Introduction

Collecting Pokémon cards has become increasingly popular worldwide. With a plethora of cards released exclusively in Japan, it’s no surprise that collectors are eager to get their hands on these rare and unique items. In this article, we’ll explore how to buy Pokémon cards from Japan using Buyee, ZenMarket, and eBay, as well as provide a comprehensive search guide to help you find the cards you’re looking for using Japanese search terms. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Why Buy Pokémon Cards from Japan?

Japan is the birthplace of Pokémon, and as a result, many exclusive cards and promotional items are released only in the Japanese market. These exclusive items can be highly sought after by collectors and may significantly increase in value over time. Additionally, Japanese cards often feature unique artwork and designs that differ from their international counterparts.

How to Buy Pokémon Cards from Japan

Buyee

Buyee is a popular proxy shopping service that allows you to purchase items from Japanese online stores and auctions, such as Mercari and Yahoo. To use Buyee, simply create an account, search for the items you want using Japanese search terms (refer to the search guide below), and place your order. Buyee will handle the purchasing and shipping process, ensuring that your items are safely delivered to your doorstep.

ZenMarket

Similar to Buyee, ZenMarket is another proxy shopping service that helps you buy items from Japan, including Mercari and Yahoo. Create an account, search for your desired Pokémon cards using Japanese search terms, and place your order. ZenMarket will take care of the rest, from purchasing to shipping, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience.

eBay

eBay is a well-known online marketplace that offers a wide variety of items, including Japanese Pokémon cards. It is not necessary to use Japanese search phrases on the EU/US eBay to find cards, but rather one can just use this affiliate eBay link to buy cards, using the link does not cost anything, but we get a little kickback. Meanwhile on the Japanese eBay, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the search terms to increase your chances of finding the cards you’re looking for.

Japanese Pokémon Card Search Guide

To effectively search for Pokémon cards on Buyee and ZenMarket, you’ll need to use Japanese search terms, which an Elitefourum user made. The following search guide will help you navigate the various terms and find the cards you’re looking for:

• ポケモン (Pokémon): This term will yield thousands of listings for all kinds of Pokémon-related items, including cards, plushies, and more.
• ポケモンカード (Pokémon Card): Use this term to search specifically for Pokémon cards.
• ポケモンカード + (Set Name): Add the Japanese set name to search for cards from specific sets. You can find the Japanese set name on websites like Bulbapedia.
• ポケモンカード + (Pokémon Name): Replace “(Pokémon Name)” with the Japanese name of a specific Pokémon to find cards featuring that Pokémon.
• ポケモンカード + (Language): Occasionally, you may find Pokémon cards in other languages on Japanese websites. Use these terms to search for cards in specific languages: 英語 (English), 韓国語 (Korean), and 中国語 (Chinese).
• ポケカ (Pokémon Card Short Form): Use this term to find general lots of cards more efficiently.
• ポケモンカードプロモ (Pokémon Card Promo): Search for exclusive promo cards with this term.
• ポケモンカード大量 (Pokémon Card Large Lot): Find large lots of cards with this search term, which can be perfect for group buys or finding hidden gems.
• ポケモンカード進化セットPokémon Card Evolution Set): Use this term to find sets of evolution lines for specific Pokémon. You may also find playsets of cards using this search term.
• ポケモンカードセット (Pokémon Card Set): This term is used for finding sets of cards, typically playsets (4 cards). It’s great for finding spares or proxies.
• ポケモンカードBOX (Pokémon Box): Use this term to search for deck boxes, gift boxes, or booster boxes.
• ポケモンカードデッキ (Pokémon Card Deck): This term helps you find items like deck sleeves, deck boxes, and sealed decks.
• ポケモンカードパック (Pokémon Card Pack): This search term is primarily for finding packs, but occasionally booster boxes may appear in the results.
• ポケモンカード(デッキ)シールド (Pokémon Card (Deck) Shield): Use this term to find deck sleeves or regular card sleeves.
• ポケモン スター (Pokémon Star): This term is used for searching Pokémon Gold Star cards. Note that this may also bring up Starmie listings.
• コロコロ (CoroCoro): Use this term to search for the coveted CoroCoro promo cards.
• ひかる/光る (Shining): This term is used for Shining Pokémon cards. Be sure to add the specific Pokémon name to the search.
• 色ちがい/色違い (Alternative Color): This term is used for newer-era shining Pokémon cards. Add the specific Pokémon name to the search.
• キラ (Holographic): Use this term to search for holographic cards.
• ジャンボ (Jumbo): This term is used for searching jumbo Pokémon cards.
• (激)レア ((Ultra) Rare): This catch-all phrase is used for ultra rares and rares. Add “ポケモンカード” (Pokémon Card) to the search bar for better results.
• ポケモンカード (Pokémon Card) SR/UR/EX: Use this term to search for full arts, ultra rares, and general EX cards. Add the set block plus number to the end for specific set searches (e.g., ポケモンカードXY8 SR for Red Flash & Blue Impact full arts).
• ポケモントロフィー (Pokémon Trophy): This term will generally pull up physical trophies from Pokémon card events.
• ポケモン大会 (Pokémon Tournament): Use this term to find merchandise, trophy cards, and other items from Pokémon events, including WORLDS merchandise.

Conclusion

Buying Pokémon cards from Japan can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, allowing you to expand your collection with rare and exclusive items. Using proxy services like Buyee and ZenMarket, as well as eBay, you can easily purchase cards from the Japanese market. Be sure to use the provided search guide to help you find the cards you’re looking for and make the most of your shopping experience. Happy collecting!

 

Sources:

Elitefourum.com – Yahoo search guide