The trading card scene in Japan, a nation renowned for its gaming culture, extends beyond digital entertainment to encompass a vibrant physical card game community.  The Pokémon Trading Card Game, in particular, has recently witnessed a significant influx of new players.

This growth is likely linked to the falling prices in the secondhand market for Pokémon cards.

Previously, numerous incidents of theft and robbery were reported due to the soaring auction prices of certain Pokémon cards. However, since November 2024, many specialty card shops have observed a noticeable rise in new players engaging with the game.

The current card market is primarily focused on more affordable cards, with the most expensive options rarely exceeding 10,000 yen.  Interestingly, the cards often seen listed at exorbitant prices on auction sites don't necessarily offer superior functionality compared to cards priced at just 50 yen. Their inflated value stems more from their collectibility. Players focused on competitive play are finding it more effective to strategically build decks utilizing the unique attributes of a wider range of more affordable cards.