Here are some of the MANY reasons you should be collecting the Japanese versions of your favorite Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) Cards!

~ 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 Pokemon 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 Pokemon 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 Pokemon cards, 

and who want to own cards that are as true to the original Japanese version as possible.

~ Release dates - Japanese Pokemon 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 Pokemon 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 Pokemon 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. It has been over 22-25 years since WOTC era cards were produced. The modern Pokémon cards are distributed at a much higher volume because distributors are cracking open cases and selling individual cards on eBay and TCG marketplace, as well as selling to their retailers. The modern cards will never be as valuable as the vintage WOTC era cards because of the double production needed to supply distributors, retailers, and individuals like you!