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COLLECTOR'S GUIDE by
JAPAN.GG COLLECTOR'S GUIDE | JAPANESE POKÉMON CARDS

JAPANESE POKÉMON CARD COLLECTOR'S GUIDE
THE ORIGINAL 1996 BASE SET STARTERS

Media Factory published the original Pocket Monster card game in Japan on October 20, 1996, with Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak as partners. That's just over two years before Pokémon cards existed anywhere else.

The base set's most-collected cards are its Kanto starters and its mascot: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu. They're the four cards every new collector of vintage Japanese Pokémon cards learns first.

These cards predate the English-language TCG, which launched January 9, 1999. They also carry no rarity symbol in the corner, a detail added only in later print runs.

Below are the four to know, and where to look for them. Original 1996 Japanese Pokémon Base Set ↗

Oct 20, 1996Original Japanese Release Date
Media FactoryPublisher (with Nintendo, Creatures, Game Freak)
4Foundational Cards Covered Here
No.001 / 004 / 007 / 025Pokédex Numbers (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu)
~2 Years EarlierThan the English-Language TCG Debut
No Rarity SymbolA Base-Set-Era Print Detail
Look For 1996 BASE SET The original printing → eBay Look For NO RARITY SYMBOL Base-set-era print detail → eBay
NO.001 · GRASS1996 Japanese Bulbasaur Card GET ITEM 🔥(eBay) NO.004 · FIRE1996 Japanese Charmander Card GET ITEM 🔥(eBay) NO.007 · WATER1996 Japanese Squirtle Card GET ITEM 🔥(eBay) NO.025 · ELECTRIC1996 Japanese Pikachu Card GET ITEM 🔥(eBay)

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.
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NO.002
1996 Japanese Ivysaur CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.002 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.003
1996 Japanese Venusaur CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.003 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.004
1996 Japanese Charmander CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.004 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.005
1996 Japanese Charmeleon CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.005 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.006
1996 Japanese Charizard CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.006 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.007
1996 Japanese Squirtle CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.007 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.008
1996 Japanese Wartortle CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.008 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.009
1996 Japanese Blastoise CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.009 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.010
1996 Japanese Caterpie CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.010 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.011
1996 Japanese Metapod CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.011 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.012
1996 Japanese Butterfree CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.012 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.013
1996 Japanese Weedle CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.013 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.014
1996 Japanese Kakuna CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.014 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.015
1996 Japanese Beedrill CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.015 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.016
1996 Japanese Pidgey CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.016 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.017
1996 Japanese Pidgeotto CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.017 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.018
1996 Japanese Pidgeot CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.018 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.019
1996 Japanese Rattata CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.019 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.020
1996 Japanese Raticate CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.020 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.021
1996 Japanese Spearow CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.021 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.022
1996 Japanese Fearow CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.022 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.023
1996 Japanese Ekans CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.023 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.024
1996 Japanese Arbok CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.024 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.025
1996 Japanese Pikachu CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.025 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.026
1996 Japanese Raichu CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.026 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.027
1996 Japanese Sandshrew CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.027 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.028
1996 Japanese Sandslash CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.028 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.029
1996 Japanese Nidoran ♀ CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.029 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.030
1996 Japanese Nidorina CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.030 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.031
1996 Japanese Nidoqueen CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.031 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.032
1996 Japanese Nidoran ♂ CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.032 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.033
1996 Japanese Nidorino CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.033 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.034
1996 Japanese Nidoking CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.034 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.035
1996 Japanese Clefairy CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.035 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.036
1996 Japanese Clefable CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.036 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.037
1996 Japanese Vulpix CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.037 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.038
1996 Japanese Ninetales CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.038 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.039
1996 Japanese Jigglypuff CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.039 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.040
1996 Japanese Wigglytuff CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.040 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.041
1996 Japanese Zubat CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.041 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.042
1996 Japanese Golbat CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.042 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.043
1996 Japanese Oddish CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.043 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.044
1996 Japanese Gloom CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.044 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.045
1996 Japanese Vileplume CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.045 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.046
1996 Japanese Paras CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.046 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.047
1996 Japanese Parasect CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.047 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.048
1996 Japanese Venonat CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.048 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.049
1996 Japanese Venomoth CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.049 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.050
1996 Japanese Diglett CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.050 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.051
1996 Japanese Dugtrio CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.051 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.052
1996 Japanese Meowth CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.052 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.053
1996 Japanese Persian CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.053 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.054
1996 Japanese Psyduck CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.054 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.055
1996 Japanese Golduck CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.055 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.056
1996 Japanese Mankey CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.056 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.057
1996 Japanese Primeape CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.057 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.058
1996 Japanese Growlithe CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.058 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.059
1996 Japanese Arcanine CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.059 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.060
1996 Japanese Poliwag CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.060 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.061
1996 Japanese Poliwhirl CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.061 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.062
1996 Japanese Poliwrath CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.062 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.063
1996 Japanese Abra CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.063 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.064
1996 Japanese Kadabra CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.064 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.065
1996 Japanese Alakazam CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.065 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.066
1996 Japanese Machop CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.066 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.067
1996 Japanese Machoke CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.067 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.068
1996 Japanese Machamp CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.068 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.069
1996 Japanese Bellsprout CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.069 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.070
1996 Japanese Weepinbell CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.070 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.071
1996 Japanese Victreebel CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.071 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.072
1996 Japanese Tentacool CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.072 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.073
1996 Japanese Tentacruel CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.073 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.074
1996 Japanese Geodude CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.074 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.075
1996 Japanese Graveler CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.075 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.076
1996 Japanese Golem CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.076 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.077
1996 Japanese Ponyta CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.077 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.078
1996 Japanese Rapidash CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.078 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.079
1996 Japanese Slowpoke CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.079 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.080
1996 Japanese Slowbro CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.080 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.081
1996 Japanese Magnemite CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.081 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.082
1996 Japanese Magneton CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.082 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.083
1996 Japanese Farfetch'd CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.083 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.084
1996 Japanese Doduo CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.084 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.085
1996 Japanese Dodrio CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.085 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.086
1996 Japanese Seel CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.086 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.087
1996 Japanese Dewgong CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.087 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.088
1996 Japanese Grimer CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.088 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.089
1996 Japanese Muk CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.089 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.090
1996 Japanese Shellder CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.090 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.091
1996 Japanese Cloyster CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.091 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.092
1996 Japanese Gastly CardThe Ghost-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.092 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.093
1996 Japanese Haunter CardThe Ghost-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.093 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.094
1996 Japanese Gengar CardThe Ghost-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.094 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.095
1996 Japanese Onix CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.095 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.096
1996 Japanese Drowzee CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.096 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.097
1996 Japanese Hypno CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.097 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.098
1996 Japanese Krabby CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.098 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.099
1996 Japanese Kingler CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.099 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.100
1996 Japanese Voltorb CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.100 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.101
1996 Japanese Electrode CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.101 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.102
1996 Japanese Exeggcute CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.102 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.103
1996 Japanese Exeggutor CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.103 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.104
1996 Japanese Cubone CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.104 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.105
1996 Japanese Marowak CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.105 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.106
1996 Japanese Hitmonlee CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.106 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.107
1996 Japanese Hitmonchan CardThe Fighting-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.107 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.108
1996 Japanese Lickitung CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.108 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.109
1996 Japanese Koffing CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.109 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.110
1996 Japanese Weezing CardThe Poison-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.110 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.111
1996 Japanese Rhyhorn CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.111 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.112
1996 Japanese Rhydon CardThe Ground-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.112 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.113
1996 Japanese Chansey CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.113 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.114
1996 Japanese Tangela CardThe Grass-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.114 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.115
1996 Japanese Kangaskhan CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.115 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.116
1996 Japanese Horsea CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.116 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.117
1996 Japanese Seadra CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.117 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.118
1996 Japanese Goldeen CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.118 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.119
1996 Japanese Seaking CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.119 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.120
1996 Japanese Staryu CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.120 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.121
1996 Japanese Starmie CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.121 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.122
1996 Japanese Mr. Mime CardThe Psychic-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.122 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.123
1996 Japanese Scyther CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.123 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.124
1996 Japanese Jynx CardThe Ice-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.124 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.125
1996 Japanese Electabuzz CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.125 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.126
1996 Japanese Magmar CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.126 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.127
1996 Japanese Pinsir CardThe Bug-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.127 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.128
1996 Japanese Tauros CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.128 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.129
1996 Japanese Magikarp CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.129 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.130
1996 Japanese Gyarados CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.130 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.131
1996 Japanese Lapras CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.131 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.132
1996 Japanese Ditto CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.132 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.133
1996 Japanese Eevee CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.133 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.134
1996 Japanese Vaporeon CardThe Water-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.134 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.135
1996 Japanese Jolteon CardThe Electric-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.135 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.136
1996 Japanese Flareon CardThe Fire-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.136 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.137
1996 Japanese Porygon CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.137 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.138
1996 Japanese Omanyte CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.138 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.139
1996 Japanese Omastar CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.139 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.140
1996 Japanese Kabuto CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.140 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.141
1996 Japanese Kabutops CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.141 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.142
1996 Japanese Aerodactyl CardThe Rock-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.142 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.143
1996 Japanese Snorlax CardThe Normal-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.143 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.144
1996 Japanese Articuno CardThe Legendary Ice-type card from the original 1996 base set — No.144 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.145
1996 Japanese Zapdos CardThe Legendary Electric-type card from the original 1996 base set — No.145 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.146
1996 Japanese Moltres CardThe Legendary Fire-type card from the original 1996 base set — No.146 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.147
1996 Japanese Dratini CardThe Dragon-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.147 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.148
1996 Japanese Dragonair CardThe Dragon-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.148 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.149
1996 Japanese Dragonite CardThe Dragon-type Pokémon's original Japanese card from the 1996 base set. No.149 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.150
1996 Japanese Mewtwo CardThe Legendary Psychic-type card from the original 1996 base set — No.150 in the National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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NO.151
1996 Japanese Mew CardThe Mythical final card of the set — No.151, closing out the original 1996 National Pokédex. Oct 1996.
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FAQ

Quick Answers

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.

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 look for.

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 bottom corner — a feature added only in later print runs. Card stock and print details also differ from modern reprints, so it's worth confirming condition with a seller before buying.