Japan sets up task force to address trading‑card scalping and counterfeit market

The Japanese government will create a new parliamentary group and task force to tackle problems in the rapidly expanding trading‑card industry, including scalping, counterfeit cards and potential money‑laundering. Lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will hold the inaugural meeting on 23 July, hearing from industry groups and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry about challenges such as high‑value cards being treated as investment assets and bulk purchases by resellers.

The domestic market is estimated at about ¥338.4 billion (US$2.3 billion) in fiscal 2025. Measures under discussion include tighter verification for online purchases using Japan’s My Number digital ID, store limits for verified fans, and stricter rules to make large‑volume buying harder. Companies have already tried tactics like cutting pack corners or requiring quizzes to prove fan status. Authorities worry that the lack of oversight could facilitate illicit financial flows, prompting the new task force to propose clearer regulations and enforcement.

The move reflects growing consumer and industry concerns as collectible cards from franchises such as Pokémon and Yu‑Gi‑Oh! fetch premium prices and attract both legitimate collectors and opportunistic scalpers.