A new trademark titled “Celebration Collection” was filed in Japan on November 17, 2025, and officially published on November 26. Given the timing, many collectors believe this is the first hint toward the upcoming 30th Anniversary of the Pokémon Card Game in 2026. Anniversary products have always played an important role in Pokémon TCG history, so this filing immediately caught the community’s attention.
To understand what the 30th Anniversary might look like, it’s worth revisiting the past.
During the 20th Anniversary, Japan held the “20th Anniversary Festa,” where every visitor received an exclusive Pikachu promo card. Event points could be exchanged for limited cards like Mewtwo and Magikarp, creating a festive, family-oriented celebration with Pikachu at the center.
The 25th Anniversary expanded even further, becoming a global phenomenon. Japan released the 25th Anniversary Collection, the highly popular GOLDEN BOX, and the one-card promo packs that became iconic among collectors worldwide. Once again, Pikachu was positioned as the face of the entire celebration.
Looking ahead to the 30th Anniversary, one pattern is clear from past milestones: Pikachu consistently serves as the symbol of major anniversary events. Considering the name “Celebration Collection” and the history of past releases, there is a strong possibility that a premium commemorative product similar to the GOLDEN BOX will be introduced.
Nothing has been officially announced, but if history repeats itself, the 30th Anniversary will be a major event, and Pikachu will almost certainly take center stage once again. From an investment standpoint, it may not be a bad idea to prepare early by keeping an eye on key Pikachu cards.
If you’d like to follow more updates, market insights, or early information on Japanese Pokémon cards, feel free to connect with me:
Japan will release the high-class pack “MEGA Dream ex” on Friday, November 28, 2025 just five days from now.
Following the previous article where I explained the unique behavior of Japanese high-class packs and compared it with Terastal Festa ex, this time I want to share:
The real situation in Japan,
How MEGA Dream ex is being sold domestically,
Why the price has already surged,
What foreign buyers should watch out for,
And why many overseas collectors end up overpaying or getting scammed.
1. How MEGA Dream ex Is Sold in Japan: 100% Lottery System
In Japan, MEGA Dream ex is not something you can simply buy by lining up at a store. Almost everything is online lottery only, and that system has already finished.
Official Lottery Schedule
Main lottery
Entry: November 7
Results: November 11
Additional lottery
Entry: November 20
Results: November 27
These lotteries are for Japanese residents only. Foreigners must use a proxy service to enter.
I personally won the Pokémon Center lottery, and based on past releases, my box should arrive around November 28–29.
Large chains like Yodobashi Camera and AEON also conducted lotteries, but all applications have already closed. Everyone in Japan is now simply waiting for their results or for the box to ship.
A small dip of -1,000 JPY occurred on Nov. 23 because many local shops announced their lottery results and some people listed early to lock in profit
Why 2.55× is still “normal” for Japan
Foreign collectors often say:
“It’s too expensive. Why is it triple the retail price?”
But Japan’s situation is very different:
✔ No more in-store release-day sales ✔ Nearly all stores moved to lottery-only ✔ Most people who lose the lottery simply cannot buy a box at retail ✔ The demand for high-class packs is historically strong
So, 2–3× retail before release is a common pattern in Japan.
3. The Truth About Buying on eBay: Hidden Traps
When checking eBay, these were the actual “cheapest” listings:
11,400 JPY (73 USD) → Not a box. Packs only. Likely scanned/searched packs.
19,500 JPY (125 USD) → Also packs only.
19,700 JPY (126 USD), shrink-wrapped → But shipping is scheduled for January 2026 (1–2 months later)
Common eBay risks
Resealed boxes
Searched packs
Separate charges for shipping, insurance, or customs
“Item not as described” claims get denied because “the buyer didn’t read the listing carefully”
These issues happen every single time a new high-class pack is released. MEGA Dream ex will be no exception.
4. Why Buying From Us Is Often Cheaper and Safer Than eBay
This is not “sales talk” just factual reasons:
✔ We ship internationally every day via Japan Post & FedEx
From single cards to 100+ boxes.
✔ We are officially licensed to buy and resell cards in Japan
We buy from the public → legally resell to overseas customers.
✔ 100% transparency
We always provide photos and condition details before payment. No reseals. No switched cards. No PSA grade swaps.
✔ Proven reputation
We share market analysis publicly on Reddit. Our customers know our process is honest and clear.
✔ Hotel delivery available in Japan (for travelers)
This is mainly to provide “peace of mind” and authenticity, but honestly international shipping is easier and more profitable.
5. The “Chase Card” of MEGA Dream ex
Almost every Japanese seller agrees:
The main chase is Gengar MUR.
Price predictions
Some Japanese sellers on X (Twitter): 140,000+ JPY (≈ 894 USD) initial price
My personal estimate: Around 100,000 JPY (≈ 638 USD)
Expect the typical Japanese pattern:
Initial spike
Sudden dip
PSA10 / BGS Black Label releases → another spike
Additionally, since some strong Pokémon are still unrevealed (MA? SAR, Master Ball Mirror, etc.), we will likely see more price movement in the next 5 days.
6. Summary: For Overseas Buyers Who Want MEGA Dream ex Safely
✔ eBay listings are often misleading
✔ Tokyo stores do NOT have them on shelves
✔ Understanding Japan’s lottery system explains the price
✔ Buying directly from a Japanese licensed seller is the most realistic method
If you ever want MEGA Dream ex, PSA 10 cards, vintage Japanese cards, or even One Piece TCG products, feel free to contact us anytime.
We are based in Fukuoka, Japan, fully licensed, and ship worldwide daily.
HAKATA7 