Many Pokémon TCG sets exist in both Japanese and English. Here’s what sets them apart.
Release timing
Sets usually come out in Japan first, and the English versions follow a few months later, sometimes combined into other sets. For collectors, Japanese sets are the first look at new cards.
Packs
A Japanese pack usually has 5 cards, an English pack 10. Japanese boxes usually hold fewer packs, and many come factory shrink-wrapped.
Print and feel
Many collectors rate the print quality and centering consistency of Japanese cards highly. That matters most if you want to get them graded.
Playing vs collecting
Official tournaments in Europe use English and the other European-language cards. Japanese cards are mostly chosen for collecting, the art and because they come out earlier.
See which Japanese products are in the machine now, including the Japanese surprise packs.