If you are serious about collecting Pokémon cards, it helps to understand which type of booster box suits you best. There are considerable differences between English and Japanese booster boxes, and it can be confusing when you are just starting out or want to expand your collection.

In this blog we explain everything about the differences between the two, so you can pick what fits you best. Whether you are a collector or a player, here is everything you need to know.

1. Contents and card distribution

English booster boxes

An English Pokémon booster box usually contains 36 booster packs, with 10 cards per pack. The standard distribution is as follows:

• 1 energy card
• 3 Common cards
• 3 Uncommon cards
• 1 Reverse Holo card
• 1 Rare, Holo or better card
• 1 code card for Pokémon TCG Online

English sets usually have more variety in cards, which means it can sometimes be harder to find specific cards. If you are after particular cards, you often need some patience. Want to know exactly what is in a pack and how that used to be different? That is in our blog on how many cards are in a booster pack.

Japanese booster boxes

Unlike the English boxes, a Japanese booster box contains 20 to 30 booster packs, with 5 to 7 cards each. Japanese packs contain no energy card (unless it is a special set) and you often get a holographic card in every pack. The distribution is:

• 3 Common cards
• 1 Uncommon card
• 1 Rare, Holo or better card

The hit rate is often higher in Japanese boxes, which means you can pull a rare or holographic card more often.

2. Print quality and card finish

English cards

The quality of English Pokémon cards can vary. Many collectors note that centering issues and production faults such as white edges and a weaker holofoil layer do occur. The quality has improved in recent years, but there is still a difference between English and Japanese cards.

Japanese cards

Japanese cards are printed by Creatures Inc. and are known for their excellent print quality. The advantages of Japanese cards are:

• Bright, vivid colours
• Tighter finish
• Fewer production faults
• Higher quality holofoil effects

Because of that superior quality, Japanese cards often get a higher PSA grade, which makes them attractive to collectors. If you are looking for high quality cards, Japanese cards are often the better choice.

3. Card design and exclusivity

English versions

English versions of cards often come out later than their Japanese counterparts. Some cards that appear in Japan first are only included in English sets months later. On top of that, special English sets such as Shining Fates or Celebrations often contain cards that originally came from Japanese subset releases.

Japanese versions

Japanese sets often have exclusive releases, such as Shiny Star V and VSTAR Universe, which sometimes never come out in English at all. Japan usually gets the newest mechanics and designs first, which means Japanese collectors are always a step ahead. Japanese cards often have alternative illustrations and special holo patterns that are not found in the English sets, which makes them extra desirable.

4. Rarity and pull rates

English booster boxes

As you know, pull rates in English booster boxes are generally lower. That means you have less chance of pulling rare cards such as Alternate Arts or Secret Rares. With some bad luck you can open a box without a single one of those valuable cards.

Japanese booster boxes

Japanese booster boxes offer a higher chance of rare cards. You usually get at least one Secret Rare per box, which increases your chances of pulling valuable cards. If you are looking for a box that is sure to have a few big hits, a Japanese booster box is often the better choice.

5. Value and the collectors market

English cards

English cards often have more market value in the West. That is because most collectors in Europe and North America prefer the English versions. Rare cards such as Alternate Arts and Special Rares are highly valued by collectors looking for cards for their decks or as an investment.

Japanese cards

Japanese cards are especially popular with high-end collectors, because of their quality and exclusivity. Promo cards such as the Japanese Pikachu Illustrator and Eevee Heroes promo cards can be extremely valuable and are often harder to find. Japanese cards are therefore a smart choice for serious collectors.

Which booster box should you choose?

The choice between an English or a Japanese booster box really depends on what you are after. Here is a short overview of what suits you best:

• Do you want higher quality cards and better pull rates? Choose a Japanese booster box.
• Do you want cards with more market value in the West? Choose an English booster box.
• Are you a player who needs cards for a deck? Choose an English box, because those are the ones used officially in tournaments outside Japan.
• Are you a collector who wants unique cards? Go for Japanese exclusive releases.

Conclusion

The biggest difference is what you get per box: an English box has 36 packs of 10 cards, a Japanese box 20 to 30 packs of 5 to 7 cards, but with a higher chance of something rare and better print quality. For value in Europe, English cards are stronger; for quality and exclusivity, the Japanese ones. As you can see, each type of box has its advantages. Which one do you pick?