SODA Inc., which operates SNKRDUNK, one of Japan's largest fashion and collectible marketplaces (flea market app and web service) with over 6 million monthly users and authentication services, has released a trend report on counterfeit Pokémon card games and related Pokémon items, based on its own transaction and authentication data.
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon and the Pokémon Card Game. To celebrate this milestone, a wide range of commemorative and limited-edition items, including Pokémon cards, merchandise, and apparel, are being released, with particular attention focused on Pokémon cards.
Reflecting this excitement, the domestic card game/trading card market in Japan has continued to expand for eight consecutive years, reaching a market size of 338.4 billion yen in fiscal 2025. Transactions of Pokémon cards on SNKRDUNK have also surged, with the number of trades from January to August 2026 being about 10 times higher than the same period in 2024. (*1)(*2)
On the other hand, with the growing demand driven by popularity and rarity, there is an increasing risk of counterfeit products circulating in the market.
In fact, at the SNKRDUNK Authentication Laboratory, counterfeit items that closely replicate the original cards, as well as re-shrinked products where the outer film of unopened boxes has been tampered with, have been identified during the authentication process.
This report explains the actual popularity of Pokémon-related products based on SNKRDUNK's transaction and authentication data, the characteristics of confirmed counterfeit items, and important points to consider when purchasing on the secondary market.
(*1): Japan Toy Association 2025 Toy Market Size Survey Results
(*2): Calculated based on the number of transactions on the SNKRDUNK app from January to August 2024 and January to August 2026
Popularity of Pokémon-Related Products as Seen from SNKRDUNK Transaction Data
In 2026, as Pokémon and the Pokémon Card Game celebrate their 30th anniversary, transactions of Pokémon-related products on SNKRDUNK are also expanding. In addition to cards, new and limited-edition merchandise such as plush toys have been released one after another since the beginning of 2026, with transaction volumes increasing in line with their release dates.
Among these, Pokémon card transactions have shown particularly significant growth, and with the release of the 30th anniversary commemorative product 30th CELEBRATION on September 16, 2026, further increases in demand are expected.
One of the reasons behind the popularity of Pokémon cards is the growing enjoyment of "collecting" them.
Pokémon cards come in a variety of forms, even for the same character, due to differences in illustrators and rarity, known as "rarity." There are also limited edition cards that can only be obtained through events or campaigns. As a result, collectors enjoy the hobby in different ways, such as "collecting their favorite Pokémon," "collecting their favorite illustrations," or "collecting specific series."
Pokémon Card Game Counterfeit Identification Points & Precautions
Item: Mew ex FUR [M6a 135/103] (Expansion Pack "30th CELEBRATION")
Points:
Compared to authentic cards, counterfeits show differences in color and the details of the relief processing, resulting in an overall difference in print quality.
For the "Energy" design, the authentic card uses a special design exclusive to FUR, while the counterfeit uses the standard design, making the difference in specifications clear.
The reaction under infrared cameras and UV light differs between authentic and counterfeit cards, indicating differences in printing and processing specifications.
Item: Mewtwo ex FUR [M6a 134/103] (Expansion Pack "30th CELEBRATION")
Points:
Compared to authentic cards, counterfeits show differences in color and the details of the relief processing, resulting in an overall difference in print quality.
For the "Energy" design, the authentic card uses a special design exclusive to FUR, while the counterfeit uses the standard design, making the difference in specifications clear.
The reaction under infrared cameras and UV light differs between authentic and counterfeit cards, indicating differences in printing and processing specifications.
Item: Umbreon ex SAR [SV8a 217/187] (High Class Pack "Terastal Fes ex")
Points:
On authentic cards, the contrast of the background color is clearly expressed, while on counterfeits, the color reproduction accuracy is poor.
While genuine products feature a three-dimensional relief processing that matches the card’s design, counterfeit products have simpler processing, resulting in noticeable differences in surface texture.
On genuine products, the outlines of letters and text are printed clearly, whereas counterfeit products tend to have overall blurring, showing differences in print quality.
Item: Mega Gengar ex SAR [M2a 240/193] (High-Class Pack "MEGA Dream ex")
Key Points:
Compared to genuine products, counterfeit versions have thicker outlines for the ghost and differences in contrast, indicating a lower level of illustration reproduction accuracy.
On genuine products, the outlines of letters and text are printed clearly, whereas counterfeit products tend to have overall blurring, showing differences in print quality.
When checked with an infrared camera or UV light, the relief processing on the card reacts differently between genuine and counterfeit products, with the counterfeit versions having a simpler finish.
Item: Pokémon Card Game MEGA High-Class Pack "MEGA Dream ex" Box
Key Points:
On genuine products, the logo borders and letters are printed clearly, while counterfeit products show blurring around the logo, indicating differences in print quality.
The overall reaction of the box under UV light differs between genuine and counterfeit products, revealing differences in materials and printing specifications.
On genuine products, the outlines of letters and text are printed clearly, while counterfeit products show rough printing and differences in text design.
Item: Pokémon Plush: Pikachu of the Beginning
Key Points:
Compared to genuine products, counterfeit versions show differences in the shape of the form, with the overall silhouette and parts’ shapes being different.
The reaction observed under UV light differs between authentic and counterfeit products, indicating differences in the materials used.
The product tags also show differences in color and printing specifications between authentic and counterfeit items.
*This report is based on independent research by SODA Inc. and has no affiliation whatsoever with Pokémon or its official entities.
Beware of Counterfeit SNKRDUNK Authentication Stickers!
There have been cases where the authentication stickers attached to SNKRDUNK authenticated products themselves have been counterfeited or imitated.
It is important to check not only the product itself but also the authentication sticker for any irregularities in design, specifications, or placement.
Why Are Counterfeit Products a Problem?
While the idea of "as long as it's cheap and looks similar, that's enough" is spreading, the distribution of counterfeit goods affects not only buyers but also brands, creators, and the entire market surrounding the products.
Risks to Health and Safety
Counterfeit products may use materials, dyes, or chemicals that do not meet safety standards. In addition, poor stitching or insufficient material strength can lead to breakage or unexpected accidents during use.
Impact on Brands and Creators
The circulation of counterfeit goods undermines the value and trust that brands have built over many years. Furthermore, profits from purchases may not reach the brands or creators who support legitimate manufacturing, affecting fair recognition of creative activities.
Impact on a Healthy Market Environment
Purchasing counterfeit goods benefits illegal operators who manufacture and distribute them. The spread of counterfeits in the market also affects the creation of an environment where consumers can shop with peace of mind.
Points to Note When Purchasing in the Secondhand Market
In the secondary market, such as flea market apps and e-commerce sites, there have been cases where terms like "parallel import," "overseas exclusive," "novelty," or "outlet item" are used to sell counterfeit goods. While these terms are also used for genuine products, they may be misused to make counterfeits appear authentic. In particular, labels such as "overseas exclusive" or "locally sourced" can give a sense of rarity, so extra caution is needed.
It should be noted that parallel imports themselves are not illegal; they are a legitimate distribution method involving procurement through official overseas channels. When purchasing, it is important to check the sales route and product information to determine whether the item is genuine and maintains its quality.
To ensure a safe transaction, it is important to check the seller's track record and choose products that have undergone authenticity verification.
About the SNKRDUNK Authentication Laboratory
Established in July 2025 with the aim of researching and analyzing counterfeit products and advancing authentication technology.
Utilizing technological equipment such as X-ray transmission devices, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer), infrared cameras, UV lights, and microscopes, we are able to check differences in internal structures and materials that are difficult to distinguish by appearance alone.
At the authentication center "SNKRDUNK BASE," over 100 professional authenticators are stationed, continuously improving authentication accuracy through the collection and analysis of ever-evolving counterfeit products.
Going forward, we will continue to link the efforts of our laboratory with our on-site authentication system to respond to increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting techniques. Aiming for "zero counterfeit distribution," we strive to create a marketplace where everyone can enjoy safe and secure transactions with peace of mind.
About the Authenticated Marketplace SNKRDUNK
SNKRDUNK is an authenticated marketplace used by over 6 million people per month, mainly handling apparel, sneakers, and hobby items. By authenticating every item traded, we prevent the distribution of counterfeit goods and provide a safe and secure trading environment.
Source: PRTIMES
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