Some Pokémon fans will need a government-issued ID to buy cards now

The Pokémon Company will require Japanese buyers to show a My Number Card to purchase cards and attend certain events at official Pokémon Centers starting in August.

The move is aimed at curbing scalpers and improving safety around high-demand Pokémon cards and tournaments.

It is a rare anti-resale policy that could reshape how collectible cards are sold and may influence future rules beyond Japan.