The Pokémon Company Adds Facial Recognition to Stop Scalping at Japan Card Stores
The Pokémon Company is moving to curb scalping at its official Pokémon Card Stores in Japan by adding facial recognition at the door and enforcing strict entry and purchase limits. The new system requires customers to consent to facial recognition to enter, and it generates a numbered entry ticket that limits each person to one store visit per day—backed by staff who can deny entry.
How the new store entry system will work
When customers arrive at an official Pokémon Card Store, they will be asked to consent to facial recognition as part of the entry process. After consent, the system issues a numbered entry ticket. That ticket is used to ensure the customer can only enter once per day, with store staff present to enforce the restriction and refuse entry when the limit is reached.
Exception for preschoolers
There is one stated exception: preschoolers are exempt from the facial recognition requirement. They will be able to enter only with an accompanying adult.
Why this change is happening
The Pokémon Company says this action is aimed at tackling scalpers as the Pokémon Trading Card Game remains extremely popular. The company has previously discussed introducing countermeasures, and the facial recognition rollout in Japan represents a concrete step toward limiting repeat in-person access that scalpers often exploit.
