Collectible items were displayed for purchase at Card Connect Okinawa on Camp Shields Naval Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
CAMP SHIELDS, Okinawa — More than 600 U.S. service members and their families gathered at this naval support base over the weekend to buy, sell, trade and bond over collectible cards.
The event inside the Crow’s Nest from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday drew collectors from as far as Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Yokota Air Base, both in the Tokyo area.
They browsed through more than 25 booths and displays offering a wide range of rare trading cards, popular comic books or custom 3D printed card storage containers.
“We wanted to create a space where people could connect, hang out, and share their passion regardless of what their hobby may be, whether it’s Pokémon, sports cards, or Magic the Gathering,” co-organizer Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tony Hernandez told Stars and Stripes at the event. “The community has grown each time, and we hope this trend continues.”
Hernandez, 36, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Shane Pettitt, 36, started Card Connect Okinawa a year ago to create a community where collectors could connect through their hobby. They have hosted events once a month since then.
Collectors from across Japan inspect merchandise at Card Connect Okinawa on Camp Shields Naval Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Pokemon collectibles were on display at Card Connect Okinawa at Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Chief Petty Officer Gustavo Pro, 35, stationed at Atsugi, came to the event as a first-time vendor. Pro said he was thoroughly impressed with the turnout and the wide range of hobbies represented.
Pro is one of many Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide. Pokémon, created in Japan in 1996, is a competitive card game based on set of fictional, pocket-sized monsters popularized in video games, animated series and other media.
The Pokémon Co. manufactured 10 billion cards last year, for a total of 85 billion cards, according to a May 26 report by gamer website IGN.com.
“This is my first time participating as a vendor and it’s a good opportunity to get my feet wet and learn,” Pro said prior to the event opening. “The big picture isn’t about selling or trading cards though, it’s really about the love of the hobby; it’s about a community coming together over a shared passion and appreciation.”
Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Zamora, 21, alongside his spouse, Emma Zamora, 20, were surprised to find an event so close to where they live. They are also Pokémon collectors.
Superhero comics constitute some of the collectibles available at Card Connect Okinawa on Camp Shields Naval Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Hobbyists from across Japan gathered for Card Connect Okinawa at Camp Shields Naval Base, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
“I personally don’t see an event like this happening on bases very often, especially on Okinawa,” Matthew told Stars and Stripes. “I would say my wife and I are lucky to be so close and because we had the chance to search for specific things she likes.”
Hernandez and Pettitt said they intend to continue hosting events regularly and hope to make them more accessible to Japanese collectors in the future.
“Okinawa is obviously a small island but whichever base you go to there are people who have the same interests,” said Pettitt during an interview. “This event is a way for everyone to connect and spend time together and I’ve would’ve never met Tony if it weren’t for this hobby.”
