Japanese vs English Pokémon Cards: What's the Difference in Value?

MV Guides · Pokémon TCG

Japanese Pokémon cards are hugely popular with collectors in Australia, and they often look almost identical to the English versions. But they're different cards, with their own set names, numbering and prices, and mixing them up is one of the easiest ways to misjudge what a card is worth.

Sets and numbers are different

Japanese sets are released under their own names and codes, often before the English version, and they're frequently split or combined differently when they come to English. The card number on a Japanese card usually won't match the English card number. So when you look up a price, always include the language, and use the set name and number exactly as printed on your card.

Why prices differ

• Print runs and demand aren't the same, so one language can be scarcer or more wanted than the other for the same Pokémon.
• Some cards only exist in Japanese (special sets and promos), and some artwork differs.
• Grading: a graded Japanese card and a graded English card are separate markets. A PSA 10 Japanese card should only be compared with other PSA 10 Japanese copies of the same card.

A real example

The 2021 Japanese 25th Anniversary Collection #020 Pikachu V in PSA 10 sold 8 times on eBay in early October 2026, for between about A$46 and A$100, with a typical (median) sale of about A$75. Those were all from US sellers, so an Australian buyer paid roughly A$29 more for postage on top.

Example figures from MV's Market Value guide (eBay sold listings, 3–18 Oct 2026, converted to AUD at each sale date's exchange rate). Past sales, not a valuation.

How to compare properly

1. Note the language, set, card number and rarity exactly as printed.
2. Decide whether it's raw (and its condition) or graded (company and grade).
3. Compare only with sold prices for that same language, card and grade.