1. Why Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards?
Japanese Pokémon cards are a collector’s dream - and for good reason. They are often released months ahead of their international counterparts, giving collectors early access to new mechanics, artworks, and chase cards. You will find promos, limited-edition cards, and exclusive sets that never leave Japan. And if you are serious about quality, Japan’s printing standards are unmatched: tighter centering, vibrant colors, and premium card stock make them ideal for grading and display.
But it’s not just about looks — pull rates in Japanese sets are another big reason collectors keep coming back. In a typical booster box, you’re guaranteed one Super Rare (SR) or higher, which could be a Special Art Rare (SAR), Hyper Rare (HR), or even a gold Ultra Rare (UR) if luck is on your side. Unlike international sets, this guarantee adds consistency — and makes every box feel worth the investment.
Whether you are drawn by the artwork, motivated by rarity, or simply enjoy the excitement of opening a new set before it reaches Western markets, Japanese Pokémon cards offer an unparalleled collecting experience. They deliver superior quality and exceptional pack-opening satisfaction.
In the pictures above, you can see a sealed booster box along with several booster packs of White Flare from the new Black Bolt & White Flare release. This highly anticipated set sold out quickly everywhere in Japan and internationally, sparking a rush among collectors eager to get their hands on these rare cards before its international release.
2. Understanding Japanese Pokémon Card Rarities
Understanding Japanese card rarities is key to knowing what you are pulling and what it is worth. Japan uses a different rarity system than English cards, and with new sets recently introducing more layers (like ARs and SARs), it helps to have a clear breakdown.
3. What are Pull Rates Like in Japanese Sets?
In a typical Japanese booster box (30 packs), you are guaranteed one Super Rare (SR) or higher. That “higher” could be something like a Special Art Rare (SAR), Hyper Rare (HR), or even an Ultra Rare (UR) gold card - but pulling those is less common. On top of that, most boxes contain a few “hits” like Double Rares (RR) and Triple Rares (RRR), plus several holographic cards.
Some newer sets also include Art Rares (AR) and Special Art Rares (SAR). These aren’t guaranteed, but if the set includes them, you can usually expect two or three Art Rares (AR) per box - and maybe, just maybe, one Special Art Rare (SAR) if you are lucky.
Additionally there are High-Class Sets, like VSTAR Universe or Shiny Treasure ex. These are smaller (10 packs per box) but packed with hits. You will find multiple full arts, guaranteed rares in every pack, and even shiny Pokémon or gold cards. These are great for collectors who want a high-density opening experience and are often released in December.
Compared to English sets, Japanese pull rates are more consistent and rewarding.In English booster boxes, there’s no guaranteed SR, and hitting a chase card — especially alt arts or SAR equivalents — can take several boxes. That’s one of the reasons collectors turn to Japanese products: better odds, better print quality, and a better overall experience.
4. How to Find Cards Using Doorzo?
Doorzo makes buying Japanese Pokémon cards easy - no matter where you are or whether you speak a single word of Japanese.
Here is how to get started:
4.1. Visit Doorzo.com
Choose English (or your preferred language) from the top menu to browse comfortably.
4.2. Search for Pokémon Cards
Use keywords like “Pokemon cards,” set names, or even specific Pokémon (e.g., “Charizard” or “Eevee”). You can search in English!
4.3. Getting More Accurate Results
For better targeting, go to the “TCGs” section and select Pokémon Trading Card Game.
This will filter out unrelated items and show you singles, booster boxes, promo cards, and more—all in one place.
4.4. One Click Translation
Found the perfect card, but the listing is in Japanese? No problem. Doorzo offers one-click translation for both the title and full item description.
4.5. Add to Cart & Checkout
Once you find the item you want, simply add it to your cart and place your order. Doorzo will purchase the item from the Japanese seller on your behalf.
When it arrives at our warehouse in Japan, you'll get a notification. At that point, you choose your preferred international shipping method and pay for shipping separately. Once that’s done, we’ll send the item straight to your door—wherever you are in the world.
*4.6. Optional Services
When you buy an item, you can choose from a range of optional services during checkout to make your purchase safer and more transparent. These include Item Inspection Service, Pre-Storage Photo, and Doorzo Authenticate.
5. How to Avoid Scams
The rising demand for Japanese Pokémon cards has given rise to an increase in scammers trying to exploit collectors. From counterfeit listings and unverified sellers to vague or misleading descriptions of card condition, it is essential to recognise potential warning signs and take appropriate measures to safeguard your purchases.
In A Collector’s Guide II: Safely Buying Japanese Pokémon Cards Using Doorzo, we walk you through everything you need to safely navigate the marketplace—how to verify sellers, avoid common scams, and ensure your purchases arrive just as expected.
