Collecting Japanese cards

General
1

I was inspired by @smpratte’s recent video to start collecting some Japanese cards. I’ve only collected English set cards up to now. Does anyone have examples of Japanese products that cater to collectors? Where should I start?

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Start from the beginning…Base Set:)

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I’d suggest try to get some Japanese exclusive Promos like Mario and Luigi Pikachus etc :blush: There are lots of cool cards that were never released in English

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Exactly what @xzini said! The most exciting Japanese cards are the promos. Some have excellent art and stories.

Here is a list for the unnumbered promos. There is a part 2 to this list for modern product as well.

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I suggest cards that have different holo patterns and textures than their english counterparts, like the japanese crystal cards and shining gyarados/magikarp. Black and white series secret rares are also beautiful in japanese.

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I grew up with the Wizards English sets, so I decided to collect the Japanese equivalents of those era sets and get as many Japanese promos released during that time as well. As others have said, there are many Japanese cards/promos not released in English including the 3 Vending sets too. I’d say just start with the sets you like or perhaps some of the Japanese exclusive artworks that strike your fancy.

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7

Start with no rarities. :nerd_face:
gem mint 10s.

Realistic goals for the average collector. Blastoise no raRITY psa 10, a good one to start with. Bit cheaper then charizard at about 10kusd.

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I second the unnumbered promos! There are some true gems on that list. Pretty much every promo from that era catered to collectors…unlike the mass produced, slap a stamp on it and call it a day ones we have been getting lately.

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Here a working version of that URL that doesn’t troll you into thinking it works as you spend 2 minutes trying to figure out why the blue coloured text isn’t taking you anywhere :wink:

Also, if you’re into set collecting, I’d recommend the vending series or maybe dip your toes into a small promo set. I’ve been slowly collecting the 2002 JR Rally set and it’s been both satisfying and a relatively cheap experience.

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10

don’t forget the mighty VS set, it’s mostly japanese exclusive and has some of the most amazing artwork!

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There aren’t any left. I own them all. :sunglasses:

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12

You wish you did :ninja:

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