Pokémon Import Asia (JPN/CHN)

Why import Asian Pokémon products?
The Pokémon TCG market is fragmented by region. The Pokémon Company manages the Japanese market (OCG - Official Card Game), Pokémon Company International publishes the Western versions (TCG), and Pokémon Company Asia has covered the mainland Chinese market since 2023 (CSV - Chinese Scarlet Violet). Each region produces its own booster packs, sets, and boxes, with significant differences in structure, print quality, and content.

Four reasons explain the Asian imports by discerning collectors:
Access sets early: Japanese expansions are generally released 4 to 6 months before international versions
Obtain exclusive products: some gift sets (Chinese New Year, High Class Packs) never leave the Asian market
Hunting SARs (Special Art Rares): pull rates are sometimes higher than in Japan, and Japanese artwork is often considered more detailed.
Pure OCG collection: many discerning collectors collect only Japanese OCGs for the sake of consistency in their display.

Structure of a Japanese booster and display
The Japanese version follows a different structure from the international format:
A Japanese booster pack contains 5 cards (compared to 10 in the French/English version)
A Japanese display box contains 30 boosters (compared to 36 in the French/English version)
That's 150 total cards per Japanese display, compared to 360 internationally.

This difference is crucial in price comparison: a Japanese display at €80 is not directly comparable to a French display at €150, the quantities of cards are not the same.
Print quality: Japanese cards are known for better print centering, more vibrant color reproduction, and a sharper holographic finish. These criteria are documented by the PSA and Beckett grading services, which have historically awarded grade 10s more readily to Japanese cards than to international cards.

Japanese sets you should know
Japan produces three main types of sets:
Main Sets (sv1, sv2, sv3…) — main sets corresponding to the international expansions with a few months' delay. Ex: sv9 "Battle Partners" corresponds to EV09 Adventures Together in the French version.
Subsets / Half Packs — shorter intermediate sets (approximately 70 cards), identified by a suffix (sv4a, sv6a, sv8a…). A "half-pack" format that concentrates the most collectible cards.
High Class Packs — annual "best-of" sets that reprint the most requested cards of the year in alternate, SAR, or SIR versions. This format has a much higher hit rate than standard booster packs. Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia fall into this category for the Mega Evolution cycle.

Chinese products (CSV): a recently opened market
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) was officially launched in mainland China in 2023. The market is managed by The Pokémon Company Asia through local partners. Three key features:
Chinese booster packs follow the Japanese format (5 cards per booster).
The set codes use the CSV prefix: CSV01, CSV02, CSV07…
The Gem Packs (Vol. 1 to Vol. 4) are the High Class Packs specifically for the Chinese market, with high hit rates.
Chinese New Year gift sets are released every year with a zodiac theme (2026 is centered on Pikachu)

Because the Chinese market is young, print runs are often more limited than their Japanese equivalents, which adds extra collector value to sealed first-generation CSV products.
Legality in tournaments: a crucial point
Japanese and Chinese cards are not legal in official tournaments on the European and North American circuits. Only cards printed in the language of the circuit (at least FR, EN, DE, IT, ES, PT) are accepted in tournaments sanctioned by Pokémon Company International.
Asian imports are therefore suitable for collecting, opening, and storing, but not for competitive play. For casual use at home or in a club, there are no limits.

Authenticating an Asian import product
Five visible indicators help to identify a counterfeit product:
Original Japanese shrink, evenly stretched, official logos visible through the plastic
The Pokémon Company logo in Japanese or Chinese characters depending on the region
Japanese EAN barcode (prefix 49xxx) or Chinese EAN barcode (prefix 69xxx)
Cardboard printing: premium matte quality, without smudges or misalignment
Weight consistent with the official reference

Our imported Asian products are sourced through official local distributors and arrive in their original sealed packaging.
Also worth discovering
• Pokémon
• Pokémon Accessories
• Pokémon Booster Artset
• Preconstructed Decks - Starter & Battle Decks

See also
• By extension: Darkest Night (ME05) , Rising Chaos (ME04) , Perfect Balance (ME03) , Transcendent Heroes (ME2.5) , Phantasmagorical Flames (ME02) , Mega Evolution (ME01) , Pokémon 30th Anniversary
• Other formats: Pokémon displays of 36 booster packs , Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes (ETB) , Pokémon bundles of 6 booster packs , Pokémon blisters, duopacks and tripacks , individual Pokémon booster packs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Japanese booster and a French booster?
Japanese and Chinese booster packs have different card numbers, rarities, and release dates than French booster packs. The cards are not in French.

What imported products are offered?
Japanese displays (Mega Storm, Mega Brave), Chinese Gem Pack and 30th Anniversary displays, mini CSV9.5c boxes.

Is the language specified?
Yes, JPN or CHINESE appears in the name of each product.