The Pokémon Company is using two identity checks in Japan against resellers who buy up new releases in bulk. Both apply only in Japan.
Online: the My Number Card
On 21 May 2026, Pokémon announced on its official Japanese card site that lotteries for high-demand products on Pokémon Center Online, and some tournaments, would require verification with the My Number Card, Japan's government ID, SoraNews24 reports. The card's chip is read by smartphone through a third-party service, and Pokémon does not store the ID number itself.
Buyers without a Japanese ID are not completely shut out. The 30th Celebration lotteries in August also had a slot without ID verification, where phone authentication was enough – though most winning entries went to verified accounts, according to Hypebeast.
In store: face scans at five pop-up shops
From 31 July to 16 August 2026, five temporary Pokémon Card Stores opened for the launch of Storm Emeralda, in Natori, Chofu, Higashiura, Fuchu near Hiroshima and Chikushino. Anyone of elementary school age or older who wanted a queue number had to consent to a face scan, which enforced a limit of one ticket per person per day, Dexerto reports. Preschoolers were exempt but needed an accompanying adult, and anyone refusing the scan was not admitted. Pokémon did not say exactly how long the images are kept, only that they are deleted after a period.
Pokémon has not announced comparable checks for other countries, but has not ruled them out either.