This Holographic Venusaur is from the 1998 Japanese CD Promo. Please ignore the dust particles on the back of the card. I will take better pictures soon, or upon request now. This card has been professionally graded by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), which I believe has the strictest grading standards in the business, and has received a near perfect score  MINT 9. Myself, and many other Pokémon collectors, believe the CGC grade is stricter than a PSA grade therefore potentialy making these cards more valuable if you are looking to add the best card available for your collection! The card number is 003. This is a Japanese language card and was illustrated by Ken Sugimori. Distributed by Wizards of the Coast, this card is sure to continue increasing in value year after year!

Here are some of the MANY reasons you should be collecting the Japanese versions of your favorite Pokémon (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.