The ONE PIECE Card Game has continued to record a solid performance since its release in 2022.

WakoTo date, a total of 1,800 different cards have been released for the ONE PIECE Card Game. Among the factors behind the game’s solid performance is its collectability, which contributes to its product value alongside its playability. Additionally, even as the number of decks increases, we have maintained the simplicity of the card effects to prevent the game from becoming overly complicated and we have targeted casual trading card game (TCG) players through commercials and other promotional media. The game is currently available in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and French, and we have begun expanding our lineup of products for mass distribution overseas. Through our events, experience-based activities, and promotional activities targeting local players, we have succeeded in having the ONE PIECE Card Game’s presence felt in the worldwide TCG market.

Cards written in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and French (in order from left to right).
With the addition of Korean, the game is available in a total of five languages.
©尾田栄一郎／集英社 ©尾田栄一郎／集英社・フジテレビ・東映アニメーション

There are also high expectations for the further expansion of the game, right?

WakoThe key strategic region of Europe and North America has a massive TCG market that is three times larger than that of Japan, and the ONE PIECE Card Game currently ranks fifth in the region’s market share. There is great potential to raise the level of recognition of IP and to grow further by reaching new customers via the TCG.
In order to maximize this growth potential in FY2026.3, we will release certain products in Europe and North America first and take measures to strengthen our place in the TCG community of the region while cultivating mass-market distribution channels. In this way, we will aim for sustainable growth.

Scene of BANDAI CARD GAMES Fest 24-25 WORLD TOUR

It won’t be long until the release of the new GUNDAM CARD GAME in July 2025.

NashimotoGiven the heightened popularity of TCGs, we have determined that expanding our operations in this category of entertainment will play an important role in increasing customer contact points with IPs, even for the Gundam series, a key IP of the Bandai Namco Group. Thus, the GUNDAM CARD GAME will be released simultaneously worldwide from its very beginning, a first for BANDAI CARD GAMES, and its cards will be printed in three languages: Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese.

Prior to this full release, you launched Edition Beta in December 2024. How have fans responded?

NashimotoOur fans from around the world have high expectations for the game. From its planning stage, we have brought together all the TCG know-how we have accumulated throughout our history and adopted game systems that will be well received not only in Japan but in Europe and North America as well. For instance, both 2-on-2 team play and four player completive play are possible, and immersion into battles is deepened through an interesting collaboration with GUNDAM ASSEMBLE, a miniatures game series in which players battle using Gundam model kits of approximately five centimeters in height.

Battles become even more immersive through the collaboration with GUNDAM ASSEMBLE.
©SOTSU・SUNRISE　©SOTSU・SUNRISE・MBS

Please tell us about the global strategy and production structure for both ONE PIECE Card Game and GUNDAM CARD GAME.

NashimotoTo meet the increased demand for TCGs, we are actively increasing investments in supply chains. Currently production is centered in Japan, but we are considering establishing a global production structure to optimize cost-efficiencies and cater to the regional characteristics of overseas markets. Regarding multilingual development, we select the appropriate language used by players in each region and proceed with development by translating from Japanese.
Our medium- to long-term goal is for the BANDAI CARD GAMES brand to rank second in global market share, which we plan to achieve with the release of the GUNDAM CARD GAME.

WakoIn September 2024, we established a new office in Dallas, the United States of America, with a main objective of providing local support for activities such as in-store and large-scale events. Through this office, we will roll out initiatives deeply rooted in local communities, including sending monthly event kits and in-store promotional materials to over 1,600 retailers in North America.