Tokyo — Lawmakers from Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party have launched a group to support the rapidly growing trading card industry, seeking to establish rules against counterfeits and bulk resales. According to the Japan Toy Association, the domestic market reached roughly 338 billion yen ($2.1 billion) in fiscal 2025, driven by global hits like “Pokemon” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!”
LDP Lawmakers Form Group to Protect $2.1 Billion Trading Card Sector
A group of roughly 20 lawmakers within Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has mobilized to safeguard the booming collectible card market. House of Representatives member Seiji Kihara, named chairman of the newly formed group, stated at an inaugural meeting in late July that the trading card industry “can compete globally,” while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a “healthy market.”
The industry has expanded dramatically over recent years. Data from the Japan Toy Association shows the domestic market sat at approximately 88 billion yen in fiscal 2017 before climbing to about 338 billion yen ($2.1 billion) for fiscal 2025, which began in April of that year. Alongside this growth, however, the rising asset value of popular trading cards featuring characters from franchises like “Pokemon” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” has triggered hurdles.
Did you know? The Japanese domestic trading card market has experienced continuous fiscal growth since 2017, nearly quadrupling in value by fiscal 2025 according to the Japan Toy Association.
Tackling Counterfeits, Bulk Resales, and Money Laundering Risks
The newly formed LDP lawmaker group aims to address market manipulation and illicit activities facilitated by soaring card valuations. According to the lawmakers, the growing asset value of trading cards has sparked a surge in counterfeit products, fraudulent sales, and the exploitation of card transactions for money laundering.
Until now, efforts to clean up trading practices and protect consumers have been left largely to individual retailers and independent collectors. The new initiative seeks to change that by establishing a comprehensive, industry-wide framework. Representatives from industrial bodies and officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry briefed participants at the July meeting on current market conditions and sector-specific challenges.
Promoting Regional Development Through Tournaments and Global Expansion
Beyond curbing financial crimes and counterfeiting, the LDP group is targeting enhanced market transparency to support broader overseas expansion. International fans outside Japan have increasingly embraced trading cards featuring characters from prominent Japanese game, anime, and manga series.
Domestically, the sector serves an economic function beyond major metropolitan areas. Seiji Kihara, the former LDP election strategy chief and father of an elementary school-age son who collects cards, highlighted that tournaments and events are hosted regularly across Japan. These events play an important role in promoting regional development, bringing foot traffic and economic activity to communities nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Japanese lawmakers form a trading card group?
LDP lawmakers launched the group of roughly 20 members to support the rapidly growing trading card industry, improve market transparency for overseas expansion, and establish rules tackling counterfeits and bulk purchases for resale.
How large is the Japanese trading card market?
According to the Japan Toy Association, the domestic trading card market reached approximately 338 billion yen ($2.1 billion) in fiscal 2025, showing continuous growth from about 88 billion yen in fiscal 2017.
What specific problems are lawmakers trying to fix?
The lawmaker group points to issues arising from the growing asset value of cards, including an increase in counterfeits, fraudulent sales, and the use of card transactions for money laundering.
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