Thank you for always reading my BLOG.
My name is Shinobu, and I’m the owner of this page (I’m Japanese).
I believe many of you found this BLOG through my posts on Reddit.
Originally, I wasn’t a Pokémon card seller at all I started with retro games such as Famicom, Sega Saturn, and arcade boards.
In recent years I shifted mostly to cards, and at one point my FedEx shipment volume was the #1 in my region.
But to be honest, what I really enjoy is communication, not cards.
Being able to connect with people around the world through this hobby is something very meaningful in my life.
Since I often receive many questions on Reddit and Instagram, I decided to write an article about the topics I get asked most frequently:
1. Can you buy Pokémon cards cheaper in Japan?
Short answer: Yes 40% / No 60%
Many people outside Japan imagine “Japan = cheap cards,”
but the reality is more complicated.
In Japan, Pokémon Center and some stores sell products at MSRP,
but in recent years everything sells out extremely fast.
Before release day, Pokémon Center uses a lottery system,
and only people who live in Japan with mobile phone verification can enter.
There used to be groups creating over 100 accounts with multiple phone numbers,
but from this year’s Pikachu Special Box, Pokémon Center implemented stronger security:
If a suspicious account wins, the order is automatically cancelled before shipping.
Even without cheaters, the number of applicants is extremely high, so it’s very hard to win.
Also, booster boxes involve luck—
you might open a box and get no MUR or no SAR,
so Pokémon TCG is now practically an “adult-level expensive hobby.”
Convenience stores or electronics stores also sell packs,
but when information leaks on X/Twitter
“Stock drops at 4:00 PM”
hundreds of people rush at once and most customers get nothing.
Japan is safe, but not easy.
2. Can you simply walk into a card shop and buy products?
Japanese card shops work differently from Pokémon Center.
They mainly sell products bought from ordinary customers:
Example:
Buy for ¥300 ($2) → Sell for ¥700 ($5)
Of course, some stores stock sealed products at MSRP,
but those come only from the tiny number of lottery wins.
Therefore:
- Latest booster boxes → Expensive
- Popular singles → Sell out fast
- High-end promos → Highly competitive
So the truth is:
“You can buy…but at reseller prices.”
Not cheap.
3. How do I source my products?
I do not operate a physical store.
Everything is online only because physical stores require:
- rent
- staff salary
- electricity
- insurance
- maintenance
These costs increase the product price for customers.
Online allows me to keep prices fair and focus on quality.
My sourcing method is divided into 3 parts:
① Buying directly from ordinary sellers (licensed)
I have a Japanese official buying license (古物商),
so I can legally purchase cards from individuals.
These are inspected and only clean items are sold.
② Buying in bulk when the market price dips
I check the Japanese market every single day.
Example: MEGA Dream ex
- Before release: 約25,000円 ($160)
- Release day: 約13,500円 ($87)
- 2 days later low point: 約10,800円 ($69)
- Today: price rising again
I buy large quantities at the “dip” price.
Of course, sometimes I buy too early and the price drops later.
But sealed boxes always recover over time,
so as long as I purchase reasonably, it’s safe.
③ Trusted suppliers who can evaluate PSA-level condition
The hardest part is high-quality singles.
Many of my customers submit cards for PSA grading,
so they demand:
- no whitening
- no edge damage
- no factory lines
- centered surface
- genuine, clean condition
Most cheap cards on the Japanese market have issues.
To avoid this risk, I work with several professional graders and suppliers
who can provide PSA-quality inventory.
This allows me to supply cards that overseas collectors feel confident buying.
⚠️ Japan also has scams
People say “Japan is safe,” but the Pokémon market has:
- fake shrinkwrap
- resealed boxes
- fake promos
- damaged cards sold as “Near Mint”
- sellers offering “200+ boxes” (almost always suspicious)
Some Japanese sellers even shipped fake cards overseas without realizing it.
If someone messages me
“Hey, I have 200 boxes, want to buy?”
I decline immediately.
Anyone who “can’t sell 200 boxes themselves”
but tries to dump them on strangers is 100% not trustworthy.
And these people often deal with counterfeits.
4. How I handle international sales
I ship to:
- USA
- Canada
- Europe
- Australia
- Singapore
- and many other countries
Every single day.
Recently, one service has become very popular:
→ Delivering Pokémon boxes/cards directly to a foreign customer’s hotel in Japan
Many travelers want to buy in Japan but find shops too expensive.
They also spend too much time hopping stores.
So I offer a simple service:
Tell me what you want → I bring it to your hotel → Enjoy your trip
MEGA Dream ex was delivered this way with no issues.
Why direct chat (WhatsApp) is better than eBay/Amazon
Platforms like eBay or Amazon work like a vending machine:
- no communication
- no condition confirmation
- no negotiation
My service is the opposite.
On WhatsApp:
- I send detailed photos/videos
- You confirm the condition
- We agree on the price
- I ship or deliver to your hotel
This builds trust.
Instagram also has many positive reviews please feel free to check them.
5. Advice to international collectors
The modern TCG world is simple:
Authenticity wins.
Honesty survives.
Trust builds long-term value.
If you prefer cheaper options, I can help.
If you prefer high-end PSA candidates, I can also help.
The most important thing is a win-win relationship.
Many customers who used to buy only locally now buy from me instead,
because understanding the real Japanese market gives them confidence and knowledge.
Pokémon was born in Japan.
When you understand its roots, the hobby becomes even more enjoyable.
If you want a card or box—even just one—feel free to ask.
If you’re visiting Japan, ask me anything.
I will help as much as I can.
@pokeshopjp
HAKATA7 