The official Japanese portal for the Pokémon TCG Trainers Website, managed by The Pokémon Company, issued a statement on May 8, urging players to avoid harassment and inappropriate conduct during in-person gatherings and on social media platforms.
The announcement notes that The Pokémon Company has “observed instances of harassment” directed at its employees, judges, and other event personnel, including slander, threats, physical aggression, and interference with business operations. Recognizing that such actions can harm the physical and mental well-being of staff as well as disrupt other attendees, the company has reiterated a list of prohibited behaviors, asking players to avoid:
- Aggressive conduct toward employees or event staff, whether verbal or through attitude
- Comments or discriminatory remarks that damage the character or dignity of employees or event staff
- Unreasonable demands that stray from social norms
- Inappropriate actions involving the personal information of employees or event staff
- Acts that harm the physical well-being of employees or event staff, or damage event facilities
- Spread of malicious information
- Actions that disrupt service delivery or inconvenience other customers
The company cautions that under its Customer Harassment Policy, it may expel players from venues or suspend their accounts if these guidelines are breached.
Although The Pokémon Company has not disclosed the details of the incidents prompting this statement, the rising popularity of the Pokémon TCG in recent years has introduced new players and collectors, leading to issues such as poor tournament etiquette and aggressive scalping practices. During the major 2026 Pokémon Yokohama Champions League held last September, The Pokémon Company reported multiple cheating cases, including players using stand-ins and falsifying ages to enter unqualified brackets, resulting in suspensions.
Compounding the situation, the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo knife attack in March, which claimed the life of an employee, has heightened The Pokémon Company’s vigilance against customer harassment. Consequently, Pokémon Center events were cancelled nationwide throughout April, and tournaments were conducted without spectators.
Mido