This move was justified in the announcement as part of the company's efforts to provide all customers with fair opportunities, and to ensure a safe and secure experience. While not explicitly stated, it can be assumed this is connected to ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of scalpers on the availability of Pokémon TCG product. Some physical stores in Japan have already implemented their own systems to prevent such activity, such as Bic Camera requiring customers make the purchase using a Bic Camera Point card, answer a 15 question Pokémon quiz, and have the the card packs opened on the spot in store so that they can't be resold.
The Pokémon Company has specifically provided reassurance about potential privacy issues from the verification process, which will use the "User Authentication Electronic Certificate" (利用者証明用電子証明書, riyōsha shōmei-yō denshi shōmei-sho) and "Card Surface Information Input Assistance" (券面事項入力補助, kenmen jikō nyūryoku hojo) embedded in customers My Number Cards. This process will mean that The Pokémon Company essentially only has verification the customer has a valid Individual Number (個人番号, kojin bangō), and does not actually enable them to collect or store that number, or any other personal information.
More information regarding the exact date this process will be implemented, the specific products and events impacted, and other details around the process and rules will be released at a later point. Fans are reminded that while the My Number Card can be issued to both Japanese citizens and foreign legal residents with a jūminhyō, it can take 1-2 months to be issued after application, so it will be important to apply for the card ahead of time in order to not get locked out after the system is implemented.
- Sources
【重要】ポケモンカードゲームの商品販売・イベントにおけるマイナンバーカードを使用した本人確認システムの導入についてニュース詳細 | ポケカ公式
【重要】ポケモンカードゲームの商品販売・イベントにおけるマイナンバーカードを使用した本人確認システムの導入について 日頃よりポケモンカードゲームをご愛顧いただき、誠にありがとうご
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