Condition Guide
Every item in this store is listed under exactly one condition. We do not mix them, and we do not use vague terms like "good" or "excellent." This page defines exactly what each label means so you know what you are buying before you order.
Sealed
The item is still in its original factory or distribution packaging, exactly as it left the source in Japan.
- We do not open sealed items before shipping.
- Because we do not open them, we cannot describe or guarantee the condition of the card inside.
- The outer packaging itself may show minor handling marks from storage and transport in Japan.
Near Mint — Ungraded
The item has been removed from its original packaging and inspected by hand in Japan before listing. This is our own in-house standard for a clean, unplayed card.
A card listed as Near Mint — Ungraded:
- Has never been played or sleeved into a deck
- Shows no bends, creases, or corner damage
- Shows no damage visible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance
What Near Mint does not mean:
- It is not a third-party grade. "Ungraded" means exactly that — the card has not been submitted to PSA, BGS, CGC, or any other grading service.
- It does not guarantee any particular grade if you submit it yourself. Grading outcomes depend on centering, surface, edges, and corners under magnification, and on each grader's judgment.
- It does not mean flawless.
What you may still see on a Near Mint card
This is worth reading carefully, because it is specific to Japanese promo cards.
Most of what we sell was produced as magazine supplements, in-store campaign items, or event distributions rather than as sealed collector product. These are printed and packaged at high speed and are handled before they ever reach a collector. As a result, even an untouched copy straight from the source can show:
- Small ink gaps or printing voids — tiny spots where ink coverage is incomplete
- Faint print lines
- Minor factory marks on the surface
- Very slight edge or corner wear from packaging
These are characteristics of how the item was manufactured and distributed, not damage caused after the fact. They are present across the print run, not unique to your copy. We consider a card with these traits to still be Near Mint, and we price accordingly.
If this is not acceptable to you, we would rather you know now than after your parcel arrives.
How we inspect
- Every ungraded item is checked by hand in Japan before it is listed.
- Anything beyond the characteristics described above is noted on the product page.
- Product photos are part of the description. Please review every image before ordering.
- If you want additional photos or a closer look at a specific card, message us before buying. We will answer.
Lots and multi-card listings
When a listing contains more than one card, the stated condition applies to every card in the lot. We check lots as a batch so the whole lot grades out consistently. We do not mix conditions within a single lot.
Returns
Because condition assessment involves judgment and trading cards are condition-sensitive, all sales are final on in-stock items. Pre-orders may be cancelled within 7 days of purchase. If an item arrives damaged in transit, or is materially different from its description, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we will make it right. See our Refund Policy for full details.
Last updated: July 2026