The Ultimate Anti-Scalper Test: Japanese Store Requires Pokémon Quiz
In an effort to combat the persistent issue of scalping, a prominent electronics retailer in Japan has introduced a creative—and slightly bizarre—barrier for entry. Kotaku reports that a Bic Camera branch in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is now requiring customers to pass a written Pokémon knowledge test before they are permitted to purchase the latest cards.
The “Ninja Spinner” Challenge
The specific target of this anti-scalper measure is the Ninja Spinner expansion set. Released in March 2026, this Japan-exclusive set has become a high-priority target for resellers due to its focus on the Kalos region and the inclusion of the highly sought-after Mega Greninja ex.
How the Quiz Works
To ensure cards go to genuine fans rather than those looking to flip them for a profit, the store has implemented the following rules:
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15-Question Test: Buyers must answer a series of questions about the Pokémon franchise in Japanese.
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Difficulty Level: While the questions are described as “easy” for actual fans—with some as simple as naming the character on the box—they are designed to trip up anyone with zero knowledge of the series.
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Strict Prohibitions: Using a phone to look up answers or photographing the quiz sheet is strictly forbidden. If anyone is caught taking pictures, the store has threatened to halt sales entirely.
Multi-Layered Security
The quiz is just one part of a larger strategy to protect the hobby’s ecosystem:
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Loyalty Account Required: Customers must have a Bic Camera point card or app, allowing the store to track purchase history and prevent “looping” back for more.
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Box Devaluation: Even after passing the test, staff will physically slash the plastic shrink-wrap and open the perforated section of the booster box. This significantly lowers its value on the secondary market, where “factory sealed” items command the highest prices.
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Purchase Limits: Sales are strictly limited to one 30-pack booster box per customer.
Community Response
Surprisingly, the “gatekeeping” has been met with widespread approval from the local gaming community. Fans have reported that the quiz makes the waiting experience more interactive and rewarding, with staff even offering congratulations to those who pass. For many, it is a welcome victory against the organized scalping groups that have plagued recent TCG releases.