Pokémon has grown into a global phenomenon, making its trading cards available in 13 languages across most continents. Often in Europe, we limit our focus to familiar languages like English, Spanish, Italian, or French when it comes to Pokémon cards. However, it's beneficial to look beyond these borders, especially towards Asia. Asian Pokémon cards are known for their superior quality, unique designs, and often more affordable prices compared to their European counterparts. This blog post aims to introduce you to the world of Asian Pokémon cards.
Originating from Asia, specifically Japan, Pokémon cards have a rich history. The Pokémon Company, which still has its headquarters in Japan, manages a vast international operation. Pokémon cards enjoy immense popularity not just in America and Europe but also throughout Asia. In Europe, a dedicated community of collectors specialises in Asian Pokémon cards, drawn by their unique appeal and rarity. Let's explore the allure of these Asian Pokémon cards and what makes them a worthy addition to any collection.
Korean Pokémon Cards
Over time, there have been periods when Korean Pokémon cards weren't in production, but currently, they're gaining significant popularity. This surge in interest is partly because Pokémon has become widely popular in Korea and across the globe. Additionally, the international market for Korean Pokémon cards is expanding rapidly. A key factor driving this trend is the increasing cost of Japanese Pokémon cards, prompting many to seek affordable alternatives.
Korean Pokémon sets mirror their Japanese counterparts in many ways. They often align with international release dates, and the card design closely resembles that of international versions. The primary difference lies in the language, while the layout and overall design remain consistent(while using the back of a european card). In essence, Korean Pokémon cards present an excellent and cost-effective alternative to their Japanese counterparts, offering collectors and enthusiasts alike an accessible way to enjoy the world of Pokémon card collecting. In one of our most recent Korean pack openings we were lucky enough to pull a Umbreon VMax, which was an instant favourite within the office.
Chinese Pokémon Cards
Chinese Pokémon cards, despite being the newest addition to the Asian Pokémon card market, have swiftly made their mark in the vast country of China. The inaugural set was a unique amalgamation of three older sets, offering a retrospective of past eras, particularly from the Sun & Moon series. This approach, similar to what's been done in Thailand, aims to efficiently encapsulate past collections while rapidly catching up to the international scene.
One exciting aspect for collectors is the availability of coveted Sun & Moon sets like Hidden Destiny in Chinese versions, often at more affordable prices. These sets provide a fresh experience, as the cards differ not just in language but also in design. A distinct feature is the exclusive Pokémon logo, which adorns the bottom left corner of all foil cards (why isn't this a thing for all countries!). Additionally, the holographic effect on these cards has a unique quality, setting them apart from other versions. This distinctiveness makes Chinese Pokémon cards a compelling and unique addition to any collection.
Japanese Pokémon Cards - Where it all began!
The world of Pokémon cards began with their Japanese origins. The Pokémon Company, rooted in Japan, has led the way in making Japanese Pokémon cards a beloved part of the franchise.
In the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Japanese cards featured a distinct design different from what we see today. Notably, the back of these cards differed from the current design, setting them apart from international versions. This uniqueness is further emphasised as all other Pokémon cards, whether from UK, Thailand, or China, share a standard international back design. Many Japanese Pokémon cards are also recognizable by their silver borders, contrasting with the yellow borders of international cards. However, starting from the Scarlet & Violet series, the international cards will adopt a silver rim as well.
Japanese Pokémon cards are produced in Japan and are often the first to represent new sets and eras, with international sets typically being compilations of these original Japanese collections. Exclusive to Japan are special promo boxes and cards, which have garnered international attention. Another notable aspect is the superior quality of these cards, leading many collectors to specialise in Japanese Pokémon cards.
The appeal of Japanese Pokémon cards lies in their pioneering role, unique design elements, and quality. These factors contribute to their enduring popularity and the preference of many collectors for Japanese Pokémon cards.