This gorgeous Venusaur 003 is from the 1996 Pokémon Japanese Expansion set, or Japanese Base set. This card has been professionally graded by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and has received a Near Mint score of 7. This is a Japanese language card and was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita.
~ Printing quality - Japanese cards are known for their high-quality printing and vibrant colors. The cardstock used in Japanese cards is also thicker
and more durable than that used in English cards. This means that Japanese cards are less likely to suffer from wear and tear, making them a better
long-term investment for collectors.
~ Artwork - Japanese Pokémon cards often feature unique artwork that is not available on English cards. Additionally, many collectors prefer the art
style used in Japanese cards, which is often more vibrant and expressive. This can make Japanese cards a more visually appealing addition to a collection.
~Rarity - Some Japanese cards are exclusive to Japan, meaning they are much rarer and more valuable than English versions of the same card. This
exclusivity adds to their appeal among collectors, who are often willing to pay a premium price for these rare cards.
~ Language - Japanese Pokémon cards feature the original Japanese text, which some collectors find more authentic and appealing than the English
translations found on English cards. This is especially true for collectors who are interested in the cultural aspect of collecting Pokémon cards,
and who want to own cards that are as true to the original Japanese version as possible.
~ Release dates - Japanese Pokémon cards are often released several months before their English counterparts, which can give collectors an early
glimpse at new cards and sets. This can be especially exciting for collectors who want to stay up-to-date with the latest additions to their favorite series.
~ Overall, there are many reasons why collectors prefer Japanese Pokémon cards over their English counterparts. Whether you're looking for high-quality
printing, unique artwork, rare cards, authentic Japanese text, or early access to new sets, Japanese cards are the way to go. So if you're serious about
completing your Pokémon card collection, consider adding some Japanese cards to your arsenal.
The practice of always pricing a card by the last few sold on eBay will only cause the value of Pokémon cards to continue dropping. There is no way the values can ever move up using that flawed formula! The best way to increase the value of the cards in our hobby is to price our cards according to rarity and availability.