Ever found yourself staring at a new Pokémon card and wondering, "Should I pick this up in English or Japanese?" You're not alone! Whether you’re chasing Charizard or eyeing up Eevee, the age-old debate between English and Japanese Pokémon cards has collectors divided—especially in recent years, as buying Japanese cards outside Japan has become easier.
But here’s the deal: at Cherry, we’ve got both, so you don’t have to choose just one (but where’s the fun in that?). Let’s dig into the battle of the cards and see if one or the other comes out on top.
The Differences Between Pokémon Cards in English & Japanese
So, what’s the big deal? Sure, they feature the same Pokémon with the same artwork, but there are some differences when you dive into the details. Let’s break it down:
English Pokémon Cards
English Pokémon cards are the go-to for most collectors outside of Japan. They feature:
✅ Text in English (obviously 🙄), making them easier for non-Japanese speakers to read and play.
✅ Silver borders since Scarlet & Violet (2023-present)—matching Japanese cards. (Older English sets had yellow borders, which many collectors still love for nostalgia!)
✅ More accessible in Western markets, especially for tournaments and trading.
Japanese Pokémon Cards
Japanese Pokémon cards, on the other hand, are the OGs of the Pokémon world and come with a few unique features:
✨ Higher print quality with vibrant colours and premium finishes (though the gap has narrowed in recent years).
✨ Silver or holofoil borders, which make the artwork pop.
✨ Earlier set releases, often months before their English counterparts—perfect for hardcore fans who want the latest cards first.
Fun fact: Some cards and promo sets are exclusive to Japan, making them highly sought-after by collectors worldwide!
Market Demand for English Pokémon Cards
In Australia, English Pokémon cards are the clear favourite. Most players and collectors grew up with them, so there’s a big nostalgia factor. Whether it’s for trading, tournaments, or just showing off that shiny Mewtwo, English cards remain in hot demand.
And with the Pokémon TCG community continuing to grow, the appetite for these cards isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
Market Demand for Japanese Pokémon Cards
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Japanese Pokémon cards are gaining traction in Australia. Even non-Japanese speakers love them for their high-quality printing, exclusive artwork, and earlier releases.
Some collectors double up, hunting down their favourite cards in both English and Japanese just to have both versions in their collection. And certain Japan-only promos—like Pokémon Center exclusives—are absolute grails for collectors.
Comparing the Value of English & Japanese Cards
Let’s talk dollars and cents (or yen). While values fluctuate based on rarity, demand, and print runs, here’s a general idea:
💰 English cards can sometimes cost more because they’re in higher demand in Western markets—especially for tournament play.
💰 Japanese cards are often cheaper in Japan but can become more expensive overseas due to exclusivity, demand and shipping.
💰 Special Art Rares (SARs) & Promos in Japanese are often more valuable than their English counterparts, as some are Japan-only releases.
Should You Invest in English or Japanese Cards?
Here’s the cheeky answer: why not both?
👉 If you’re a player, English cards are the way to go for readability and accessibility.
👉 If you’re a collector, Japanese cards might be your calling for their high-quality finishes and exclusive artwork.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what sparks joy in your collection—and maybe which cards your wallet can handle!
Collect English & Japanese Pokémon Cards with Cherry Collectables
Ready to level up your Pokémon card game? Whether you’re Team English or Team Japanese (or somewhere in between), Cherry has you covered.
Check out our massive range of Pokémon cards today and find your next grail card!
Gotta catch ‘em all, right?
