Pokemon Company weighs My Number ID for TCG sales

The Pokémon Company is considering requiring Japan’s My Number card for priority Trading Card Game lotteries, certain products sold through Pokémon Center Online and registration for official events and tournaments held in Japan. The company set August 2026 as the target start date for the scheme.

Verification would be performed via a smartphone scan using an external verification service. The Pokémon Company says it will not acquire or retain the individual My Number assigned to each card.

Customers who enter priority lotteries or register for specified events may be required to present a My Number Card for verification, either online or in person, to complete entry procedures.

The company encouraged fans who do not yet have a My Number Card to apply in advance, noting the government-issued card is optional and that issuing the physical card can take one to two months after registration.

The company described the policy as intended to “provide all customers with fair and safe opportunities” to purchase products and participate in official events. The company did not provide details on penalties or enforcement measures for misuse in its public statement.

The proposal follows demand for limited-release TCG items and constrained supply for popular products, which the company cited as reasons for adjusting distribution and registration procedures. My Number is Japan’s government-issued ID system and each card includes an individual number used for administrative purposes.