The 1st Pokemon TCG Set:​

/ Japanese Pokemon TCG / By

October 1996, Japan

The first ever Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards were released in October, 1996, by the Japanese company Media Factory. They were released as part of the Expansion Pack, also known as the “Base Set” This historic set marked the inception of a cultural phenomenon that would captivate fans worldwide. The Expansion Pack introduced 102 cards featuring iconic Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Green video games, such as Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo. (See pictures below)

Original Card Design

These cards were categorized based on rarity, including Common, Uncommon, Rare, and the coveted Holofoil Rare cards, which featured a mesmerizing holographic pattern. The card designs showcased vibrant artwork of Pokémon on the front, while the back provided vital game information like attacks, HP (Hit Points), and weaknesses. Players were drawn to the strategic gameplay of the Pokémon TCG, where they constructed decks using Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energy cards to engage in battles and claim Prize cards from opponents. The popularity of these initial Japanese Pokémon TCG cards laid the foundation for the game’s global success, leading to expansions, tournaments, and a vibrant collector’s market for rare and sought-after cards like the legendary Base Set Charizard.

Japanese Base Set Booster Box
Japanese Base Set Booster Box
Japanese Base Set Booster Pack
Japanese Base Set Booster Pack
Charizard Base Set Holo
Mewtwo Base Set Holo
Pikachu Base Set
Japanese Pokemon Old Card Back

Japanese Old Back

This is the original design for the back of the first Japanese Pokemon cards. It was later change for specific reasons, but we will talk about that a little later. Just to inform you, if you hear anybody talking about "Japanese old back" cards, this is what they are talking about.

An Instant Success

As a result, by the time the Pokemon TCG was translated into English and launched in the United States in 1999, it already had a strong fan base and proven success in Japan. The game’s universal appeal, tied to the beloved Pokemon brand and engaging gameplay mechanics, helped it quickly gain traction internationally.

The transition to English allowed even more players around the world to experience the excitement of collecting and battling with Pokemon cards, further solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Sources used:

  1. The Pokémon Company International
  2. Creatures Inc.
  3. Official Pokémon TCG Development Team
  4. iask.ai
  5. E-bay & Google for images
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