The Pokémon Company has published a statement via the official Japanese portal of the Pokémon TCG Trainers Website announcing that it’s considering the introduction of a robust identity verification system. The system would rely on My Number Cards, which are Japan’s government issued ID cards (also serving as Social Security Number cards).
This comes as part of the company’s efforts to “provide all customers with fair and safe opportunities” to purchase TCG-related products and participate in official events, meaning it’s likely another measure against the rampant issue of Pokémon card scalping and possibly a precaution against cheating via “stand-ins” at tournaments (which became an issue during the 2026 Pokémon Yokohama Champions League).
According to The Pokémon Company, the system will apply to priority product lotteries, sales of certain products on Pokémon Center Online, as well as participation in select official tournaments and events held within Japan.
As for how this will work, the company intends to have users authenticate their Trainer Club accounts by scanning their My Number Cards via smartphone using an external service. It promises not to acquire or store people’s personal ID numbers in the process.
The verification system is being considered for introduction as early as August 2026. Given that it’s not yet obligatory to own a My Number Card in Japan, the Pokémon Company has encouraged users who don’t have one to start the application process as soon as possible.
