日本のマーケット部分 The Giant Japanese Market Thread

[smpratte]

@Pbali

Not to be “that guy”, but 100,000 base unlimited zards seems like a really low number. That would imply only ~125,000 boxes worth of packs released for base unlimited which was one of the most printed sets ever. Not trying to deflect from the main point of the post and I obviously could be wrong.

Ok, here is a more concise comparison: there were most likely less than 100,000 1st Ed or shadowless Chairzards, its by far the most globally popular card, and they are always available.

[wooltchi]

@kevinertia

@mthursty

I would suggest stocking up on the promo packs before touching the set boxes.

It’s hard to see a long term market for the promo packs since they’re searchable tbh. I was lucky to get mine from a reputable retailer with the booster boxes, but anyone buying on the secondary market from unknown sellers is asking to get scammed.

I got the promo packs before knowing they could be searched. I really thought we were past this and pokemon wasn’t that dumb to not include some sort of code card or something to prevent this . The seller has over 1000 positive feedback with 0 negative and is only selling the base set starters. What are my odds theyre searched?

[teraz]

@wooltchi

@kevinertia

It’s hard to see a long term market for the promo packs since they’re searchable tbh. I was lucky to get mine from a reputable retailer with the booster boxes, but anyone buying on the secondary market from unknown sellers is asking to get scammed.

I got the promo packs before knowing they could be searched. I really thought we were past this and pokemon wasn’t that dumb to not include some sort of code card or something to prevent this . The seller has over 1000 positive feedback with 0 negative and is only selling the base set starters. What are my odds theyre searched?

I think low.

This early during the frenzy these big sellers are about volume. If you bought these first couple days, I think it’s unlikely the seller took the time to search. Many may not even know yet. But if they are selling big hitters only, maybe they searched for them. It’s possible of course.

As time goes on though, we should assume all the packs have been searched.

[assassin5757]

@beggles

In my case, the post office I chose was a two stop train ride from my home. So if you’re just a casual collector and working late (like most white collar people in Japan,) it probably isn’t convenient or feasible at all to go and collect it during the week.

That makes sense. Even in the USA the post offices tend to open up when you’re already at work and then close around 4 to 5 PM. Well at least where I’ve lived.

[teraz]

@c0ll3ct0r

@teraz

That’s why I think the special set box is the go-to Japanese item.

I can’t tell if these are actually sealed or not (or if they come with some kind of tamperproof sticker). Do we know? The presence of a hole to place on retail rods would suggest not. If they are, then I agree, the best sealed item so far without a doubt (apart from the Gold ofc.)

This is the best picture I’ve found so far. You can see oval adhesive tape “sealing” the left and right top edges of the box. Anything less then shrink-wrappd isn’t really sealed, but it looks like there could be a chance to identify tampering. I believe in other pictures I’ve seen there’s a similar piece at the bottom middle of each box.

[c0ll3ct0r]

@teraz, Ah, so it is as feared then. Excellent detective work!

Normally I’d be disappointed but not with this set. Every dollar spent on product like this is a dollar one could spend on raw Charizards, raw Umbreons and the Gold box. I think, like you mentioned, those of us that ordered the promo packs early on may get lucky in regards to the searching issue. But as for buying anything NOW, sealed is dead. I won’t be buying one more pack.

[palmalade]

Thanks @teraz and apologies @c0ll3ct0r, I somehow missed that you’d already asked the same question I did.

[beggles]

@assassin5757

@beggles

In my case, the post office I chose was a two stop train ride from my home. So if you’re just a casual collector and working late (like most white collar people in Japan,) it probably isn’t convenient or feasible at all to go and collect it during the week.

That makes sense. Even in the USA the post offices tend to open up when you’re already at work and then close around 4 to 5 PM. Well at least where I’ve lived.

I might be wrong but the post offices you were able to select were the major ones in each city ward that stay open later than usual and are open on weekends. Most smaller ones shut by five and are not open on weekends. It will be interesting to see if supply picks up over the weekend when most people should be free to collect…

[c0ll3ct0r]

@palmalade

Thanks @teraz and apologies @c0ll3ct0r , I somehow missed that you’d already asked the same question I did.

No worries! Big thread like this, so many posters and subjects, bound to be some repetition.

I just had a thought…we all know the Gold box is going to be expensive as all hell, the chinese one has been selling for like $500. But now it appears this very same, already über-tier box is going to be the only way (besides buying a cardboard case of 80 packs) to get guaranteed untampered promo packs. Lol, to the moon unironically!

[beggles]

We really doing lotteries on 800 yen (+ 500 yen for delivery) starter decks now? Pokemon Center are pushing their luck a little bit aren’t they?

[lurker123]

@beggles

We really doing lotteries on 800 yen (+ 500 yen for delivery) starter decks now? Pokemon Center are pushing their luck a little bit aren’t they?

Maybe but Japan still is enforcing a 10 day quarantine in addition to providing a negative PCR test 3 days before arrival and proof of vaccination.

[bobo3stu]

What are peoples thoughts on the Zapdos/Articuno/Moltres stained glass from Sky Legends? I think its pretty hard to pull, but the card being an English promo might hurt the scarcity of it?

[nish]

@bobo3stu

What are peoples thoughts on the Zapdos/Articuno/Moltres stained glass from Sky Legends? I think its pretty hard to pull, but the card being an English promo might hurt the scarcity of it?

it looks pretty

[teraz]

Happy Tuesday! I received one of the stamp boxes I ordered. It came in the cellophane, but as others mentioned it’s just a gum seal that can be sealed and resealed.

@japanime noted how beautiful the stamps are in person and I have to agree, I really like these pieces. I wanted to share a video to give an idea of just what type of holo effect they have.

- YouTube_U

[parkermrparker]

Anyone with a 2009 arceus movie commemorative booster box that can message me photos of the top seal would be greatly appreciated

[c0ll3ct0r]

Helped a friend open a bunch of promo packs bought from a marine mammal on eBay a while ago.

Pulls were exactly what you would expect from someone who carefully and pragmatically searched the packs, pulled out the good stuff, but left just enough value in there to keep the customer somewhat satisfied or unlikely to take issue.

[teraz]

@c0ll3ct0r

Helped a friend open a bunch of promo packs bought from a marine mammal on eBay a while ago.

Pulls were exactly what you would expect from someone who carefully and pragmatically searched the packs, pulled out the good stuff, but left just enough value in there to keep the customer somewhat satisfied or unlikely to take issue.

Same thought when I finished opening mine. No big hits, a couple middle hits, lots of less wanted repeats.

[Berndos]

The split in searchable promo packs and boxes kind of shows the naivety the Japanese side still has in regards to the reality of demand & the market in general. It really sucks to know you likely can’t pull an Umbreon yourself now. But hey, the singles are still fun to collect and the fact they’re searchable probably made the chase cards less expensive.

[kingboo64]

@bobo3stu

What are peoples thoughts on the Zapdos/Articuno/Moltres stained glass from Sky Legends? I think its pretty hard to pull, but the card being an English promo might hurt the scarcity of it?

Good art, unique

[teraz]

@Berndos

The split in searchable promo packs and boxes kind of shows the naivety the Japanese side still has in regards to the reality of demand & the market in general. It really sucks to know you likely can’t pull an Umbreon yourself now. But hey, the singles are still fun to collect and the fact they’re searchable probably made the chase cards less expensive.

Taking the perspective a bit further, they are one card packs after all. So while them being searchable takes away the lottery element we would have had, there is only 1 card and only 25 cards to collect, so I mean. Oh well I guess, like you said it’s easy enough to buy singles.

I was disappointed as I was opening the handful I bought as each pack’s value kept getting cut in half with nothing too exciting. However, I still got to enjoy each card I opened and they are really beautiful. The print quality is also top notch, I have not had an uncentered card yet.