Today's Close-Up

More Than a Game: Japan's Trading Card Bubble (2023x5)

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The world is seeing some amazing developments in Japanese trading cards normally used in games. Prices are soaring and in 2021, one card hit a record-high of 5,275,000 dollars. Trading via online marketplaces is accelerating the rocketing prices, while specialty shops keep popping up in vacant properties in Akihabara. The cards made to be played with have now become attractive investments as well. We visit the frontline of this fascinating boom in trading cards.