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How to Buy Pokémon Cards in Japan
Updated: Nov 7, 2026 (Sat)
When do new Japanese sets come out?
Japanese Pokémon sets are usually released on a Friday, and ONE PIECE sets on a Saturday. Check the release calendar on this site — Japan is usually several months ahead of the English release.
Pokémon Center stores
The official Pokémon Center stores (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and more) sell new sets on release day, but popular sets often sell out within hours or are sold only by lottery (抽選) to members with a Japanese address and phone number. Check the store's official X account the day before.
Electronics stores, convenience stores and bookstores
Yodobashi, Bic Camera, Yamada and bookstores sell new sets at MSRP, but in-demand products are mostly sold by lottery. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) sometimes have packs on release day, usually limited to a few packs per person.
Card shops in Akihabara, Nipponbashi and Nakano
Specialist card shops sell singles and sealed boxes, usually above MSRP for popular sets. Compare shops — the box price table on this site shows what boxes actually sell for in Japan, so you can tell a fair price.
Tax-free shopping changed on November 1, 2026
Japan switched to a refund system: you pay the full price including tax in the store, and the tax is refunded when you leave Japan after customs confirms your purchases (scan your passport at the tax-free terminal before check-in). You need to spend at least ¥5,000 (before tax) per store per day, keep the items unopened, and complete it within 90 days.
Watch out for resealed boxes
Only buy sealed boxes from reputable shops. Japanese boxes have shrink wrap printed with the official logo; avoid boxes with loose or unbranded wrap.
Buying from overseas
If you can't visit Japan, Japanese sealed boxes are widely sold on eBay and Amazon by importers. Compare the seller's price with the Japan price on this site plus shipping and import duties.
JP Box Prices → · JP Release Dates →
Sources & notes
Japan prices are the latest sold prices of sealed boxes and ungraded single cards on SNKRDUNK, a major Japanese marketplace (not asking prices). Release dates and MSRP come from the official Japanese Pokémon Card Game and ONE PIECE Card Game websites. Exchange rate: $1 = ¥157.8 (2026-11-06); converted prices are approximate.
Set names: the Japanese set's English name and code are shown first; "English set" is the international English-language release with the same cards where one exists.
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