Japanese Pokémon Cards Surge in Popularity
Share
4 Out of the Top 10 PSA Graded Cards in October 2025 Are From Japan
If you needed another sign that Japanese Pokémon cards are taking over the hobby, look no further than the latest PSA grading trends.
According to recent grading data, Japanese cards made up 4 of the Top 10 most-graded Pokémon cards in October 2025 — a clear signal that collectors and investors around the world are recognising their value.
Why Japanese Cards Are Leading the Charge
Over the past year, Japanese sets have gained incredible traction. Collectors are realising what long-time fans already knew: Japan produces the best-quality Pokémon cards in the world. From sharper centering to richer print colours and exclusive artwork, Japanese cards consistently grade higher and hold stronger long-term appeal.
Combine that with exclusive promos, limited Pokémon Center releases, and Japan-only campaign cards — and it’s easy to see why PSA submissions are exploding.
Grading companies like PSA and CGC are now reporting record submission volumes for Japanese promos, with many cards achieving gem-mint 10s at rates far above their English counterparts.
🔟 Top-Graded Pokémon Cards – October 2025 (Highlighting Japanese Entries)
| Rank | Card / Set | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pikachu McDonald’s Promo – Japanese SV-P #020 | The #1 most graded card in October 2025. Japanese version dominates pop reports thanks to high demand and wide availability. |
| 2 | Iono’s Wattrel – Japanese Battle Partners Box Promo #232/SV-P | One of Japan’s most sought-after 2025 promos, part of the Battle Partners campaign. Exceptional gem rate. |
| 3 | Pikachu Scarlet & Violet Pre-Order Promo – Japanese SV-P #001 | A launch-era promo that continues to surge in grading submissions. Clean design and nostalgic Pikachu artwork make it a favourite. |
| 4 | Illustration Contest 2024 Pikachu Promo – Japanese SV-P | Collector favourite with low print and high grade potential. The Japanese version’s vibrant holo pattern outshines the English reprint. |
| 5 | Charizard ex – 151 | English version still ranks high for raw volume, but the Japanese print commands premium prices in PSA 10. |
| 6 | Umbreon ex SAR – Terastal Festival ex (SV8a-T) | One of the standout modern cards of 2025, often referred to as a “future grail” among collectors. |
| 7 | Mew ex SAR – Stellar Miracle | Continuing the trend of beautiful Japanese full-art prints with exceptional gem rates. |
| 8 | Mewtwo ex SAR – Black Bolt (SV10a) | Black Bolt’s premium pack ratio and unique artwork make this one of the year’s most-graded Japanese modern cards. |
| 9 | Pikachu VMAX – VSTAR Universe | Still one of the most graded cards of the modern era; collectors love the Japanese gold-border version. |
| 10 | Charizard ex SAR – Shiny Treasure ex | The flagship card from the 2023 High Class set continues to dominate PSA submissions worldwide. |
(Based on PSA population trends and GemRate October 2025 data)
Why Collectors Are Turning to Japan
-
Superior Print Quality – Japanese cards consistently achieve higher PSA 10 rates due to better centering, cutting, and foil application.
-
Exclusive Artwork – Many promos and sets never release internationally, creating built-in scarcity.
-
Collector Culture – Japan treats Pokémon as a heritage brand, with premium packaging and limited-run campaigns that drive long-term collectability.
-
Global Resale Strength – Graded Japanese cards are now trading for record highs, particularly for Pikachu, Eeveelutions, and promo exclusives.
-
Lower Entry Prices (for now) – Despite their rising popularity, raw Japanese cards often remain more affordable than their English equivalents — offering greater upside when graded.
What This Means for Collectors and Investors
The message is simple: Japanese Pokémon cards are now essential for any serious collection or long-term portfolio.
Modern promos, campaign exclusives, and high-class sets like Shiny Treasure ex, Terastal Festival ex, and Black Bolt are showing consistent growth both in popularity and graded value.
With 4 of the Top 10 PSA submissions now coming from Japan, the global spotlight has shifted — and collectors are following fast.
If you’re just getting started, Japanese booster boxes and packs are still relatively accessible — and the pull rates are fantastic compared to English prints. Every sealed box holds real potential for high-grade cards that could perform strongly in the future.
Where to Find Japanese Pokémon Cards
At TC Game, we stock the latest Japanese Pokémon booster boxes and exclusive releases — all authentic, factory-sealed, and shipped fast from Australia.
Explore top releases like:
-
🟢 Shiny Treasure ex (High Class)
-
🔵 Terastal Festival ex
-
🔴 Black Bolt & White Flare
-
🟣 Battle Partners
-
⚫ Stellar Miracle & Night Wanderer
Whether you’re collecting for fun or investing for the long term, there’s never been a better time to get involved in Japanese Pokémon cards.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The October 2025 PSA data confirms what many collectors already suspected:
Japan now leads the Pokémon grading world.
With rising global demand, stronger gem-rates, and unmatched artwork, Japanese Pokémon cards have officially entered their golden era.
Whether you’re chasing your first PSA 10 or adding to an existing portfolio, the best time to start building your Japanese collection — is now.
