The Blog

Guides, tips, and stories from Japan's Pokemon card scene

Latest Posts
Osaka vs Tokyo for card deals
City Guide

Why Osaka Beats Tokyo for Pokemon Card Deals

Den Den Town's aggressive pricing means you'll save 10-20% compared to Akihabara.

22 May 20268 min
Pokemon card price trends
Market Trends

Japanese Pokemon Card Prices: What's Hot

Art Rares climbing, vintage plateauing, and one sleeper set about to explode.

15 May 202610 min
Den Den Town shopping street
For Beginners

First Time Buying Cards in Japan? Read This First

Cash vs card, useful Japanese phrases, and the etiquette that actually matters.

8 May 20266 min
Inside Mandarake card shop
Store Review

Inside Mandarake's Card Empire: Floor-by-Floor

Nakano Broadway has 30+ Mandarake stores. Here's which floors to visit.

1 May 20267 min
PSA vs BGS vs ARS grading
Collecting

PSA vs BGS vs ARS: Grading Cards in Japan

Japanese collectors increasingly prefer ARS. Here's why and what it means.

24 Apr 20269 min
Pokemon Center sign
Pokemon Centers

My Favourite Pokemon Centers in Japan

After visiting every one, here are the 7 worth making a detour for.

17 Apr 202611 min