Japan’s ruling party MPs form group to protect US$2.1 billion trading card market

Japan’s ruling party MPs form group to protect US$2.1 billion trading card market The group says growing asset value has led to an increase in fakes, fraudulent sales and the use of card transactions for money laundering The group, consisting of some 20 lawmakers, is seeking to improve the trading card environment by setting up rules to address issues such as counterfeit cards and bulk purchases for resale. It is also keen to enhance market transparency to support the industry’s overseas expansion. The popularity of trading cards featuring characters from popular Japanese game, anime and manga series such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! has expanded beyond Japan to international fans in recent years. At its inaugural meeting held in parliament in late July, House of Representatives member Seiji Kihara, who was named the group’s chairman, said that the trading card industry “can compete globally”, stressing the importance of fostering a “healthy market”. According to the former LDP election strategy chief, whose primary school-age son collects trading cards, tournaments and events are held across Japan, highlighting the important role the trading card industry plays in promoting regional development. Representatives from industrial bodies and officials of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry briefed participants at the meeting about market conditions and challenges facing the sector. According to the Japan Toy Association, the domestic trading card market reached about 338 billion yen (US$2.1 billion) in the 2025 financial year. It has grown continually since the 2017 financial year, when its size was around 88 billion yen.