GOK

After experiencing a challenging emotional setback, I felt the need to redirect my energy.

One day, by chance, I stumbled upon a livestream showcasing a Pokémon card unboxing. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. What started as a casual purchase soon evolved into an obsession. The thrill of opening packs, akin to the excitement of gambling, became addictive.

However, as my spending spiraled, I began to question myself: did I really need these cards? Reflecting on my childhood, I realized Pokémon had always been a beloved part of my life. From cartoons to toys, it was a constant companion that brought vivid and joyful memories. Perhaps my fascination with these cards was a way of reconnecting with that part of my past.

That single encounter with Pokémon cards ignited a passion in me. But to ensure it didn’t turn into an unhealthy obsession, I decided to take a more purposeful approach. Instead of blindly unboxing random packs, I shifted my focus to collecting specific cards that held meaning.

But where should I start?

Not long after diving into the world of Pokémon cards, I came across a fascinating story. A particular card had surged nearly 100 times in value after being signed by its artist. It wasn’t the price that intrigued me but the artist behind the card. My research led me to Naoki Saito, a renowned illustrator and YouTuber whose videos I had watched before, particularly about the game Genshin Impact.

This unexpected connection sparked an idea: I decided to collect all the Pokémon cards designed by Naoki Saito. With a clear goal in mind, my collecting journey gained new direction and purpose.

Still, the path wasn’t without its challenges. As a beginner, I lacked access to the nearly 300 cards I wanted. I scoured card shops across Singapore, sifting through countless boxes in search of specific pieces. It felt like looking for a needle in a haystack—tedious and time-consuming.

At one point, I even flew to Japan to expand my collection. But over time, I discovered a more efficient method: live auctions. Unlike unboxing random packs, live auctions allowed me to target specific cards and offered better deals compared to online marketplaces.

Soon, tracking live auctions became part of my daily routine. Within three months, I had completed 70% of my collection.

As I delved deeper into this hobby, my perspective on Pokémon cards began to evolve. What started as a passion for collecting transformed into a deeper understanding of the market and its community. Along the way, I tried selling some of my surplus cards online, and the results were surprising.

Each transaction introduced me to the vibrant Pokémon card collector community—people full of childlike wonder and genuine happiness. I found myself enjoying the process of trading and connecting with others even more than collecting itself.

Eventually, I realized that trading brought me more joy than relentless collecting. What began as a solitary pursuit became an opportunity to share experiences and exchange stories with fellow enthusiasts.

Through this journey, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons:

• Define your own collection goals and stick to them.
• Avoid blindly unboxing packs in search of rare cards.
• Prioritize enjoyment over monetary value.

To me, the true beauty of collecting Pokémon cards lies in the joy it brings. I hope every Pokémon card collector finds their own happiness in this journey.