Are Japanese Pokémon Cards More Valuable Than English Cards?

Download Article

Pokémon collectibles expert Emchompite explains why Japanese cards tend to be worth less than English cards

Co-authored by Emchompite and Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 30, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Are Japanese Pokémon cards worth more?

|

Factors That Lower Value

|

Factors That Raise Value

|

Why collect Japanese cards?

|

Should I collect Japanese or English cards?

|

Video

Whether you’re just starting to collect Pokémon cards or you’ve been in the collecting game for a while now, you may be wondering whether Japanese cards are more valuable and worth more than English cards. The short answer is that it depends on a lot of different factors! In this article, we partnered with a Pokémon collectibles expert to help explain why Japanese cards are sometimes worth less than English cards and when they’re worth more. Then, we’ll give you some advice on which cards you should collect.

Japanese vs. English Pokémon Card Values: Overview

Pokémon collectibles expert Emchompite says Japanese cards, especially modern era ones, are typically worth less than English cards. This may be because you’re guaranteed more rare cards in Japanese booster boxes, and there’s less demand for Japanese cards. Exclusive and popular Japanese cards can be more valuable, though.

Section 1 of 5:

Are Japanese Pokémon cards worth more than English cards?

Download Article

Japanese cards tend to be less valuable, but it really just depends. Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to whether Japanese Pokémon cards are more valuable than English cards. In the collecting world, value changes a lot depending on a card’s rarity and demand. Plus, a card’s inherent value can be highly subjective. That said, Emchompite does say that Japanese cards tend to be worth less than the same cards in English.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Emchompite
Pokémon Collectibles Expert

Expert Interview} This is largely due to the higher chance of getting rare Japanese cards and the lower general interest in collecting Japanese cards, which reduces the demand for them along with their value.
- Don’t worry, we’ll explain why some Japanese cards are worth less than English cards and why some Japanese cards can be more expensive than English cards in the sections below!
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Emchompite is a Pokémon collectibles expert who creates engaging and informative content about the Pokémon card collecting space. She has over 38k followers across Instagram and X.

Section 2 of 5:

What makes a Japanese Pokémon card less valuable?

Download Article

1
You’re guaranteed to get more rare Japanese cards, which lowers demand. Compared to English boost boxes, Japanese booster boxes tend to give you a greater chance of getting a rare card. As Emchompite explains, Japanese booster boxes have predetermined hit rates, so the population of cards is higher and overall "rarity" of cards is lower. However, English booster boxes don’t have a set hit rate, so there’s a higher demand in comparison to Japanese.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Emchompite
Pokémon Collectibles Expert

Expert Interview}
- Specifically, each Japanese booster box is guaranteed to contain 1 Super Rare card (including Ultra Rares and Special Art Rares), 3 to 4 Art Rares, and 4 Double Rares.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Because rare cards are harder to get in English, there’s generally a higher demand for them, which typically makes them worth more.
- A Japanese booster box contains 30 booster packs, which contain 5 cards each. So, you get a total of 150 cards.
- An English booster box contains 36 booster packs, which contain 10 cards each. So, you get a total of 360 cards.
- Each English booster pack contains 1 Rare card, 1 Reverse Holo Card, and 3 Uncommon cards. The rest of the cards are usually Common cards.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- Japanese booster boxes may have a greater guarantee of getting rare cards due to Japan’s strict gambling laws.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
2
The price of Japanese cards is lower than that of English cards. Besides the fact that it’s generally easier to get rare Japanese Pokémon cards, it’s also usually cheaper to get them. Japanese booster boxes typically cost around $70, while English booster boxes often cost around $130+. So, that may bring the general price of Japanese cards down, too.
- It’s important to remember that while you do get fewer cards in Japanese booster packs, you are more likely to get rare cards.
- Japanese booster pack prices are generally cheaper than English booster packs, too. Japanese packs cost around $1, while English packs cost around $4.
3
There’s less of a demand for Japanese cards in English-speaking countries. Generally, English speakers want Pokémon cards written in English. Since Japanese is only really spoken in Japan, that means there’s less of an international demand for Japanese cards. So, Japanese cards tend to be less valuable than the same cards in English.
- Emchompite notes that there may be less of a demand because Japanese cards aren’t playable in TCG games outside of Japan.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- On the other hand, more English cards are made and released in several different countries, so there are more people who want to buy them.

Section 3 of 5:

What makes a Japanese Pokémon card more valuable?

Download Article

1
Popularity and rarity can make some Japanese cards worth more. The value of a Pokémon card largely depends on its rarity and how much people want it. And some Japanese cards are simply more sought after than their English versions. For example, some of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold have been Japanese cards, including the most expensive card, Pikachu Illustrator!
- For instance, people may like the illustration or quality of a Japanese card more than the English version, which can make it worth more. Or, there might be internet hype about a specific card, which raises its value.
- As an example, Emchompite says that cards that were included within Japanese sets, like the Secret Rare Yveltal EX from Best of XY, but as promos in English, are usually more expensive in Japanese just due to the nature of their release (i.e., having to pull the card from a pack vs a guaranteed promo card in a product).^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- The value of a card is constantly changing, though, as demand and popularity are always fluctuating.
2
There are lots of Japanese exclusives, which can be more valuable. Many Pokémon cards have only been released in Japan with no English counterpart, which makes them quite rare and valuable! Exclusive cards typically refer to promotional cards made for events, movies, and collaborations with other brands, like McDonald's, with only a limited number of cards released.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example, the Kecleon promo card released for the Celebi Pokémon movie in Japan can cost $100 to $200 in mint condition!^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
3
Unlimited Japanese cards can be more expensive than 1st Edition ones. The trend of Japanese cards being less expensive than English ones is not always the case with Common cards or Unlimited print runs in Japanese, says Emchompite. She explains that 1st Edition cards are typically more common in Japanese while Unlimited cards are rarer. So, this makes some Unlimited Japanese cards more expensive than 1st Edition Japanese cards, and in many cases (especially for common cards), more expensive than English cards.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Emchompite
Pokémon Collectibles Expert

Expert Interview}
- In Japan, 1st Edition cards are usually the more common variant because the 1st Edition print run was large to meet most of the demand, explains Emchompite. So, Unlimited cards have a lower population in comparison.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- Emchompite notes that people who collect specific Pokémon (called “Species Collectors”) and want to complete every card of one Pokémon in English and Japanese often run into trouble when trying to hunt down Unlimited copies of cards, as they can be hard to find!^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- Emchompite adds that the Unlimited print run distinction was discontinued in English in 2002 with Neo Destiny, but Japan's distinction continued into 2016.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
4
Japanese cards get released early, which can increase their demand. The Pokémon Company is a Japanese company, so it makes sense that new card sets get released in Japan before anywhere else!^{[14]
X
Research source} Because of this, some hardcore collectors in English-speaking countries may be willing to pay more for new releases so they can get their hands on the cards early.
- Once the set is released in English, though, the price of the Japanese version may go down.
- As trading card collector Chris Frey explains, “When [Pokémon] cards are released in Japan, Japan kind of sets the market a little bit before they get to the US. So when the US comes, they're worth a little bit more.”^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Chris Frey
  Trading Card Collector
  
  Expert Interview}
- The English versions of Japanese sets typically release 2 to 3 months later. It takes time to translate the cards, print them, and distribute them.
5
There are fewer Japanese cards, which can make them more valuable. There are more English Pokémon cards on the market, as the US has a larger population than Japan. Plus, English cards are sold internationally. So, for people who are specifically interested in collecting Japanese cards outside of Japan, they might have a harder time getting them and thus be willing to pay more compared to the English version.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- For example, if a collector is looking to buy a specific Japanese card, they may have a harder time finding one since fewer people are likely to have it. So, they might have to spend more to get one than they would for the English equivalent.

Section 4 of 5:

Why do people collect Japanese Pokémon cards?

Download Article

People like that Japanese cards are higher quality and less expensive. In Emchompite’s opinion, Japanese cards are shinier, have a better texture, and have better coloring than English cards when you hold them side by side.^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Emchompite
Pokémon Collectibles Expert

Expert Interview} And lots of people agree! Plus, that amazing quality comes with a lower price tag. And because you have a higher guarantee of getting rare cards from boxes, that can make collecting Japanese cards a better investment.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Japanese cards are also typically easier to grade, which is a plus for collectors and sellers.
- People also note that the quality control seems to be better for Japanese cards, so there are fewer mess-ups falling through the cracks, too.
- Some people also prefer to collect Japanese cards simply because Pokémon originated in Japan!

Section 5 of 5:

Should I collect Japanese or English Pokémon cards?

Download Article

1
If you just want to collect, Japanese cards are a great option. Because Japanese Pokémon cards tend to look higher quality and are typically less expensive to buy new and used, many people prefer collecting them over English cards. So, they can be a better alternative to English cards if you don’t plan on reselling them or playing with them competitively.
- Plus, Japanese cards can be better if you’re looking for rare cards, since there’s a greater guarantee you’ll get them in booster boxes.
- However, this is all based on your personal preference. If you’d rather collect English cards, keep doing that!
2
If you want to sell your cards, English cards may be better. If you’re in the reselling game, you may want to stick with collecting English Pokémon cards rather than Japanese cards. English cards are generally worth more than Japanese cards, so you may make more money if you keep collecting them.
- That said, there are lots of Japanese Pokémon cards that are worth more than English cards. So, it’s a good idea to diversify and aim to collect both!
3
If you want to play competitively in the US, you can only use English cards. If you’re in the US or Canada, you can only enter official Pokémon tournaments and competitions with English cards.^{[19]
X
Research source} So, if you’re collecting cards to build a good deck, you need to stick to buying English cards.
- English Pokémon cards are also allowed in tournaments in Latin America, Europe, Australia, Russia, countries in the Middle East, and South Africa.
- Emchompite notes that it can be a struggle to decide whether to collect English or Japanese cards. She says she has to decide between playing with her cards, or saving a few bucks by buying them in Japanese.^{[20]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emchompite
  Pokémon Collectibles Expert
  
  Expert Interview}