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COLLECTOR'S GUIDE by

JAPANESE POKEMON CARDS GUIDE

JAPANESE POKÉMON CARD COLLECTOR'S GUIDE
THE COMPLETE 1996 BASE SET CHECKLIST

Q: When did the original Japanese Pokémon cards come out?

The original Japanese Pocket Monster card game launched on October 20, 1996, published by Media Factory in partnership with Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak — just over two years before the English-language Pokémon TCG debuted on January 9, 1999.

Q: Why are Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle the cards to know first?

Pikachu is the franchise mascot, and Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are the three Kanto starter Pokémon — all four appeared in the original 1996 base set and are usually the first cards new collectors of vintage Japanese Pokémon cards look for.

The original Pocket Monster card game launched in October 20, 1996 in Japan by publishers Nintendo?Nintendo · Est. 1889Founded in Kyoto in 1889 as a playing-card maker, now the company behind the Switch and Pokémon., Creatures?Creatures Inc. · Est. 1995Founded in Tokyo in 1995 — co-developer of the Pokémon games and the original trading card designs., and Game Freak?Game Freak · Est. 1989Founded by Satoshi Tajiri in 1989 — the studio that designed the original Pokémon video games. — over two years before the English-language TCG. Four of the most-collected cards are the Kanto starters and mascot: Bulbasaur?No. 001The Grass-type Seed Pokémon and first entry in the National Pokédex., Charmander?No. 004The Fire-type Lizard Pokémon, with a flame that burns at the tip of its tail., Squirtle?No. 007The Water-type Tiny Turtle Pokémon, known for its sturdy shell., and Pikachu?No. 025The Electric-type Mouse Pokémon and the franchise's mascot., covered below. Original 1996 Japanese Pokémon Base Set ↗

FAQ

Quick Answers

When did the original Japanese Pokémon cards come out?

The original Pocket Monster card game launched October 20, 1996, from Media Factory with Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak — before the English-language TCG.

Why are Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle the cards to know first?

Pikachu is the mascot, and Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are the three Kanto starters — the four cards new collectors learn first.

How can you tell an original Japanese Pokémon card from a reprint?

Original 1996 base set cards carry Japanese-language text throughout and no rarity symbol in the corner — a detail added only in later print runs. Confirm condition with the seller before buying.

COMPLETE 1996 JAPANESE POKÉMON CARD CHECKLIST

ALL 151 ORIGINAL POCKET MONSTER CARDS, BULBASAUR TO MEW BY

NO.001

1996 Japanese Bulbasaur CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.001 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.