Difference between English and Japanese Pokémon booster boxes

By Jessie Schreuders
4 min read

If you're serious about collecting Pokémon cards, it's important to understand which type of booster box is right for you. There are significant differences between English and Japanese booster boxes , and it can be confusing if you're just starting out or looking to expand your collection.

In this blog I will explain all about the differences between these two, so you can choose what suits 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 tend to have more variety in cards, which means that it can sometimes be harder to find specific cards. If you are looking for specific cards, you often have to be patient.

Japanese Booster Boxes

Unlike the English boxes, a Japanese booster box contains 20 to 30 booster packs, each containing 5 to 7 cards. Japanese packs do not contain an Energy card (unless it is a special set) and you often get a holographic card in each pack. The breakdown is:

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

The hit rate is often higher in Japanese boxes, meaning you can draw a rare or holographic card more often.

2. Print quality and card finishing

English Maps

The quality of English Pokémon cards can vary. Many collectors note that centering and production errors such as white borders and a poor holofoil layer sometimes 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, vibrant colors
  • Tighter finish
  • Fewer production errors
  • Higher quality holofoil effects

Due to their superior quality, Japanese cards often have a higher PSA grading score, making them attractive to collectors. If you are looking for high quality cards, Japanese cards are often the best choice.

3. Card design and exclusivity

English Versions

English versions of cards often come out later than their Japanese counterparts. Some cards that first appear in Japan don't appear in English sets until months later. Additionally, special English sets such as " Shining Fates " or " Celebrations " often include 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 don’t come out in English at all. Japan usually gets the newest mechanics and designs first, meaning Japanese collectors always have a head start. Japanese cards often have alternate artwork and special holo patterns that aren’t found in the English sets, making them extra desirable.

4. Rarity and migration rates

English Booster Boxes

As you know, the pull rates in English booster boxes are usually lower. This means that you have less chance to draw rare cards like Alternate Arts or Secret Rares. With some bad luck, you can open a box without any of these 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 the chance of drawing valuable cards. If you're looking for a box that's sure to have some big hits, a Japanese booster box is often the best choice.

5. Value and collectors market

English Maps

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

Japanese Cards

Japanese cards are especially popular with high-end collectors, due to 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 Japanese booster box really depends on what you are looking for. Here is a quick overview of what suits you best:

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

As you can see, each type of box has its advantages. It all depends on what you are looking for as a collector or player. Which one do you choose?