Japanese vs English cards: what is different
Most cards you will find in Japan are the Japanese-language versions. Here is what changes compared with the English cards you may know.
Pokémon
- Different sets and names. Japanese Pokémon sets come out first and are often smaller. Several Japanese sets are later combined into one English set with a different name, so a Japanese set name usually does not match any English set. Our pages show the Japanese name so you can find it in a shop.
- Smaller, cheaper packs. A regular Japanese expansion pack has 5 cards and costs about ¥200. High Class Packs have 10 cards and cost more. Japanese boxes hold fewer packs than English booster boxes.
- Same game, different text. The cards play the same, but the text is in Japanese. Apps and websites that scan or translate cards help if you want to play with them.
ONE PIECE
- Same set codes. ONE PIECE sets use the same code in Japanese and English (OP-10, EB-02 and so on), which makes it easy to match a Japanese set to its English version.
- 6 cards per pack. Japanese ONE PIECE booster packs have 6 cards and cost ¥220 to ¥240.
Playing in tournaments
Tournament rules about card language differ by game and by region. If you want to use Japanese cards in official events at home, check your region's rules before you buy. For collecting, language does not matter.
Quality and condition
Japanese shops grade the condition of single cards strictly and price them accordingly, so a card marked as damaged may only have a small mark. See buying single cards for the labels.
Last updated 2026-10-06.