More and more collectors in Europe buy Japanese Pokémon cards. The game and the artwork are the same, so why the interest? In this guide we go through the main differences between Japanese and English Pokémon cards, and what they mean for you as a collector.
Same game, same size
A Japanese Pokémon card has the same standard size as an English one and uses the same artwork. The difference is in the language of the text, and in how the sets are put together and released.
Japan gets new sets first
New Pokémon sets are released in Japan first, often months before the English version. The sets are also not always a one-to-one match: an English set can combine cards from several Japanese sets, and card numbers, rarities and finishes can differ. If you want a new card the moment it comes out, the Japanese release is where it starts.
Rarity codes on the card
Japanese cards show the rarity as a letter code printed on the card, such as C, U, R, RR, AR, SR, SAR and UR. That makes it easy to see at a glance how rare a card is, and to compare cards between sets.
Booster packs and boxes
Japanese booster packs usually hold fewer cards than English ones, and box sizes vary by set. The Japanese 30th CELEBRATION booster box (M6a), for example, contains 20 packs of 6 cards. Japanese boxes are popular for opening, because the pull rates per box are well known among collectors.
Print and card quality
Japanese cards are known among collectors for their consistent print and cut quality. That is one of the reasons Japanese cards are popular for grading and for display.
Exclusives you won't find in Europe
A big reason to collect Japanese is everything that only exists in Japan: promo cards from individual Pokémon Center stores, special boxes sold through lotteries, and campaign promos such as the McDonald's Happy Set cards. Take a look at our Japanese Pokémon exclusives and Pokémon Center Special Boxes.
Can you play with Japanese cards?
You can play with them casually, but Japanese cards are not allowed at official Play! Pokémon tournaments outside Japan. If you mainly play competitively in Europe, English cards are the practical choice. If you collect, Japanese cards are often the more interesting option.
Tips before you buy
- Buy sealed product from a seller you trust, and check the shrink wrap on arrival.
- Look up the set code and card number, so you know exactly which version you are buying.
- When you buy from outside the EU, import duties and VAT can be added on delivery. Ordering from a shop that ships from within the EU avoids that.
Questions about a specific card or set? Get in touch, we are happy to help.