Pokemon Company Uses Facial Recognition to Stop Card Scalpers in Japan

The Pokemon Company is deploying facial recognition technology at its official Pokemon Card Stores in Japan to combat scalpers who buy up limited-edition cards for resale. The system scans the faces of adult shoppers and children above a certain age, allowing entry only once per day. Preschoolers are exempt but must be accompanied by an adult. If the same face attempts to enter again or claim a second entry ticket, the system triggers an alert, effectively blocking repeat visits. The company says this move aims to restore a safe shopping environment for genuine collectors and ensure fair access to products. While the technology raises privacy concerns, many fans welcome the change as a solution to empty shelves caused by scalpers. The system is mandatory for store access, signaling the company's aggressive stance against the scalping problem. This initiative addresses a long-running issue in the Pokemon Trading Card Game hobby.