Pokémon mandates facial recognition at five Japanese stores

The Pokémon Company will implement a mandatory facial recognition system at five official Pokémon Card Store pop-up locations in Japan from July 31 through August 16, a move the company says is designed to combat scalpers and ensure fairer access to products. The stores, which are smaller, card-focused outlets separate from full Pokémon Centers, are located in AEON malls in Natori, Chofu, Higashiura, Hiroshima Fuchu, and Chikushino.

The system will be used to enforce a strict rule of one entry and one numbered queue ticket per person per day. Anyone of elementary school age or older must consent to a facial scan to enter the store or collect a ticket; only preschool children, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, are exempt. If the system detects that the same person attempts to enter again or obtain a second ticket on the same day, staff will deny access. The policy also states that customers who temporarily leave the queue, for example to use a restroom, must notify staff or risk being blocked from re-entering that day.

Company officials explained the measure is intended to create a safer and more secure shopping environment and to prevent crime, specifically...