The Pokemon Company in Japan is rolling out a mandatory facial recognition system to curb scalpers. Adult shoppers and children above a certain age will be limited to one store entry per day, while preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian.
Key Takeaways
- Facial scan mandatory for daily entry to Japanese Pokemon card stores
- System blocks repeat entries to deter scalpers
- Preschool children exempt from scanning but must be with a guardian
New Security Measure
The Pokemon Company announced that all Japanese Pokemon card shops will now require facial recognition for adult shoppers and children above a set age. The system activates at store entry, allowing only one visit per person per day.
How It Works
Customers receive an entry ticket, then scan their face on a screen. If the system detects the same individual trying to enter again the same day, an alert appears and entry is denied. Preschoolers skip the scan but must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
Historical Background
Scalping Pokemon cards has become a lucrative side‑hustle over the past few years as the TCG surged in popularity during the 2010s. Limited stock and rapid restocks have allowed scalpers to snap up inventory, making it hard for regular players to obtain cards. This frenzy has also sparked a rise in burglaries worldwide, including a January armed raid on a newly opened store that netted over $100,000 in loot.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this move could both deter scalpers and restore consumer confidence, potentially revitalizing legitimate card trading in the Japanese market.
"Facial recognition is a progressive tool against scalping, but it must be balanced with strict privacy safeguards," says cyber‑security expert Dr. Emily Tanaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this system being rolled out worldwide?
A: Currently, it is limited to Japanese Pokemon card stores only.
Q2: Will my young child need a facial scan?
A: No, preschool‑age children are exempt, but they must be accompanied by a guardian.
