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HAKATA7

  • Substack: Quick Updates from Japan

    January 20th, 2026

    Hello everyone,

    and thank you as always for reading my blog.

    Today, I have an announcement.

    I’ve started using Substack.

    For a long time, I’ve been looking for a way to share the latest information as quickly as possible.

    WhatsApp is already available for direct communication,
    but I was also searching for a service that works like a mailing list,
    allowing me to notify many people at once.

    I considered X (Twitter), but posts are not visible to users who are not registered.
    Facebook was also ruled out due to privacy concerns.

    That’s when I found Substack.

    Why Substack?

    Functionally, it’s similar to X (Twitter),
    but the key difference is that once you register your email, you receive notifications immediately when something is posted.

    My main focus is speed getting information to you as soon as possible.

    Why speed matters

    Occasionally, rare One Piece or Pokémon boxes and cards become available without warning.

    For example:

    • The One Piece
      “MONSTERS: Ippyakusanjo Hiryū Jigoku” official guidebook DVD box
    • Pokémon cards that I’m able to source at a good price, sometimes limited to just one copy

    These items are searched for worldwide,
    and in many cases, only those who receive the information first can get them.

    That’s why I chose Substack to share these updates faster than through my blog or Instagram.

    How to subscribe (very easy)

    1. Visit the link below
      https://substack.com/@pokeshopjp
    2. Click Subscribe
    3. Enter your email address on
      pokeshopjp’s Substack

    That’s it.

    You’ll receive:

    • The latest updates from Japan
    • New arrivals
    • Sudden, limited-quantity announcements

    If you accidentally register the wrong email address,
    please register again with the correct one and let me know — I’ll remove the incorrect entry.
    If you don’t receive emails, please check your spam folder as well.


    Final note

    With the recent surge in One Piece popularity and upcoming Pokémon anniversary events,
    there is simply too much information even for people living in Japan.

    My goal is to share real, on-the-ground information
    about cards and boxes I actually have access to here in Japan,
    especially with collectors overseas.

    For limited items where speed matters, Substack is the best option.

    I hope you’ll subscribe.

    shinobu 🇯🇵

    Substack

    Instagram

  • ONE PIECE Kumamoto Flagship Battle & the “Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special –” Explained

    January 17th, 2026

    ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project & Flagship Battle in Kumamoto

    As part of the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project, a Flagship Battle will be held in Kumamoto Prefecture.

    Many of you are probably already familiar with the project, so I’ll keep the explanation brief and focus on the key points.

    The event is scheduled for February 22, 2026, and I have already submitted my application to participate.

    Kumamoto holds special significance for ONE PIECE fans, as it is the hometown of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of ONE PIECE.
    Because of this connection, Kumamoto has become home to many ONE PIECE–related initiatives and landmarks.

    The ONE PIECE Bronze Statues Across Kumamoto

    There are currently 10 ONE PIECE bronze statues spread across Kumamoto Prefecture:

    • Monkey D. Luffy
    • Tony Tony Chopper
    • Roronoa Zoro
    • Nico Robin
    • Usopp
    • Franky
    • Nami
    • Sanji
    • Brook
    • Jinbe

    As a small personal aside, I’m a big fan of the movie Rocky, and one day I hope to visit the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the U.S.

    In a similar way, for ONE PIECE fans, Kumamoto feels like a kind of “holy ground.”
    It’s not uncommon for travelers to visit Kumamoto after sightseeing in Tokyo or Kyoto.

    Even for me, if it’s a series I truly love, I would absolutely want to visit places connected to it.
    Beyond ONE PIECE, Kumamoto is also rich in nature and history. If you have the time, I highly recommend traveling around the prefecture and visiting the statues scattered across the region—almost like collecting Dragon Balls.

    About the “Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special –”

    Right now, the item drawing the most attention is the
    “Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special –.”

    I covered the details in a previous blog post, but as of now, listings on eBay have already reached around ¥150,000 (approximately $948 USD).

    Honestly, while I understand that hype and expectations often influence early pricing, it does feel excessive—especially considering that it’s not even guaranteed that most people will be able to obtain it in the first place.

    A Common Misunderstanding (Important)

    There is one major misconception I keep seeing on Reddit and Facebook, so I want to clarify this clearly:

    You cannot buy this collection just by going to Kumamoto.

    Only players who are officially selected to participate in the tournament will be eligible to purchase it.

    Even if you show up at the venue on the day of the event, you will not be able to buy it unless you are a registered participant.
    On top of that, participation itself is determined by a lottery system applying does not guarantee entry.

    Personal Distance & Thoughts on Kumamoto

    I live in Fukuoka, and Kumamoto is about a two-hour drive by highway, so for me it feels relatively close and accessible.

    Since I’m participating, I plan to give it my best and aim for a strong tournament result.

    The Kumamoto Recovery Project was launched to support recovery efforts after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.
    While Kumamoto City itself may not immediately show the scars of the disaster, driving through the surrounding areas still reveals large landslide sites and other lasting damage.

    Seeing this firsthand really emphasizes the scale of the earthquake.
    If possible, I hope to contribute to Kumamoto in some small way through my involvement.

    Final Notes

    In addition to the
    “Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special –,”
    there are several Japan-exclusive promotional cards worth keeping an eye on.

    If you’re interested, feel free to reach out.
    (Yes, I do offer sales as well.)


    Instagram: @pokeshopjp
    WhatsApp: Click here
    (WhatsApp is the fastest and most reliable way to contact us.)

    Shinobu 🇯🇵

  • Clefairy AR Revealed – First Card Announced for Pokémon “Munikis Zero” (Jan 23, 2026)

    January 16th, 2026

    Munikis Zero – New Pokémon Set Releasing in Japan on January 23, 2026

    The new Pokémon set “Munikis Zero” will be released in Japan on January 23, 2026.

    Even before release, some sellers in the Japanese market have already started taking BOX pre-orders at around ¥17,000 (approximately $107 USD).
    As is often the case in Japan, pre-release pricing tends to surge to unusually high levels.

    What’s particularly interesting is that more than 35 people have already paid at this $107 price and are simply waiting for release day.
    Every time a new set is announced, I can’t help but ask myself:
    Who is actually buying at these prices before release?

    First Art Rare (AR) Revealed

    The first Art Rare (AR) card from Munikis Zero has now been revealed.

    The first AR card announced is:
    Clefairy #086 (AR).

    More card reveals and leaks will likely surface in the coming days and weeks.
    At the same time, lottery-based pre-orders have already started across Japan, including:

    • Pokémon Centers
    • Card shops
    • Large electronics retailers

    “I’ll Just Buy It on Release Day” No Longer Works

    To be completely honest, very few stores will offer general in-store sales of full boxes on release day.
    If you’re thinking “I’ll just walk in and buy a box,” it’s safer to assume you won’t be able to.

    In today’s Japanese market, purchasing a box usually requires:

    • Winning a lottery
    • Pre-ordering in advance
    • Membership-based eligibility

    In other words, you need the right to buy before you can actually buy.

    From just before release through about a week after release, box prices typically spike, and resellers flood stores aggressively.
    As a result, ordinary collectors and tourists often struggle to buy boxes at all.

    ※ Single packs may still be available, usually limited to 1–2 packs per person.


    Before It Becomes “Too Expensive” or “Sold Out Again”

    There’s a strong chance that the same familiar situation will repeat itself:
    “I couldn’t buy it” or “It’s way too expensive.”

    On my end, I have already secured multiple box reservations, including stock reserved specifically for sale.
    If you’re interested in:

    • Single cards, or
    • Sealed boxes,

    feel free to reach out.


    About Shrink Wrap (Sealed vs. Unsealed Boxes)

    Recently, more stores in Japan have started selling boxes with the shrink wrap removed.
    Some buyers avoid these entirely due to trust concerns.

    However, I personally purchase boxes directly at physical stores, and in many cases the shrink wrap is removed right in front of me at checkout.

    If shrink wrap isn’t a strict requirement for you, unsealed boxes can sometimes be purchased at a slightly lower price, making them a reasonable option.

    That said, I will also be stocking sealed (shrink-wrapped) boxes.
    If you prefer sealed boxes, I can accept reservations in advance.

    ※ For visitors traveling in Japan, delivery directly to your hotel or accommodation is also available.

    Contact

    Instagram: pokeshopjp
    WhatsApp: Click here

    (WhatsApp is the fastest and most reliable way to contact us.)

  • Why Ryuma P-072 Suddenly Exploded in Price A Real Look at Japan’s Market Shift

    January 14th, 2026

    “MONSTERS: One Hundred and Three Mercies Dragon Damnation”

    Official Guidebook & DVD Box “Daigyo-bako”

    The MONSTERS: One Hundred and Three Mercies – Dragon Damnation
    Official Guidebook & DVD Box, known as “Daigyo-bako,” was released in July 2024.

    The original retail price was 4,950 JPY (approximately $31 USD).

    This is a premium box set that includes an official guidebook and a bonus DVD for the anime adaptation of MONSTERS, a short story originally created by Eiichiro Oda.
    Inside this box is the promotional card:

    Ryuma P-072

    For About 18 Months, the Price Barely Moved

    From its release until recently, roughly a year and a half,
    Ryuma P-072 technically had a market price, but it remained very low around $3 USD in most transactions.

    Even sealed, brand-new DVD box sets were often selling below retail price,
    and overall market interest was fairly quiet during this period.

    Screenshot

    Everything Changed on January 13, 2026

    Around January 13, 2026, the situation changed dramatically.

    Interest in Ryuma P-072 suddenly surged, and the Japanese market price rapidly increased.
    As of now, the card is trading at around 19,000 JPY($120 USD), and prices are still rising.

    At the same time, the deluxe box itself has largely sold out at retail stores.
    Since this is a 2024 release with no planned reprint, availability is now extremely limited.

    As a result, this card has effectively become a newly established high-value promo in the market.

    Availability

    Through our partner network, we have been able to secure a limited number of copies of this card.

    If you are interested in purchasing one,
    please feel free to reach out.

    Looking at this situation, what matters is not just the price itself, but why the price moved:

    • Why did the market stay quiet for so long?
    • Why did demand suddenly appear now?
    • Why is the box itself being re-evaluated?

    Understanding these background factors is becoming increasingly important in today’s trading card market.

    As always, this article is based on real market observation and hands-on experience,
    and I wanted to share that perspective with you.

    Thank you for reading.

    Shinobu

    Instagram: pokeshopjp
    WhatsApp: Click here
    (WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.)

  • Inside Japan: What I Actually Saw in the One Piece Market (Jan 2026)

    January 13th, 2026

    January 13, 2026 – Observing the One Piece Market on the Ground

    On January 13, 2026, I decided to visit several familiar locations to observe the current One Piece market firsthand.

    I have written many blog articles so far, but one thing I strongly believe is this:
    there are things you simply cannot write about without real, personal experience.

    Of course, it is possible to rely on AI tools like Gemini or to gather information purely from the internet.
    However, that approach lacks the atmosphere, nuance, and realism that only come from actually being there.
    That is why I constantly remind myself that my own actions matter, and that I must move before I write.

    The same applies to selling.

    Whether it is Pokémon cards or One Piece cards, this is ultimately a business, so numbers and prices are important.
    But what matters even more is understanding why something is expensive, or why it is cheap.

    Anyone can set a price.
    But when decisions are made based only on numbers, without understanding what is behind them, problems inevitably arise.
    Recently, I have heard more and more stories about counterfeits, resealed shrink wrap, and other issues—things that I believe nearly 80% of people are not even aware of.

    If I don’t fully understand both the good and the bad, and explain them clearly to my customers, a true win-win transaction is impossible.
    I believe this applies not only to business, but to human relationships as well—trust is built through transparency and understanding.

    That is why I want to continue documenting even these “ordinary” experiences on my blog.

    Mugiwara Store (PARCO, Fukuoka)

    My first stop was the Mugiwara Store located inside PARCO in Fukuoka.

    PARCO has long been known for its openness toward anime culture, not just One Piece.
    Recently, it even collaborated with the 2006 anime film Paprika to sell exclusive merchandise.

    Among all of this, the Mugiwara Store stands out as a major presence.
    Every time I visit, it is lively and full of people.

    Personally, I don’t only look at cards.
    I also check items like badges, plush toys, and clear cases.
    There is an entire world beyond cards, and exploring it is genuinely fun.

    Official One Piece Card Shop (Bandai Namco)

    Next, I visited the official One Piece Card Shop operated by Bandai Namco.

    If you are looking to buy One Piece boxes or packs, this is undoubtedly the safest place to do so.
    When purchasing a box, the shrink wrap is removed right in front of you.
    Because it is an official shop, there is zero concern about tampering or fraud.

    As long as you are not buying for resale purposes, this environment offers complete peace of mind.

    Jump Shop

    My final stop was the Jump Shop.

    Weekly Shōnen Jump has produced countless iconic series Dragon Ball, Fist of the North Star, Demon Slayer, One Piece, and many more.

    I personally attended Jump-related events as a child and even bought Famicom Jump on the Nintendo Famicom.
    I have loved Jump for as long as I can remember, so being able to reconnect with it in this way feels like a meaningful coincidence.

    Like the Mugiwara Store, the Jump Shop also carries One Piece merchandise, though the selection differs slightly.
    That difference alone makes it worth carefully checking both stores.


    Why Being There Matters

    If I were to write this blog based solely on online knowledge without actually visiting these places, I don’t think anyone would trust it nor would anyone reach out to me.

    This may seem like a small thing, but being a seller is not just about selling.
    In reality, most of our working time is spent learning.

    This applies not only to One Piece, but also to Pokémon and other trading card markets.
    Collectors are extremely well-informed, and as someone living in Japan, I believe I also have a responsibility to understand Japanese culture and context.

    At its core, collecting is about respect—for the hobby, for the culture, and for the people involved.
    That is why I see this work as a continuous process of learning.

    This post ended up focusing more on daily observations than on card data,
    but I hope to continue sharing these perspectives and of course, card-related insights with you going forward.

    Thank you for reading.

    Shinobu 🇯🇵

  • Are Pokémon Cards Really Cheaper in Japan?A Real Look at the Mega Dream ex Market (Jan 2026)

    January 12th, 2026

    “Pokémon cards are cheap if you go to Japan” — is that really true?

    Many people still believe that if you visit Japan,
    you can easily buy Pokémon cards at cheap prices.

    From my perspective someone who checks card shops almost every day in Japan and watches price movements closely that idea is half true, and half wrong.

    In this article, I’ll share the current situation of the Japanese market as of January 12, 2026, focusing on Mega Dream ex, and explain why prices are where they are right now and what “buying in Japan” actually looks like in reality.

    Screenshot

    Mega Dream ex (BOX) Japan market prices

    Let’s start with the numbers.

    • January 12, 2026 (current): ¥9,900 (~$63 USD)
    • Release date (Nov 28, 2025): ¥15,000 (~$95 USD)
    • Bottom price (Dec 20, 2025): ¥9,200 (~$58 USD)

    As of today, Mega Dream ex boxes are trading around $63 USD in the Japanese market.

    For reference, on eBay, prices are roughly $94 USD + import duties / state tax
    (China-shipped listings excluded).

    At a glance, Japan looks cheaper but there’s more to consider.

    Important notes about “BOX prices” in Japan

    In Japan, small restocks still happen occasionally at electronics retailers and convenience stores, but only in very limited quantities.

    Because of this, market prices include both:

    • Shrink-wrapped boxes
    • Non-shrink boxes

    In Japan, the presence or absence of shrink wrap affects not only price, but also trust and perception.

    The prices shown above include non-shrink boxes, so for overseas buyers, it’s safer to assume that realistic prices are about 10% higher when comparing fairly.

    Popular single card prices (reference)

    • Mega Dragonite ex MUR: ¥31,000 (~$196 USD)
    • Mega Gengar ex SAR: ¥40,000 (~$253 USD)
    • Pikachu ex SAR: ¥30,000 (~$190 USD)
    • Mega Dragonite ex SAR: ¥20,000 (~$126 USD)

    Since around January 7, SAR prices (excluding Mega Dragonite MUR) have started rising again and the BOX price has followed.

    Why both singles and boxes are holding up

    A new set, “Munikis Zero,” will be released on January 23.
    However, when comparing similar past products (such as Terastal Festival ex), there are very few factors that suggest prices will drop.

    The reasons are simple:

    • Supply is not increasing
    • Purchase limits remain in place
    • Boxes slowly disappear from the market

    This structure hasn’t changed.

    Pokémon Center situation (from daily observation)

    I personally visit Pokémon Centers almost every day and monitor availability firsthand.

    • Release date: Nov 23, 2025(Mega Dream ex BOX)
    • December limit (Fukuoka): 1 pack per person
    • Current limit: 2 packs per person (no re-lining)

    Some days, stock appears stable but staff have confirmed that sell-outs still happen.

    In other words, availability is not guaranteed.

    “If you go to Japan, you can buy packs” locals are doing the same

    Many visitors search for places to buy booster packs in Japan.

    But the reality is:
    Japanese locals are searching just as hard.

    You’ll often hear stories like “I found packs at ___,” but by the time you go, they’re gone.
    More often than not, people visit 10+ stores before finding anything.

    Personally, I visit over 15 convenience stores per day to secure a few packs.

    That’s why it’s difficult to give a precise answer to “Where can I buy them right now?”

    A growing risk many people overlook

    This is my personal opinion, but recently, fake sealed boxes and pack-swapping scams have increased.

    “Japan = safe” is no longer a guarantee.

    • Photos look fine
    • Listings look legitimate
    • The item received is different

    These cases do happen.

    Ultimately, the most important factor is the seller not the price.

    Buying based only on price, without communication, is risky.

    One Piece is strong Pokémon is not weak

    One Piece cards are extremely popular in Japan right now.

    At convenience stores, you’ll often see One Piece packs more frequently than Pokémon packs, which leads some people to think Pokémon demand is declining.

    That’s not the case.

    One Piece is growing rapidly Pokémon remains strong.
    They’re simply moving differently.

    Looking ahead

    Recently, news broke about a Pokémon 30th Anniversary popup at the Natural History Museum in London.

    A promo card illustrated by Naoyo Kimura (known for Van Gogh Pikachu) will be distributed, and seeing this makes me confident that Japan and other regions will continue releasing interesting promos.


    Final thoughts

    This article is not written to sell anything.

    It’s simply an honest snapshot of the Japanese market from someone who watches it daily.

    If you:

    • Want to understand Japan’s card market better
    • Want a realistic price check
    • Are visiting Japan and looking for advice
    • Are searching for Pokémon or One Piece cards

    Feel free to reach out anytime.

    Sometimes, just talking things through helps more than rushing a purchase.

    📸 Instagram: @pokeshopjp
    💬 WhatsApp: Click here
    (WhatsApp replies are usually faster)

    Disclaimer:
    This article reflects personal market observation in Japan and does not guarantee availability or future pricing.

  • A Day in Fukuoka Serial Cards, Donki Runs, and One Piece Momentum

    January 10th, 2026

    Announcement Before Today’s Blog

    Some of you may already know this, but
    winning an official tournament awards a Monkey D. Luffy card with an official serial number.

    It is an extremely rare card, however I am able to arrange one through my own trusted channels.
    If you are interested, please feel free to contact me via the details at the bottom of this post.

    Today in Fukuoka, the temperature reached 16.5°C.
    It may sound warm on paper, but with the cold wind blowing,
    the actual felt temperature is closer to 7–8°C.

    My day started with a request from a customer asking me to send some Japanese snacks overseas,
    so I headed to Don Quijote to pick them up.

    Have you heard of Don Quijote before?
    If you’ve ever visited Japan, you probably have.
    It’s a very famous discount store where you can find almost anything food, daily necessities, and sometimes even Pokémon cards.

    There are supermarkets and discount stores near my home,
    but Don Quijote locations in more rural areas tend to have
    much better and wider selections, which makes them perfect for this kind of request.

    This time, the request was for a ¥3,000 (about $19 USD) assortment of Japanese snacks.

    Honestly, when visiting another country,
    it’s often hard to know what you should buy as souvenirs.

    I remember when I visited Los Angeles in the past,
    I bought what I thought was a very “American-style” T-shirt…
    only to later realize the tag said Made in Vietnam (laughs).

    I ended up buying chocolate instead, but while it was technically American,
    it didn’t really stand out, and I remember feeling a bit disappointed in my own sense of taste.

    Because of experiences like that,
    I also offer a service where you only need to tell me your budget,
    and I’ll choose items that feel truly Japanese for you especially helpful for those who’ve never been to Japan.

    This isn’t bragging, but…
    I think I have pretty good taste (laughs),
    so feel free to ask when you’re buying cards or boxes.

    After returning home,
    I processed around 100 applications for the
    Weekly Shonen Jump × One Piece Start Deck.

    For those who reserved through me,
    you’re already in a position where profit is essentially locked in.

    Why?
    Because my prices are set below current market value,
    and this Jump edition is no longer being sold.
    When something becomes unavailable, demand naturally increases
    from both Japanese buyers and international collectors and prices follow.

    Shipping will happen later,
    but I’m confident that those who secured one will be happy they did.


    After that, I spent the rest of the day preparing shipments for existing orders.

    Recently, One Piece orders have overwhelmingly surpassed Pokémon.
    This doesn’t mean Pokémon has lost popularity it’s simply that One Piece momentum right now is incredible.

    On the other hand, Pokémon cards are currently at a very interesting point.
    With prices having dropped, now is actually an excellent time to buy:

    • PSA 10 graded cards
    • Rare singles
    • McDonald’s Pikachu
    • Regional Pikachu Boxes (Tohoku, Hiroshima, Fukuoka)

    Many of these are sitting near price bottoms,
    and from here, I personally believe the direction is upward.

    The serial-numbered Nami card (One Piece Card Game) is limited to only 1,000 copies worldwide
    and remains extremely popular.
    At this pace, it’s likely to disappear from the market soon.

    At the moment, I may still be able to secure two or three more copies.

    As mentioned at the beginning,
    the serial-numbered Monkey D. Luffy is also possible to arrange.
    If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out.


    📸 Instagram: pokeshopjp
    💬 WhatsApp: Click here
    (Replies are usually faster on WhatsApp)

    shinobu 🇯🇵

  • Why Kumamoto Matters: The ONE PIECE Reconstruction Project and Its Special Card Collection

    January 9th, 2026

    ONE PIECE Card Game Premium Card Collection Kumamoto Special

    (Kumamoto Reconstruction Project)

    New information has been officially updated on the ONE PIECE Card Game website.

    In April 2016, a major earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan. Shortly after the disaster, on April 17, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of ONE PIECE and a native of Kumamoto, sent the following message to the people of Kumamoto:

    “I will definitely come to help.”
    “I will definitely do everything I can to support the reconstruction.”

    These words became the starting point for a collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and ONE PIECE, leading to the launch of the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Reconstruction Project.

    Flagship Battle Held in Kumamoto

    As part of this ongoing project, it has been announced that a Flagship Battle will be held in Kumamoto Prefecture.

    This is a special event where the official ONE PIECE Card Game tournament, normally held at authorized stores across Japan, will take place in Kumamoto as part of the reconstruction initiative.

    Event Date: February 22, 2026 (Japan Time)
    Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall – Civic Hall

    Participation in the event (battle entry) requires advance application through BANDAI TCG+, with selection by lottery and screening.

    Application Period: January 9 – January 18, 2026 (tentative)
    Winner Announcement: January 23, 2026 (tentative)

    Tournament Commemorative Card

    For this tournament, a special prize will be awarded to undefeated players:

    OP12-020 Roronoa Zoro (Parallel)

    This card is expected to be extremely difficult to obtain, and only a very limited number of participants will be able to acquire it.

    Highlight: Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special

    Another major point of attention is the “Premium Card Collection – Kumamoto Special ”, which will be sold exclusively at the event venue.

    Price: ¥2,200 (tax included)
    Contents: 10 cards (10 unique cards, 1 of each)

    Sales at the Kumamoto venue are described as advance sales, and future availability has not been announced at this time.

    Important Note:
    The February 22, 2026 sales will not be conducted online. This product will be available only at the Kumamoto venue and only to event participants.


    About Me

    I am currently based in Fukuoka, which is about a two-hour drive from Kumamoto. I am planning to attend this event in person and hope to obtain the Kumamoto-exclusive Premium Card Collection on site.

    If you are interested in this project, please feel free to contact me.

    Instagram: pokeshopjp
    WhatsApp: Click here

    (Replies are usually faster on WhatsApp)

  • How Japan’s “All Applicants Service” Works: The One Piece Ace, Sabo & Luffy Starter Deck

    January 9th, 2026

    If you are a One Piece fan, many of you may already know that Weekly Shonen Jump is running an “All Applicants Service” campaign.
    Weekly Shonen Jump release date: December 22, 2025. Price: 330 JPY (approximately $2 USD). Application deadline: January 13, 2026. The deck included in this campaign is the Start Deck featuring Ace, Sabo, and Luffy, with shipment scheduled for late May 2026.

    To apply, you must use the special application postcard included in the magazine itself. In today’s world, online applications are the norm, but Weekly Shonen Jump has long maintained this system where simply purchasing the physical magazine allows everyone to apply for exclusive items. This situation is similar overseas, but as magazines sell less and digital formats become dominant, publishers are now required to add extra value beyond the magazine alone in order to survive.

    Personally, I grew up reading Weekly Shonen Jump from childhood and was raised watching series that many of you know well, such as Dragon Ball. Cutting out an application form from a magazine, attaching it to a postcard, and mailing it feels very analog, nostalgic, and surprisingly fresh in modern times.

    In addition to the start deck application, this issue also includes a special booklet titled “ONE PIECE mini magazine.” The contents are kept secret, but it is something that even overseas fans can enjoy.

    Many people follow One Piece cards through online marketplaces or non-Japanese information websites. However, I wanted to share something more real and closer to what is actually happening in Japan. Although the start deck (Ace, Sabo, and Luffy) has not yet arrived in my hands, I decided to share the Weekly Shonen Jump information first.

    Recently, One Piece cards have become very expensive overseas. Compared to international prices, Japan is still relatively affordable, and cards that also exist in English versions tend to be more reasonably priced. However, Japan-exclusive items and promotional releases like this one are different. Due to strong early demand, the magazine has already sold out in many stores, and immediately after selling out, the prices of the application vouchers have gradually started to rise.

    If you are interested in obtaining this start deck set, please contact me. Quantities are limited, but I do have a small allocation available.

    Instagram: pokeshopjp
    WhatsApp: Please click here
    (Responses are faster on WhatsApp)

  • Back on My Feet in Fukuoka – A Small Update from Japan

    January 8th, 2026

    It’s been a while since my last blog post haha.
    I actually came down with a stomach virus a few days ago and was bedridden for about two days, but I’m finally back to about 99.9% recovered.

    There’s a lot I want to write about, but since I’m just getting back on my feet, I’ll start with a light update about what I did today.


    Today (January 8th),
    the area around Hakata Station is still beautifully lit with Christmas illuminations. I visit this area almost every day, and honestly, I never get tired of it.

    As some of you may already know, I don’t only offer international shipping I also provide delivery services within Japan.
    For foreign visitors coming to Japan, I deliver Pokémon cards, One Piece cards, and sealed boxes directly to their hotels.

    Today, I personally delivered items to someone staying near Hakata Station.

    What I truly believe is this:
    If you’re visiting Japan, I want you to experience Japanese culture, history, and the atmosphere of the city as much as possible.

    I don’t want your limited time in Japan to be consumed by hobbies alone whether that’s Pokémon, One Piece, or anything else.

    Going from card shop to card shop, or lining up at a Pokémon Center only to find everything sold out, can easily waste valuable time.
    That’s why I started this delivery service — so visitors can enjoy their trip without stress.

    I live in Fukuoka, but within Japan, delivery usually takes just 2–3 days nationwide.
    I ship not only to Fukuoka, but also to Tokyo, Nagano, Hokkaido, and many other regions.

    Meeting in person also shortens the distance between us, and honestly, there’s something fun about seeing the actual person behind the Reddit posts in real life 😊

    This time, I also received a kind message and a gift English Pokémon booster packs.
    Since I don’t usually handle overseas versions, seeing the packaging was refreshing and interesting. The differences compared to Japanese packs really stood out to me.

    I truly appreciate that kind of thoughtful gesture.
    It may seem like a small thing, but knowing that this service becomes part of someone’s travel memory is what motivates me to continue.

    After that, I visited Pokémon Center Fukuoka.
    I don’t just follow sales information in Fukuoka I also hear daily updates from friends in other regions.

    By comparing different areas, you start to see patterns in stock and sales behavior.
    Tokyo, for example, offers a wide variety of products but sells out extremely fast.
    Fukuoka, on the other hand, tends to have steadier availability, especially for new releases, which is why I personally like it.

    Today’s purchases were:
    • Mega Dream EX (released Nov 28, 2025)
    • Inferno X (released Sep 26, 2025)

    I bought three packs of each, due to purchase limits.

    From the pulls, I got cards like
    Wooloo #086 AR and Drakloak #212 AR.
    Pulling a Mega Charizard X ex from just a few packs is still a long shot, as expected 😁


    Thankfully, I receive messages from international customers almost every day now.
    In fact, it’s rare for me to do business with Japanese customers, which sometimes feels strange.

    At home, I rarely speak Japanese outside of my family, so in an unexpected way, this environment has been great for my child’s education as well.

    Japan is still a country where relatively few people speak foreign languages, so being able to communicate with all of you in other languages is a great learning experience for us too.
    I’m genuinely grateful for the connections beyond just buying and selling.

    This was a simple update, but I’ll continue sharing information here.

    Thank you,
    shinobu

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