Japan's most valuable Pokemon TCG cards

The Pokemon TCG is a fluid market where the value of cards fluctuates daily based on various factors, such as rarity and hype surrounding certain Pokemon. However, the UK market is only part of the overall picture, with Japan having the second largest share in the hobby.

related

Pokemon TCG: 10 Most Valuable Twilight Masquerade Cards

Watch out for these valuable cards in Pokemon TCG: Twilight Maskerade.

While English and Japanese cards are not the only languages ​​available, they are undoubtedly the two most popular languages ​​to collect. Japanese cards have different texture and print quality. Despite the clear texture difference that distinguishes Japanese cards, the values ​​don't usually match their English counterparts, though two cards on this list break that trend.

Cards are sorted by their TCGPlayer market price This is what you might pay for a copy of the cards below.

Due to the age and rarity of some cards, only Those who have a Price set in the market at TCGplayer are included.

7

Charizard – Expansion Pack (Holo Rare) – $249.99

goat counterpart

Japanese Holo Rare Charizard from expansion pack in Pokemon TCG.

If you're familiar with Charizard's most valuable cards, this artwork will probably put some serious nostalgia in your brain. particle for direct object The “Development Pack” set is the Japanese equivalent of the famous English “Base Set”. And it features a fantastic rendition of the most famous Pokemon card of all time.

The expansion pack also does not have the unlimited version and the first version, with only one iteration.

This Charizard provides the first example of a stark difference between the English and Japanese prints, as this version has more prominent holographic sparkles in the background. This card is a great value starting at $85 for heavy gaming (HP) Copy, with medium spread (Representative of Parliament) It went up to about $175 and then played around a bit (LP) At around $200 the cleanest near mint (NM) Copies will be sold for as low as $250.

6

Leafeon VMAX – Eevee Heroes (Hyper Rare) – $258.49

In one roll in all languages

Japanese Leafeon VMAX Hyper Rare from Eevee Heroes in Pokemon TCG.

English and Japanese cards rarely have equivalent values, but that's exactly what this prized Leafeon card manages to achieve, with both Eevee Heroes (JP) and Evolving Skies (ENG) receiving roughly the same price tags. While there is no guarantee that they will remain at the same level, it is worth noting that There are exceptions to the usual English price superiority In the resale market

Unfortunately, since then Japanese cards are still relatively new additions to the TCGPlayer database. There isn't a long history of sales data for these cards, but so far, this Leafeon continues to rise in price after launching for nearly $200 and increasing to its current market price.

5

Umbreon ex – Terastal Festival ex (Special Art Rare) – $296.31

A new moon rises

Umbreon's former Terastal Festival from the Pokemon TCG.

As for the awesome Evolving Skies cards, you may be familiar with the alternate art of Umbreon VMAX, affectionately called “Moonbreon”. However, if you haven't been keeping a close eye on the Pokemon market, you might have missed it Another valuable first Umbreon in the former Terastal Festival.

related

Pokemon TCG: The Most Valuable Cards in Obsidian Flames

Fan the obsidian flames with some of the most valuable Pokemon TCG cards.

Despite an impressive start to this new Moonbreon TCG career, it quickly lost value, falling out of the $300 range after starting above $350. However, this drop is to be expected, especially as heads turn towards the English version of Prismatic Evolutions. Watch out for this card when the price of the English version goes up The Japanese version is rapidly increasing in demand Because of its more affordable price

4

Marni – Shield (Extra Rare) – $300.00

Finding greatness

Japanese Super Rare Marnie from Shield in the Pokemon TCG.

While the Western market is starting to show more love for Trainer cards, Japan's notable obsession with specific characters usually makes them cost much more than their English counterparts. Marni is a perfect example of a trainer who is largely overlooked in the West, but who reaches unprecedented heights in Japan.

As a point of direct comparison, this card appears exactly as Marnie in the English Sword and Shield base set, but fetches only a fraction of its Japanese value at around $30. Japan's super-rare Marni has a value almost ten times higher. It shows the significant gaps that exist between English and Japanese based on popularity.

3

Umbreon – Former Terastal Festival (Master Ball Foil) – $345.29

The magnificent master of the ball

Umbreon's former Terastal Festival from the Pokemon TCG.

Umbreon is coming up with a different look, taking two places among the most valuable cards in Japan's Trust Festival. However, it overshadows the Master Ball Art Special Rare foil and surpasses the new Moonbreon for now.

regular, The non-foil image is used here, But the Master Ball Foil has a large Master Ball hologram in the center of the card.

related

Pokemon TCG: 5 Most Valuable Cosmog Cards

Bring the brands

The Master Ball Foils are extremely rare and are featured as part of the Japanese exclusive Scarlet & Violet: 151 set feature. The value of this card will likely change with Special Art Rare, as the English counterpart to the set, Prismatic Evolutions, brings Master. Ball foils to English cards for the first time.

2

Giratina V – Lost Abyss (Super Rare) – $430.99

Gorgeous in any language

Japanese game Giratina V Super Rare from Lost Abyss in Pokemon TCG.

This Giratina has the same value as the English version, topping the charts as the most expensive card in Lost Origin. Illustrator Shinji Kanda has made a name for himself as one of the most influential and desirable artists to collect, with this Giratina V card as his magnum opus.

Given the incredible design of this card, it's perhaps not surprising to see Giratina have a similar value to its English counterpart, as Giratina V ranks as one of the best cards of the entire Sword & Shield era.

1

Sightseer – Tag Team GX: Tag All Stars (Super Rare) – $475.00

Looking for a challenger

The Japanese Sightseer Super Rare from Tag Team GX: Tag All Stars in the Pokemon TCG.

Sightseer has taken the top spot as the most valuable Japanese Pokemon card ever, showing Japan's love for Trainer cards that can surpass even the most stunning Pokemon images.

As TCGPlayer continues to populate its database with rarer Japanese cards, expect this trainer to see heavy competition from older Pokemon cards.

While TCGPlayer data is scarce for Japanese cards, Sightseer's value is no fluke, though his stranglehold on the throne will likely fade over time. Despite the upcoming changes, Sightseer sees significant value in Japanese, as the character has yet to receive an English equivalent.

Next

Pokemon TCG: 8 Most Valuable Cards Released in 2024

The best Pokemon cards of 2024 are setting new records.

Leave a Comment