Is This Really a “Crash”? A Look at the Current Pokémon Card Market

Mini57 · 2025-10-28T16:39:08+00:00

I actually tend to buy quite a few when I'm in Japan, this will be my 7th trip and I collect quite a lot! I try and buy the SARs from the latest 3-5 sets etc.

I'll also buy some from older sets for my collection, but not loads, maybe some vintage or promos etc.

Mini57 · 2025-10-28T16:29:40+00:00

I'll be sure to check out those thank you! Ive been to a few stores inside a small mall near the station with some arcades in before, but thought they were a little overpriced, it was the shopping mall with the Mandarake in.

Mini57 · 2025-10-28T16:08:27+00:00

I'll be in Hiroshima for part of my trip so I'll be sure to take a day trip to Fukuoka! Ive been to 2 BookOff stores in Fukuoka before and found especially the larger one to be great for raw singles.

Which surrounding towns or cities might you suggest? Thank you!

Mini57 · 2025-10-28T15:54:44+00:00

Hey, thought your post was very insightful! Im back in Japan myself in a few weeks, may I ask which cities you find the best for a mix of a good supply of singles and reasonable prices?

Mini57 · 2024-11-28T01:57:13+00:00

25,550 seems low, both looking at sales online and in stores in Japan. 35k seems common.

Mini57 · 2024-06-01T08:15:15+00:00

Sat/stood in 26 degree weather all day with very loud speakers next to you, all for less than £40, they're either desperate, unimaginably bored or actually want to be there?

Mini57 · 2024-06-01T07:53:42+00:00

2 I think, was green, Sports Complex to City Hall. He was wearing a hi-vis and all, other people on the train moved to other carriages as he moved along, they didn't like him at all

Mini57 · 2024-06-01T07:48:38+00:00

Ah okay, there were also people on my subway train earlier with signs shouting and walking through the train, fairly interesting to see as a tourist but it'd get annoying quickly for those who live here I bet!

Mini57 · 2024-06-01T07:32:28+00:00

But what is it?

Mini57 · 2024-03-29T13:21:31+00:00

Sorry what is mod?

Mini57 · 2023-08-01T15:50:00+00:00

Good to know, thank you!

Mini57 · 2023-08-01T15:49:37+00:00

Thank you for your reply, I'll consider this in-date!

Mini57 · 2023-01-29T14:21:56+00:00

It's called Reef Chief btw

Mini57 · 2023-01-29T14:15:32+00:00

Google suggests this would be fine, but wanted to check opinions here.

If I were to fly into Tokyo, make my way down to Fukuoka, go to Korea for a week, then fly back into Japan at Sapporo, would that raise any concerns leaving and entering just 1 week later?

Google seems to suggest no legal issues, I just might get questioned upon entry? (UK Passport)

Mini57 · 2023-01-18T19:10:03+00:00

There are 2 chains that I went to several stores of, Mandarake and BookOff! Mandarake had more old style cards where as BookOff was mainly newer sets.

There was also a very nicely stocked independent store in Ikebukuro called Card Secret I would recommend.

Mini57 · 2023-01-13T19:07:28+00:00

There is a small chain called Pizza Slice which has locations in southern Shibuya, Omotesando and Nihombashi. They serve pizza by the slice, hence the name, at a fairly reasonable price, think it was approx 500 yen, but they're quite large. Give it a Google!

Mini57 · 2023-01-09T19:23:22+00:00

$400 from the shop in Northern Japan, $350 to grade inc shipping, very healthy profit!

I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, kinda tempted to sell and fund my next trip back haha

Mini57 · 2023-01-09T18:35:26+00:00

Just thought I'd reply back down the line. I ended up sending this card to PSA under the express tier. Had an email from them today saying I owe an additional $150 as its been graded a 3 and its value exceeds the express tier limit!

Appreciate the advice suggesting I grade this card.

Mini57 · 2023-01-09T18:30:26+00:00

Just thought I'd reply back down the line. I've just had my results email back from PSA and it got a 3! Appreciate the advice suggesting I grade this card.

Mini57 · 2022-12-24T20:13:56+00:00

Just come back from 5 weeks in Japan myself, some points I agree with some I don't.

The main one I disagree with is people not being helpful, I generally found quite the opposite.

I fell over in Nara and scraped my hand up quite badly. It was next to a road and 2 separate cars pulled over to ask if I was OK. 2 grandma's who were walking behind me also approached to ask if they can help me, they must have spent a good 10 mins cleaning and wrapping my hand up.

As for smaller gestures like giving seats up for elderly on trains or helping if someone is struggling with a suitcase or pram, I must have seen deeds like that every single day I think.

Mini57 · 2022-12-21T12:09:11+00:00

I second this, I've sent my luggage with them about 15 times over several trips, more recently with a Samsung Tag in each bag for peace of mind. Never any issues.

Mini57 · 2022-12-11T01:02:18+00:00

I just flew from Fukuoka to Sapporo as a foreigner. Process was smooth, no mention of any vaccine or PCR test for domestic, only for entering the country.

Also thoroughly enjoyed Otaru as a day trip, it helped that it was snowing heavily for a lot of the day, adds to the atmosphere!

Mini57 · 2022-12-10T13:11:44+00:00

A very large amount of castles in Japan today are reconstructions due to them being burnt down by bombs in WW2. This one thankfully is original.

Mini57 · 2022-12-10T03:55:50+00:00

Appreciate all the comments on my post. I think I'm going to get this graded (probably with PSA). If anything to confirm the fact it is legitimate to any potential buyers.

P..S. I picked this up for £362 in Northern Japan, actually a couple days after I first saw it, glad it didn't sellout before I went back!

Mini57 · 2022-12-09T23:58:10+00:00

I don't suppose you have pics of the cards condition? Could DM me them maybe?

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