1996 Japanese Pokémon Base Set – Wartortle No.008 / No Rarity Symbol
A vintage Japanese Wartortle (Kameil) No.008 from the original Pokémon Card Game Base Set released in Japan in 1996.
This is the highly collectible “No Rarity Symbol” version, identifiable by the absence of a rarity symbol in the lower-right area of the card. It represents the earliest era of the Japanese Pokémon Card Game and is an important piece for collectors of the original 1996 release.
Following Squirtle No.007, Wartortle No.008 continues one of the three original Kanto starter evolution lines from the very beginning of Pokémon TCG history.
💧 Original Starter Evolution Line
The original Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle evolution lines remain among the most iconic and sought-after groups in Pokémon collecting.
For collectors building the original Japanese Base Set evolution lines, No Rarity Wartortle forms the essential middle stage between Squirtle and Blastoise.
Together with the other original starter evolutions, these early cards make an especially attractive chronological collection representing Pokémon’s first generation.
🎨 Classic Ken Sugimori Artwork
The card features artwork by Ken Sugimori, whose illustrations helped define the visual identity of Pokémon from its earliest days.
The hand-drawn appearance, simple natural setting and original Japanese card layout capture the unmistakable atmosphere of Pokémon’s formative era.
Combined with its 1996 origin, No Rarity configuration and No.008 numbering, this is a genuine piece of early Pokémon TCG history.
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Condition
MP (Moderately Played)
The condition has been evaluated conservatively based on eBay’s official trading card condition guidelines.
Despite its age, this card remains quite clean and visually appealing overall, with relatively limited general surface wear and hairline scratching on both the front and back.
However, there are some localized areas of surface wear and three visible bend/crease marks. These imperfections can be difficult to notice in the straight-on photos, so a dedicated “Points to Check” image has been included to clearly show the affected areas.
Because of these localized bend/crease marks, the card has been conservatively classified as MP (Moderately Played) rather than EX-, despite its otherwise relatively clean overall appearance.
Please carefully review all photos, particularly the close-up and “Points to Check” images, to evaluate the exact condition before purchasing.
The card shown in the photos is the exact card you will receive.
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Card Details
Pokémon: Wartortle / カメール (Kameil)
Card No.: No.008
Year: 1996
Set: Pokémon Card Game Expansion Pack / Japanese Base Set
Version: No Rarity Symbol / Early Japanese Print
Language: Japanese
HP: 70
Type: Water
Evolution: Stage 1 – Evolves from Squirtle
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
Card Type: Pokémon
Material: Paper
Card Size: Standard
Vintage: Yes
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Collector Appeal
✔ 1996 Japanese Pokémon Card Game
✔ No Rarity Symbol version
✔ No.008 — directly following Squirtle No.007
✔ Original Kanto starter evolution line
✔ Classic Ken Sugimori artwork
✔ Nearly 30 years of Pokémon history
For collectors building the original starter lines, this is an opportunity to add an affordable, display-worthy example of one of the earliest Japanese Wartortle cards, with its condition clearly documented.
A surviving piece from the very beginning of Pokémon TCG history.
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📦 Shipping / Packaging
The card will be carefully protected with:
It will be securely packed for international shipping from Japan.
If you're interested in other items from our store, we're happy to combine shipping, so feel free to check out our other listings!
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