Pokemon cards are among the most popular collectibles in the world, with millions of fans and enthusiasts. However, not all Pokemon cards are created equal. Depending on the cards’ region, language, edition, and quality, their value can vary significantly. One of collectors’ most common questions is whether Japanese Pokemon cards are worth more than their English counterparts. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the value of Japanese Pokemon cards and compare them with English cards.
Quality and Rarity
One of the main reasons why Japanese Pokemon cards are considered more valuable is their higher quality and rarity. Japanese Pokemon cards are printed with better materials and techniques, resulting in sharper images, brighter colors, and smoother surfaces. They are also less prone to damage and wear over time, which preserves their condition and value.
Japanese Pokemon cards are often more rare than English cards.
Japanese Pokemon cards are often rarer than English cards, especially for older sets and exclusive products. For example, some Japanese cards have first-edition markings that indicate they were part of the first batch of cards printed for a set. Collectors highly seek after these markings, as they signify the originality and authenticity of the cards. English cards stopped using first edition markings after the Base Set 2 in 2000.
The Misty’s Tears card from Gym Heroes
Another example of rare Japanese cards is those featuring controversial or banned artwork that was changed or removed for the English release. For instance, Misty’s Tears card from Gym Heroes (1998) shows Misty holding a naked Staryu in the Japanese version, but a generic image of Misty replaced this in the English version. Similarly, the Grimer card from Team Rocket (1997) has a lewd expression and looks up a girl’s skirt in the Japanese version, but this was altered to a more innocent pose in the English version. These cards are very valuable to collectors who want to own a piece of Pokemon history.
Market Demand and Availability
Another factor influencing Japanese Pokemon cards’ value is the market demand and availability. Generally speaking, Japanese Pokemon cards are less expensive than English cards when first released, as they are more abundant and accessible in Japan. However, as time passes and new sets are introduced, the value of older Japanese cards tends to increase dramatically until they are released in English. This is because non-Japanese collectors are obsessed with obtaining cards that have yet to or will never be released in their own country.
The Shiny Star V set
For example, when the Shiny Star V set was released in Japan in November 2020, it featured many shiny variants of popular Pokemon such as Charizard, Mewtwo, and Eternatus. These cards were highly coveted by collectors worldwide, who were willing to pay high prices to import them from Japan. However, when the same set was released in English as Shining Fates in February 2021, the prices of the Japanese cards dropped significantly as they became more common and less exclusive.
Pokemon Centers, lottery draws, or collaborations
On the other hand, some Japanese Pokemon cards remain valuable even after they are released in English due to their limited availability or exclusivity. For example, some Japanese sets or products are only sold through specific channels or events, such as Pokemon Centers, lottery draws, or collaborations with other brands. These items are often hard to find or obtain outside Japan, making them rare and desirable to collectors. For example, the Mario Pikachu and Luigi Pikachu cosplay sets from 2016 were only sold at Pokemon Centers in Japan for a limited time. These sets feature Pikachu dressed as Mario and Luigi from the Super Mario franchise and are extremely valuable today.
How Do Japanese and English Pokémon Cards Compare in Value?
Pokémon is one of the most successful game franchises in the world, with millions of fans and collectors. However, not all Pokémon cards are equal in value. Depending on the cards’ language, edition, and quality, their prices can vary significantly. One of the collectors’ most common questions is how Japanese and English Pokémon cards compare in value. In this article, we will examine the factors that affect the value of both types of cards and see how they differ.
The Most Valuable Japanese Pokémon Cards
One of the most sought-after Pokémon cards is the base set Charizard, which can fetch thousands of dollars if graded and has the 1st edition mark.
To know which Pokémon cards are worth the most money for collecting or selling, you need to consider the following factors.
Best Pokémon Card Binder 5 Options
Scarcity:
How common or rare is a certain Pokémon card? If it is very rare, the card will be more valuable, as collectors will want to add it to their collection.
Age
Year The Pokémon franchise started in 1995 and began producing trading cards in 1998. The older the Pokémon card, the more it could be worth. This is especially true as the company has been around for a long time and has a proven record of success, which means it will likely continue for a long time.
Uniqueness
Uniqueness Some special edition cards are made from unique materials like gold. There was even a Pokémon anniversary card made from gold to celebrate the occasion.
If you have a card that is noticeably different from regular Pokémon trading cards, it may have a higher value because of its uniqueness.
First Edition
A first-edition Japanese Pokémon card was part of the first card group released for a set. These cards are regarded as the original ones. Because they were among the first of their kind on the market, their price can be much higher than the cards not from the first edition.
How to Identify a Rare Japanese Pokémon Card
Pokémon trading cards have various features, but one of the most common is the hit points. Hit points (HP) indicate how much damage a Pokémon can withstand; a higher number means they are more powerful.
If you want to find out if a Japanese card is rare, look at the HP in the upper right-hand corner. A higher HP means it is a more powerful and rarer Pokémon.
Another way to determine if a Japanese card is rare is to research how much money similar cards sell for on the market. If you need help understanding Japanese, it may be hard to tell what the card you have is, so you may need to compare based on images.
The following are usually not signs of a Pokémon card’s value:
- · Color
- · Shiny effect
- · Attack type
It is also important to note that energy cards are not considered rare or valuable.
The rarest Japanese Pokémon card in the world
This card was created in 1998, and it is estimated that only between 20 and 39 copies exist.
Artwork of Atsuko Nishida
The card features the artwork of Atsuko Nishida, who is the original designer of the Pikachu Pokémon. The card was given as a prize to the winners of a Pokémon illustration contest, and it has the word “Illustrator” instead of “Trainer” at the top. The card also has a unique pen icon in the bottom right corner and a text that says, “We certify that your illustration is an excellent entry in the Pokémon Card Game Illust Contest. Therefore, we state that you are an Officially Authorized Pokémon Card Illustrator and admire your skill.” Moreover, Pokémon Break Cards are a unique kind of card that illustrates a Pokémon’s evolutionary history.
Pikachu Illustrator card
The Pikachu Illustrator card is extremely valuable and has been sold for record-breaking prices at auctions. In 2019, one of these cards was sold for $195,000 at an auction in New York, making it the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. In 2020, another one of these cards was traded for more than $200,000 in a private deal, surpassing the previous record.
Genuine Pikachu Illustrator card
If you have a genuine Pikachu Illustrator card, you have the world’s most rare and precious Pokémon card. However, it would help if you were careful of fakes and counterfeits, as they are very common and hard to distinguish from the real ones. It would help to authenticate your card by a reputable service before buying or selling it.
Good options for selling Japanese Pokémon cards
Here are some more details and tips that might help you.
Online classifieds, such as eBay:
This is a popular and convenient way to sell your cards to a global audience. You can set your price and shipping options and use PayPal or other payment methods to receive money. However, you should also be aware of eBay’s fees, the risk of fraud or scams, and the competition from other sellers. You should also provide clear and accurate descriptions and photos of your cards and pack them securely to avoid damage during shipping.
Game and card stores:
This is another option for selling your cards locally. You can visit a nearby store specializing in Pokémon or trading cards and ask them if they are interested in buying your cards. Depending on their policy and demand, they may offer you cash or store credit. However, it would help if you also were prepared to accept a lower price than what you might get online, as the store also needs to make a profit. You should also check the reputation and credibility of the store before selling your cards.
Specialized Pokémon and trading card auctions:
This is a more niche option for selling your cards, but it can also be very rewarding if you have rare or valuable cards. You can find online or offline auctions focusing on Pokémon or trading cards and submit your cards for bidding. You may be able to get a higher price than other methods as collectors and enthusiasts compete for your cards. However, you should also be aware of the fees the auction house charges, the risk of losing money if your cards do not sell, and the time and effort required to prepare and ship your cards.
Fake Japanese Pokémon cards
Here is some information that might help you.
Fake Japanese Pokémon cards are not produced by the official Pokémon Company but by unauthorized manufacturers who try to imitate the original cards. Fake cards are often of poor quality and can be easily spotted by collectors and fans.
Some of the ways to identify fake Japanese Pokémon cards are:
Discoloring or Damage:
Fake cards may have a single hue, not the beautiful gradient for which Japanese Pokémon are known. They may also have damaged edges, abnormal creasing, or inconsistencies in the card material.
Errors in Spelling or Font:
Fake cards may have spelling errors or incorrect characters in the Japanese text. They may also use a different font than the original cards, which can be noticed by comparing them with authentic ones.
Packaging:
Fake cards may come in boxes not sealed with the official shrink wrap with Poké Balls on them. The shrink wrap may also be loose or informal, indicating that the box has been tampered with.
To avoid buying fake Japanese Pokémon cards, you should always buy from reputable sellers or stores with good reviews and ratings. You should also check the price and condition of the cards before buying them, as fake cards are often sold at very low prices or in poor condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese Pokemon cards can be worth more than their English counterparts due to their higher quality and first-edition markings. The value of new Japanese cards tends to increase dramatically until they are released in English. Some Japanese cards were controversial, adding to their value and making them sought after by collectors. However, the value of Japanese Pokemon cards also depends on the market demand and availability, which can fluctuate over time and vary by region. Ultimately, the worth of any Pokemon card is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it.