an adult 😅 but the card designs are amazing.
Now, regarding the Fusion World cards they are extremely popular, and general availability is already limited.
For overseas buyers, it may be difficult to obtain these without paying high prices on platforms like eBay.
That’s why I recommend buying directly from me.
I offer:
Magazine + application included
Safe and reliable international shipping
Trusted sourcing from Japan
Finally, a quick update:
Next release: V Jump June Special Issue (April 21, 2026) Featuring: FP-082 Bulma
Bulma is a very popular character, and this card is definitely one to watch.
Recently, there have been sudden announcements of promo cards and upcoming magazine releases, so I’ve been quite busy handling reservations and customer inquiries.
Not everything new is always better, but Yu-Gi-Oh cards are getting as much attention as Dragon Ball lately, so things have gotten even busier (lol).
Even so, as I mentioned before, I try to enjoy life every day. What does “enjoyment” mean to you?
For me, it’s “freedom.” Time where I don’t have to think about anything, depend on anyone, or worry about others. That, to me, is the greatest luxury. It sounds simple, but it’s actually quite difficult.
Of course, life isn’t completely free, but going for walks in the park with my child has become part of my daily routine. So today, I’d like to share a bit of that everyday life.
I live in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It’s the 5th largest designated city in Japan, with a population of about 1.67 million. Fukuoka City alone makes up about 32.8% of the prefecture’s total population.
People often think it’s a big city, but it’s quite different from central Tokyo or New York (lol). That said, it’s very convenient and offers a great balance between city life and nature.
For example:
About 45 minutes to the ocean
About 45 minutes to the mountains
25 minutes to the Shinkansen
35 minutes to the airport (15 minutes early in the morning)
There are also shrines and large parks nearby.
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s also a great place to run a business related to trading cards or retro games, especially because sourcing costs can be lower.
If you’re thinking about doing business in Japan, I highly recommend considering Fukuoka—not just Tokyo or Osaka.
■ Gokoku Shrine
Just a few minutes’ walk from my home, there’s Gokoku Shrine. It has a large, peaceful space, and during official events or New Year’s, many people come to visit.
■ Ohori Park
If you walk through the shrine, you’ll arrive at Ohori Park.
Before walking around the park, I often stop by the café next to the Fukuoka Art Museum for coffee ☕️ There are also outdoor art pieces, so I sometimes take photos.
This time, I visited with my 1.5-year-old daughter and took some photos from the museum for this blog. The museum itself is free, although some events require an admission fee.
The view from the second floor is amazing—you can overlook the entire park.
After that, we walked along the lakeside path.
From my impression, about 60% of the people are tourists, many from Asia. Locals like me probably make up around 20%. On weekends, even more visitors come from other parts of Japan, and parking around the park gets very crowded.
Parking can also be expensive, so I recommend walking or using public transportation.
One fun activity is the swan boat a pedal boat shaped like a swan. It’s great for making travel memories.
There’s also a Starbucks and several cafés where you can relax, with a calm and very Japanese atmosphere.
There’s also a U.S. consulate nearby, so there are many police officers around very safe (lol).
That’s a simple introduction to my daily environment.
Even for customers I’ve been doing business with for years, there aren’t many chances to see this side of my life, so I’d like to share more of it going forward.
I believe that your environment is very important for your work. Whether it’s a big city or the countryside, if you’re stressed or not satisfied with where you are, you won’t be able to perform at your best.
It’s rare to see the personal life of someone running a sales site (lol).
I used to share my daily life on YouTube (currently paused for about 4 years). I don’t like a life that’s only about work I want to enjoy every day.
To me, selling cards isn’t just a job, it’s a way to connect with people.
That’s why I don’t see my customers as strangers, but more like friends or teammates. I always want to support you as much as I can.
This became a bit long, but I hope even those who have never visited Japan can feel a little closer to it.
Currently, I have very little business with people in South Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Africa (some regions are difficult to ship to), but I would love to connect with more people from all over the world.
⚠️ Warning: Be Careful of AI-Generated Fake Information
Recently, there has been a rapid increase in AI-generated fake content circulating online. In this article, I’d like to share some real examples of misinformation and explain what’s actually true.
■ Ukiyo-e Pokémon Cards at Tokyo Infiorata 2026 FALSE
You may have already seen posts claiming that Ukiyo-e style Pokémon cards will be released at Tokyo Infiorata 2026.
To be clear: this information is incorrect.
AI-generated images of Pokémon cards are being posted on platforms like X (Twitter) without any explanation. People who see these images assume they are real products and start spreading the rumor.
I personally introduced Tokyo Infiorata 2026 on Instagram, but I want to clarify:
👉 There is no confirmation of any promo cards being released or distributed. 👉 And in my opinion, it is highly unlikely that such cards will appear.
I shared it purely as an example of Japanese culture (Ukiyo-e) not as a trading card product.
HAKATA7 