How To Buy Japanese Pokemon Cards & Top 5 Booster Boxes

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japanese-pokemon-cards

With unique artwork, exclusive cards, and a dedicated fanbase, Japanese Pokemon cards are in demand more than ever. Looking for a place to start? In this blog, we will showcase buying tips and recommend the most sought-after booster boxes so that you can find the best Japanese pokemon booster box  to add to your 2024 collection.

1. Why Are Japanese Pokemon Cards Worth Collecting?

Japanese Pokemon TCG cards are highly sought after for their unique artwork and designs, with many belonging to the Special Art Rare (SAR) class. These exclusive designs are not reprinted in English, preserving their uniqueness in Japan.

The exclusive artwork makes these cards more appealing to buyers outside Japan, who can usually only obtain them through online sellers unless they visit Japan in person. Some people love to sell Japanese pokemon cards, which are more profitable and less prone to price swings than their English counterparts.

With reprints being more common in English than Japanese, the value of rare cards drops sharply when reissued. Sellers aiming to profit from English cards risk holding onto “assets” for too long, often resulting in losses or a struggle to break even.

Japanese cards are generally more prized by completionists than English ones due to their rarity. With fewer Japanese cards in circulation and shorter print runs, those needed to complete a set are highly sought after.

Japanese-Pokemon-cards-have-unique-artwork-and-designs
Japanese Pokemon cards have unique artwork and designs

2. How Do Japanese Pokemon Cards Differ from English Versions?

There are quite a few differences between Japanese and English Pokémon cards. For clarity, we will focus on two main aspects: card design and products, and then examine the finer details within each category.

2.1. Differences in Card Design

Back of the Card: One of the clearest differences between Japanese and English Pokémon cards is in the backing design. Japanese cards now have a distinct back after moving from the old Pocket Monster style, while English cards continue to feature their iconic blue backing.

Japanese-cards-have-a-distinct-back
Japanese cards have a distinct back

Border Color: Apart from a unique backing, Japanese pokemon cards have long featured a silver border, which English cards only adopted with the Scarlet & Violet release. This shift is welcomed by collectors and players, as the silver border often compliments card artwork more effectively than yellow.

Japanese-pokemon-cards-have-a-silver-border
Japanese pokemon cards have a silver border

Paper Quality: You will notice this difference primarily when stacking or holding the cards: English cards are thicker and opaque, except in older WOTC sets, while Japanese cards use a thinner paper material.

Holofoil: One of the key features of Japanese pokemon cards is the unique holofoil effects, which reflect light in unique ways and are more common than on English cards, making them highly desirable among collectors. Japanese cards also have a glossy finish, giving them a higher quality feel, and promo cards are often designed with unique holofoil patterns.

2.2. Differences in Products

Booster Boxes & Booster Packs: The structure of booster packs and boxes is a primary difference between Japanese and English Pokemon cards. English pokemon packs hold 10 cards, and boxes have 36 packs, while Japanese pokemon packs contain only 5 cards and a booster box has 30 packs. 

The design of Japanese pokemon cards booster box, which showcases the full set’s artwork on the front, stands in contrast to the simpler look of English boxes, resulting in a unique opening experience.

Many fans say that English products offer more for the cost, while collectors often prefer Japanese ones as they usually have fewer duplicates and less low-value card waste. However, special Japanese pokemon sets come with 10 cards as well.

Pull rates: Pull rates are an important consideration when contrasting products. As the franchise has developed, rare chase cards and valuable hits have become harder to pull, with in-demand cards like the Eevee Heroes being notably difficult to find.

However, if you buy Japanese pokemon booster boxes, they guarantee at least one Secret Rare card, offering collectors peace of mind about their purchase. English booster boxes, by contrast, provide no guarantee of a rare card.

Japanese-booster-box-showcases-the-full-artwork-on-the-front
Japanese booster box showcases the full artwork on the front

Availability and Print runs: Finding a desired card from Japanese pokemon card sets might be harder than it looks, because Japanese print runs are often shorter, and availability lessens over time. English cards, however, are more broadly accessible around the world.

Because Japanese pokemon cards are largely available only in Japan, they can be challenging to source abroad. Collectors and players may need to use online marketplaces or import them, which can add both costs and delays.

In contrast, English cards are available in many regions, such as the US and UK. They are sold at most hobby shops, toy stores, and online retailers, making them both more accessible and budget-friendly for players and collectors.

Pokemon Singles: With Japanese pokemon cards being scarcer and harder to find, getting specific singles on eBay or from local game stores can be a challenge. English sets, however, are easier to complete, thanks to greater availability in card shops and online stores.

Exclusive Products: The blossom country ranks first for exclusive, Japanese pokemon cards wholesale. Collectors who focus on sealed products, promo cards, and movie releases seek out these rarities, including the well-known the Precious Collector Box and Munch Scream series.

>>> Read more: Top 30+ Most Expensive Pokemon Cards Of All Time

3. What Are Japanese Pokemon Booster Boxes?

Western collectors and Pokemon enthusiasts often seek out Japanese cards, which are both rare and highly valued. Buying booster boxes is one of the best ways to discover those elusive Japanese Pokemon cards!

Real Japanese boxes generally contain about 100 to 150 cards in each pack, with unique artwork, promotional items, and Japan-only cards, which makes them a valuable addition for collectors. It is a wonderful chance to enjoy exclusive Pokémon artwork while enabling you to build decks with combinations not typically available using English cards.

Tracking down rare Japanese cards individually can be challenging, as they are frequently scooped up in the West. However, by investing in top-quality Japanese pokemon booster boxes, you have a chance to find rare cards without the premium of secondhand prices.

A standard Japanese Pokemon booster box usually includes 20 to 30 packs, each with 5 to 7 cards.  This makes it easy to quickly collect Japanese cards and assemble decks for Japanese formats. Furthermore, booster boxes can maintain considerable value over time. New Japanese pokemon set frequently appreciates in price, particularly after distribution stops, positioning 

4. Best Japanese Pokemon Sets To Buy In 2024

We have meticulously selected the top 5 Japanese booster boxes anticipated to make an impact in 2024, based on factors like card rarity, collectible worth, artwork quality, and the excitement each set creates.

Pokemon Raging Surf: In the past year, Raging Surf might be the most underrated set to launch. Its stunning artwork and stable booster box pricing make it a balanced choice. Do not miss some of Scarlet & Violet’s standout pieces, such as Parasol Lady, Groudon SR, and Garchomp SAR.

Pokemon-Raging-Surf
Pokemon Raging Surf

Pokemon Triplet Beat: Triplet Beat, the Japanese forerunner to Paldea Evolved, highlights Scarlet & Violet’s starter trio in bold colors and designs, making it a standout for art collectors. With valuable pulls like Meowscarada Ex and the beloved Dendra Trainer Card, this set offers a great selection of illustration art rares without a hefty price tag.

Pokemon-Triplet-Beat
Pokemon Triplet Beat

Pokemon Snow Hazard: The beautiful Snow Hazard set earns a spot here, released with the pricey Clay Burst. While Clay Burst includes the rare Iono Trainer card, Snow Hazard’s snowy, clean design is more appealing overall and much more affordable. Snow Hazard is likely to appreciate in value, but for now, it is an affordable set worth adding to your collection.

Pokemon-Snow-Hazard
Pokemon Snow Hazard

Pokemon Shiny Treasure: Collectors and fans alike are excited about the latest Japanese High-Class set, the largest Pokemon set so far with over 130 Shiny Pokemon, Full Arts, Baby Shinies, and gorgeous Secret Rares. For now, Shiny Treasure EX is more affordable than other high-class options, making it a fantastic choice for fans of Shiny Pokemon.

Pokemon-Shiny-Treasure
Pokemon Shiny Treasure

VSTAR Universe: VSTAR Universe, which debuted in late 2022, became the iconic Crown Zenith set. By 2023, it remains unmatched in the Japanese market for artwork, card value, pricing, and satisfaction. Although the booster box includes only 10 packs instead of the usual 30, each pack is loaded with double the cards and includes 3 guaranteed Holo cards. Priced affordably, this set provides a wide array of Full Art Trainers, Galarian Gallery cards, and much more!

VSTAR-Universe
VSTAR Universe

>>> Read more: Top 25 Most Expensive & Rarest Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards In The World

5. How to buy from Pokémon Center Japan?

You must be wondering how to buy Pokemon from Japan can buy new releases you see on the website every week. It’s not necessary to go to Japan to buy these things instead you can buy them at home sitting on your comfy sofa at the original retail price and shipped to your home. Keep reading this article, and we will provide you with a complete guide on how to buy Pokémon stuff from japan.

As the Pokémon Center, Japan does not ship internationally, and you have to use Proxy Shopping service like Janbox to buy from Japan. Janbox is one of the biggest proxy service shopping websites, where you can buy artistic and durable Japanese products worldwide. It has made online shopping easy in Japan as it is reliable and provides shipping internationally. This company, act as an intermediary between you and the retailer, order items to a local retailer, do all necessary stuff such as shipping, customs clearance, and parcel insurance on your behalf.

Here we will tell eight super easy steps to make your shopping experience easy and fantastic with Pokémon center

7 Easy Steps to buy pokemon from Japan

5.1. Step 1:  Go to the website to buy Pokemon from Japan

If you want to buy Pokemon toys from Japan, go to the official website of the Pokémon center.

5.2. Step 2:  Search the desired product

Search your favorite products and buy Pokémon cards from Japan or whatever else you want. You can do it in two ways

  • Click on the search bar on the website header’s left side and search for the product you wish to buy. By this, you will reach the page on which the products matching your keyword are listed
  • You can Search By the main menu. Nevertheless, you cannot read the main men if you do not know Japanese.

There are five tabs on the homepage, and we can search for products in 5 different categories.

  • New Releases
  • Search by Campaign
  • You can search by Category
  • Search by Pokémon
  • Top Sellers

Now, you can go to your desired category and can find your favorite Pokémon product you want. I have also provided the link to these categories above for your ease.

Buy-japanese-pokemon-cards-on-Janbox

5.3. Step 3: Read product page

Curious about how to buy Pokemon cards from Japan? Read the product page. Although the product page is also written in Japanese, it is super easy to read the table’s description at the bottom left corner of the product page. Where each column represent the following information respectively

  • Product Number
  • Release Date
  • Height and Weight (Shipping Cost estimator)
  • Country of region
  • Remarks

5.4. Step 4: Copy link product

By now, I hope, you have searched for your desired Pokémon cards/toys. Now Go to the product page and copy the product link. You can copy the product link using the Steps given below.

  • Take the Cursor to the address bar.
  • Press CTRL+A to select the entire address
  • Press CTRL+C to copy the address

Now you have successfully copied the address of the product.

5.5. Step 5: Paste the link

Now you have to paste the link to order your Pokémon stuff from Japan. Follow these steps to paste the link.

  • Go to https://janbox.com
  • Click on Quick order on the left side of the header.
  • Sign Up with your email
  • Click on Pokémon and paste your link.

Note! If your product has variations in sizes and colors, please provide the details in the description box for the best shopping experience and buy Pokemon cards in Japan.

5.6. Step 6: Make a payment

Now, you have to pay for your order on the Janbox account page.

5.7. Step 7: Shipping method and shipping address

After payment, we will buy goods on your behalf and store them in our warehouse. When your product will reach our warehouse. Furthermore, we will send you an email and then you just have to follow these steps.

  • Now, you have to choose the shipping method of your choice. We also provide services of repacking your package before shipping.
  • Then, you have to provide your delivery address. You have access to edit titles and values in the shipping label.

5.8. Step 8: Shipping cost

Now, you have to provide the shipping cost. The shipping cost will be the same as the international Shipping Rate. You will be provided a tracking number to track your order.

Now, you have completed the process. All you have to do now is to wait for your shipping.

We hope that this guide was beneficial for you! If you have any confusion or have any queries, contact us.

6. Why you should use our services?

Whether it is a child or an adult, everyone loves Pokemon. And all they want is to find a place that can bring them the best Pokemon stuff from all the way from Jpan to their home. If you are one of those people then you should check Janbox proxy services. We bring you the best Japanese products that you can only find in Japan other than Janbox.

We provide you a platform from where you can order any Japanese products and then through our proxy services, we deliver the best goods to you. Our service is timely and reliable and we pay attention to customer service. We are the biggest proxy service website that provides the best goods from the best Japanese brands.

Furthermore, we have created our business on a moto and that moto is to help people find high-quality Japanese products that they can only find only in Japan. So to get the best Pokemon products from Japan, buy Janbox proxy service.

>>> Read more: How To Buy From Yahoo Auctions Japan? – Janbox Japanese Proxy Service

Conclusion

Starting the journey to buy Japanese Pokemon cards and selecting from the best booster boxes of 2024 reveals a treasure trove of unique designs and rare finds. Hopefully this blog will provide the knowledge you need to confidently collect valuable cards. Visit Janbox today to start your journey with the best Pokemon cards from Japan!

We gives you their valuable services for your ease of shopping, therefore. Our aim is to make online shopping serene for international customers in Japan. We buy quality Japanese products on your behalf and ship them to your address.

Moreover, other products also have been integrated from the best Japanese shopping websites such as Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Yahoo! Auctions, Rakuma,…..  Janbox aims to provide the most effortless way to shop from Japan.

Website: https://janbox.com

Email: [email protected]

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Thanh Hoa, the author of blog.janbox.com, is a talented content writer at Janbox. A Vietnamese living in Japan, Thanh Hoa is passionate about exploring and deeply understanding Japanese culture. She is fluent in three languages: Vietnamese, English, and Japanese. With a multicultural perspective and real-life experience in Japan, Thanh Hoa brings authentic and highly informative articles about international shopping, e-commerce, and unique aspects of Japanese culture. Through her writings, Thanh Hoa aims to inspire, educate, and connect readers with the world of cross-border shopping in an easy and effective way. blog.janbox.com is not just a platform for sharing knowledge but also a bridge that helps readers gain a deeper understanding of cultural values and shopping opportunities from Japan through Thanh Hoa's lens.