Walk into any Cards2Go store and you'll see as much Japanese, Korean and Chinese Pokémon product as English. Collectors love it, but if you're new to it the differences can be confusing. Here is the quick version.
Release timing and set names
Japan gets new Pokémon sets first, usually months before the English version. English sets are often built from cards that appeared in one or more Japanese sets, so the set names, set sizes and card numbers usually don't match one to one. A card you see revealed in Japan today may not reach English packs until much later. That head start is a big part of the appeal: Japanese product lets collectors chase the new cards first.
Pack and box sizes
Japanese main-set booster packs typically hold 5 cards, while English booster packs hold about 10. Box sizes differ too, and Japan also releases special "high-class" sets with their own pack and box formats. When you compare prices between languages, compare per card and per hit, not just per pack.
Look and print quality
Japanese cards use a different card back from English cards, and many collectors prefer their print quality, card stock and centering. Korean cards follow the Japanese releases closely with Korean text. Chinese releases have their own set lineup and some exclusive products, which makes them a favorite for collectors who want something different.
Can you play with them?
Asian-language cards are generally not legal at official Play! Pokémon tournaments in North America, which use cards from the international (English-back) releases. If you play competitively, check the current tournament rules. For casual games at the kitchen table, they work exactly the same.
Collecting and value
English cards are usually the easiest to buy and sell in the US. Japanese cards have strong collector demand of their own, and some Japanese cards sell for more than their English versions. Korean and Chinese cards can be a cheaper way into the same artwork. All of them can be graded by the major grading companies. To check what a specific card is worth, see our guide: How much are my cards worth?
Why where you buy matters
Asian-language boxes are a common target for resealing and "weighing" (pulling the best packs before resale). Cards2Go buys Japanese, Korean and Chinese product by the case, never as loose boxes, so the hit rates are exactly what they should be.
See it in person
Every Cards2Go store has English and Asian-language Pokémon in the cases. Check out our Pokémon page or find your nearest store.
