How to Read a Japanese Pokémon Card: A Beginner’s Guide

Japanese Pokémon cards are famous for their superior print quality, exclusive sets, and stunning artwork. But if you can’t read Japanese, they might seem intimidating—especially when trying to figure out a card’s name, attacks, or rarity.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, reading a Japanese Pokémon card is easier than you think. Here’s your guide to understanding every key part of a Japanese card.

1. Card Name

The Pokémon’s name appears at the top-left of the card, just like in English. Even if you don’t know Japanese characters (hiragana, katakana, kanji), you can often identify the card by:

✅ The artwork
✅ HP value
✅ Set number at the bottom (more on this below)

Pro tip: For rare cards with alternate arts, comparing the card number or looking it up on sites like PokéGuardian or Pokelector will confirm exactly which card you have.

2. HP (Hit Points)

Next to the Pokémon’s name at the top, you’ll see the HP number (e.g., HP 210). The font, placement, and meaning are identical in Japanese and English cards.

3. Attacks & Effects

The attack names and descriptions are usually the trickiest part because they’re in Japanese. Here’s how to decode them:

  • Attack Costs: The energy symbols are universal—Fire, Water, Lightning, etc. You don’t need to read Japanese to know what type or how many energies an attack requires.

  • Damage: The numbers next to attacks (e.g., 50, 120) are the same as English cards.

  • Ability Box: Some Pokémon have abilities with text in a colored box. The box shape and placement are identical to English cards.

For translations, you can:

  • Use online databases (PokeGuardian, PokeBeach, Bulbapedia).

  • Try a smartphone translation app like Google Translate using your camera.

  • Look for community-translated images on Reddit or Discord.

4. Weakness, Resistance, Retreat Cost

These symbols appear near the bottom-left of the Pokémon card in both Japanese and English cards:

  • Weakness (×2): Same color and symbol as in English.

  • Resistance (–30): Same as English.

  • Retreat Cost: Colorless energy symbols; count the number to know the retreat requirement.

5. Rarity & Set Information

At the bottom-right corner, you’ll find:

  • Set Number: Format like “002/190.”

  • Rarity Symbol: Japanese cards use the same symbols as English:

    • C (Common)

    • U (Uncommon)

    • R (Rare)

    • RR, SR, HR, UR, SAR, etc. for higher rarities.

  • Set Code: Usually letters and numbers, e.g., “SV4a” for Shiny Treasure ex.

This info is crucial for identifying the exact set your card comes from.

6. Illustrator

Japanese cards also credit the artist. You’ll find “Illus.” followed by the artist’s name in tiny print near the bottom-left.

7. Trainer & Energy Cards

  • Trainers: Like Pokémon cards, trainer names and effects are in Japanese text, but the card type icon (Supporter, Item, Stadium) is easy to recognize by its unique symbol in the upper-left.

  • Energy: Basic Energy cards have the energy symbol large and centered, while special energy cards show unique effects in Japanese text.

8. Holofoil & Textures

Japanese cards often feature unique holo patterns and textures not found in English versions. You don’t need to read anything here—just admire the superior print quality!

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