Collectors often ask which Japanese Pokémon set is the equivalent of an English set. Sometimes there is a close one-set match. Often there is not: international expansions may combine paired Japanese sets, decks, promotional cards, special products and material moved between releases.
This guide maps the main English-language international Pokémon TCG expansion chronology from Base Set through the announced Delta Reign expansion to its primary Japanese source set or sets. It includes set codes, release dates, Japanese release dates and the differences that matter when collecting.
The newest era appears first, and sets are listed newest-to-oldest inside each era. The mapping is an expansion-level guide rather than a guarantee that every card occupies the same numbered set in both regions.
How to read this English and Japanese Pokémon set list
Equivalent is useful shorthand, but it can imply a cleaner one-to-one relationship than the cards actually have. This guide therefore uses Primary Japanese source(s) and a controlled set of relationship labels:
- Near-direct counterpart — one main Japanese release maps closely to the international set. Regional numbering, rarity, promo or product differences can still remain.
- Primary source — one Japanese release clearly characterises the international set, even though secondary decks, promos or subsets also contribute.
- Combined pair — two intentionally paired Japanese main expansions jointly form the clear core.
- Multiple sources — several independently released source blocks make substantial contributions, so no single release or paired release adequately describes the international pool.
- No direct Japanese equivalent — no single Japanese set or recognisable paired release provides a sensible overall counterpart.
The release column uses a documented UK or EMEA date where a regional delay is known; otherwise it uses the established English-language release date. For early Wizards-era sets, that usually means the widely documented North American launch date rather than a separately verified UK date. Japanese product names use established collector-facing English translations where useful, but those names are not always official English localisations.
“Source” describes structural card provenance, not necessarily chronological direction. In a small number of cases, including Generations and Celebrations, the related Japanese product released after the international expansion.
This guide works at expansion level rather than card by card. Where a complete card-by-card source breakdown is not available, the note stays at set level rather than guessing percentages or assigning unsupported source shares.
The main chronology contains Pokémon-recognised expansions, including Kalos Starter Set. Promotional series, Trainer Kits and fixed promotional products are kept outside the main expansion table unless Pokémon treats them as an expansion. Southern Islands is listed separately below because it is an official fixed special set rather than a normal booster expansion.
English and Japanese cards can use different set codes and numbering even when their artwork is related, which is why this guide records both regions separately.
Complete Pokémon TCG main expansion list
Open an era to view its five-field reference table. On smaller screens, swipe across the table to view every column.
EraSetsRelease period
Mega Evolution82025–2026▼
The current era is shown first. Delta Reign is included because it has been announced, but its source mapping is still preliminary until the complete international checklist is available.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Reign DLR Pre-release — final checklist pending |
6 November 2026 | Storm Emeralda / MEGA Starter Set ex decks (Eevee ex / Zoroark ex / Meowscarada ex) M6 / product set |
31 Jul 2026 / 31 Jul 2026 | Multiple sources. Pokémon has announced a 6 November 2026 release and more than 135 cards. Pre-release reveals indicate cards from Storm Emeralda and the three 2026 ex Starter Sets, with additional promo placement. The exact allocation remains preliminary until the final international checklist is published. |
| 30th Celebration 30C |
16 September 2026 | 30th CELEBRATION / 30th Celebration Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon M6a / MF |
16 Sep 2026 / 16 Sep 2026 | Multiple sources. Japan’s 30th CELEBRATION expansion supplies the core, while the 30th Celebration Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon also contributes cards that appear internationally in the expansion and as promos. Numbering, subsets and product structure are not directly comparable. |
| Pitch Black PBL |
17 July 2026 | Abyss Eye M5 |
22 May 2026 | Near-direct counterpart. A close one-set relationship with Abyss Eye; product and promo placement may differ. |
| Chaos Rising CRI |
22 May 2026 | Ninja Spinner M4 |
13 Mar 2026 | Near-direct counterpart. Ninja Spinner maps closely to Chaos Rising; the main differences are normal promo and card-placement changes. |
| Perfect Order POR |
27 March 2026 | Nihil Zero M3 |
23 Jan 2026 | Near-direct counterpart. Essentially a localisation of Nihil Zero, with a small number of promo or card-placement changes. |
| Ascended Heroes ASC |
30 January 2026 | MEGA Dream ex M2a |
28 Nov 2025 | Multiple sources. MEGA Dream ex is the central high-class source, with a substantial block from Start Deck 100 Battle Collection. |
| Phantasmal Flames PFL |
14 November 2025 | Inferno X M2 |
26 Sep 2025 | Primary source. Inferno X is the clear main source, while the MEGA Starter Set Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex together contribute 18 unique cards; smaller promotional placements also occur. One source still clearly characterises the set, so Primary source is retained. |
| Mega Evolution MEG |
10 October 2025 | Mega Brave / Mega Symphonia M1L / M1S |
01 Aug 2025 | Combined pair. Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia form the core, with only a few Trainer reprints from Premium Trainer Box MEGA. For this UK-facing guide the table uses the delayed EMEA launch date of 10 October 2025; the global release began on 26 September 2025. |
Scarlet & Violet162023–2025▼
Scarlet & Violet includes close one-set counterparts as well as broader international expansions assembled from several Japanese boosters, decks and product releases.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bolt BLK |
18 July 2025 | Black Bolt / White Flare SV11B / SV11W |
06 Jun 2025 / 06 Jun 2025 | Multiple sources. The international split was modified: Black Bolt and White Flare draw from both Japanese halves, so BLK is not a clean localisation of SV11B alone. |
| White Flare WHT |
18 July 2025 | Black Bolt / White Flare SV11B / SV11W |
06 Jun 2025 / 06 Jun 2025 | Multiple sources. The international split was modified: Black Bolt and White Flare draw from both Japanese halves, so WHT is not a clean localisation of SV11W alone. |
| Destined Rivals DRI |
30 May 2025 | Glory of the Rocket Gang / Hot Wind Arena SV10 / SV9a |
18 Apr 2025 / 14 Mar 2025 | Multiple sources. Both Japanese booster releases and the two rival starter sets contribute substantially. |
| Journey Together JTG |
28 March 2025 | Battle Partners SV9 |
24 Jan 2025 | Primary source. SV9 is the main booster source, with several cards from Generations Start Deck products. |
| Prismatic Evolutions PRE |
17 January 2025 | Terastal Fest ex / Generations Start Decks I, II, IV and VI SV8a / product set |
06 Dec 2024 / 22 Nov 2024 | Multiple sources. Terastal Fest ex is central, but the international set also also draws from four Generations Start Decks and has a different product structure. |
| Surging Sparks SSP |
8 November 2024 | Super Electric Breaker / Paradise Dragona SV8 / SV7a |
18 Oct 2024 / 13 Sep 2024 | Multiple sources. Both Japanese booster releases provide substantial blocks, with starter-set and promo material also present. |
| Stellar Crown SCR |
13 September 2024 | Stellar Miracle SV7 |
19 Jul 2024 | Primary source. SV7 is the main source; the Battle Academy Deck Kit contributes additional cards. |
| Shrouded Fable SFA |
2 August 2024 | Night Wanderer SV6a |
07 Jun 2024 | Primary source. SV6a is dominant, but several cards come from other Japanese expansions, so it is not treated as a near-direct one-set counterpart. |
| Twilight Masquerade TWM |
24 May 2024 | Transformation Mask / Crimson Haze SV6 / SV5a |
26 Apr 2024 / 22 Mar 2024 | Multiple sources. Two Japanese booster releases contribute substantially, with Transformation Mask the larger source and Crimson Haze another substantial block. |
| Temporal Forces TEF |
22 March 2024 | Wild Force / Cyber Judge SV5K / SV5M |
26 Jan 2024 | Multiple sources. Wild Force and Cyber Judge form the booster core, but cards debuting in both Japanese Starter Deck & Build Sets were also localised into Temporal Forces, so the international pool is broader than the paired boosters alone. |
| Paldean Fates PAF |
26 January 2024 | Shiny Treasure ex SV4a |
01 Dec 2023 | Primary source. SV4a is the main high-class source, but the international expansion also collects several earlier unreleased cards. |
| Paradox Rift PAR |
3 November 2023 | Ancient Roar / Future Flash / Raging Surf SV4K / SV4M / SV3a |
27 Oct 2023 / 27 Oct 2023 / 22 Sep 2023 | Multiple sources. The paired SV4 expansions and Raging Surf all contribute substantial blocks; Terastal Starter Sets add further cards. |
| 151 MEW |
22 September 2023 | Pokémon Card 151 SV2a |
16 Jun 2023 | Near-direct counterpart. A close one-set relationship, but Poké Ball / Master Ball reverse holos and promo or product distribution differ by region. |
| Obsidian Flames OBF |
11 August 2023 | Ruler of the Black Flame SV3 |
28 Jul 2023 | Primary source. SV3 is the main booster source, but several decks, promos and held-back cards also contribute. |
| Paldea Evolved PAL |
9 June 2023 | Triplet Beat / Snow Hazard / Clay Burst SV1a / SV2P / SV2D |
10 Mar 2023 / 14 Apr 2023 / 14 Apr 2023 | Multiple sources. Three Japanese booster expansions contribute substantially, alongside cards from a starter deck and the Premium Trainer Box ex. |
| Scarlet & Violet SVI |
31 March 2023 | Scarlet ex / Violet ex SV1S / SV1V |
20 Jan 2023 | Multiple sources. Scarlet ex and Violet ex form the booster core, but the three same-day ex Starter Sets were also combined into the English release, so this is broader than a two-set localisation. |
Sword & Shield172020–2023▼
Sword & Shield contains several especially broad international expansions, including sets that combine Japanese boosters, high-class packs, decks and held-over cards.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Zenith CRZ |
20 January 2023 | VSTAR Universe S12a |
02 Dec 2022 | Multiple sources. VSTAR Universe is the main high-class source, but a separate special set and held-over cards from two earlier boosters also contribute. |
| Silver Tempest SIT |
11 November 2022 | Paradigm Trigger / Incandescent Arcana S12 / S11a |
21 Oct 2022 / 02 Sep 2022 | Multiple sources. Paradigm Trigger and Incandescent Arcana provide the principal blocks, with held-over S11 / S10a and VMAX Climax material completing the set. |
| Lost Origin LOR |
9 September 2022 | Lost Abyss / Dark Phantasma S11 / S10a |
15 Jul 2022 / 13 May 2022 | Multiple sources. Lost Abyss and Dark Phantasma provide the principal blocks, but two High-Class Decks and several held-over pools also contribute. |
| Pokémon GO PGO |
1 July 2022 | Pokémon GO S10b |
17 Jun 2022 | Near-direct counterpart. A close same-named one-set relationship. The main checklist maps directly, while pack format, products and seven Japanese promotional artworks differ by region. |
| Astral Radiance ASR |
27 May 2022 | Time Gazer / Space Juggler / Battle Region S10D / S10P / S9a |
08 Apr 2022 / 08 Apr 2022 / 25 Feb 2022 | Multiple sources. Three Japanese booster releases provide the principal blocks, with starter-set, held-over high-class and promotional material also included. |
| Brilliant Stars BRS |
25 February 2022 | Star Birth / VMAX Climax S9 / S8b |
14 Jan 2022 / 03 Dec 2021 | Multiple sources. Star Birth supplies the main expansion, while VMAX Climax supplies the substantial Trainer Gallery block and Start Deck 100 adds further cards. |
| Fusion Strike FST |
12 November 2021 | Fusion Arts S8 |
24 Sep 2021 | Multiple sources. Fusion Arts is the core source, but the international set draws from an unusually broad mix of decks, a family set, held-over boosters and promos. |
| Celebrations CEL |
8 October 2021 | 25th Anniversary Collection / Promo Card Pack 25th Anniversary Edition S8a / S8a-P |
22 Oct 2021 / 22 Oct 2021 | Multiple sources. The main set maps to Japan’s 25th Anniversary Collection while the 25-card Classic Collection is based on a separate Japanese promotional set. The English expansion released on 8 October 2021, two weeks before the Japanese products on 22 October, so these are regional structural counterparts rather than earlier chronological sources. |
| Evolving Skies EVS |
27 August 2021 | Skyscraping Perfection / Blue Sky Stream / Eevee Heroes S7D / S7R / S6a |
09 Jul 2021 / 09 Jul 2021 / 28 May 2021 | Multiple sources. A broad six-pool combination: three principal Japanese booster releases plus held-over cards from three earlier products. |
| Chilling Reign CRE |
18 June 2021 | Silver Lance / Jet-Black Spirit / Peerless Fighters S6H / S6K / S5a |
23 Apr 2021 / 23 Apr 2021 / 19 Mar 2021 | Multiple sources. The paired S6 expansions and the substantial Peerless Fighters subset all contribute substantial blocks. |
| Battle Styles BST |
19 March 2021 | Single Strike Master / Rapid Strike Master S5I / S5R |
22 Jan 2021 | Combined pair. The two contemporaneous S5 expansions were released as a dual set and together form the core international expansion. |
| Shining Fates SHF |
19 February 2021 | Shiny Star V S4a |
20 Nov 2020 | Multiple sources. Shiny Star V is the main high-class source, but three separate deck or special-set products also contribute cards to the international expansion. |
| Vivid Voltage VIV |
13 November 2020 | Amazing Volt Tackle / Legendary Heartbeat S4 / S3a |
18 Sep 2020 / 10 Jul 2020 | Multiple sources. The international expansion combines Amazing Volt Tackle with the substantial Legendary Heartbeat subset, including its Amazing Rare material. |
| Champion's Path CPA |
25 September 2020 | Infinity Zone / Explosive Walker / Legendary Heartbeat S3 / S2a / S3a |
05 Jun 2020 / 24 Apr 2020 / 10 Jul 2020 | No direct Japanese equivalent. A purpose-built international special set assembled from three Japanese booster releases, multiple deck products and promotional cards. |
| Darkness Ablaze DAA |
14 August 2020 | Infinity Zone / Explosive Walker S3 / S2a |
05 Jun 2020 / 24 Apr 2020 | Multiple sources. Infinity Zone and Explosive Walker both supply substantial booster-set blocks, with the two VMAX Starter Sets adding further cards. |
| Rebel Clash RCL |
1 May 2020 | Rebellion Crash / VMAX Rising S2 / S1a |
06 Mar 2020 / 07 Feb 2020 | Multiple sources. The English expansion combines Rebellion Crash with the substantial VMAX Rising subset; the two Japanese releases were not a paired main-set launch. |
| Sword & Shield SSH |
7 February 2020 | Sword / Shield S1W / S1H |
06 Dec 2019 | Multiple sources. The paired S1W / S1H booster expansions form the core, but a substantial block of English cards originated in the five V Starter Sets, so this is not a pure two-set localisation. |
Sun & Moon162017–2019▼
Sun & Moon frequently combines a headline Japanese expansion with one or more subsets, deck products or promotional releases.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmic Eclipse CEC |
1 November 2019 | Remix Bout / Dream League / Alter Genesis SM11a / SM11b / SM12 |
05 Jul 2019 / 02 Aug 2019 / 06 Sep 2019 | Multiple sources. Three Japanese booster releases provide the principal pools, with a small number of later high-class, family-set and promotional cards added. |
| Hidden Fates HIF |
23 August 2019 | GX Ultra Shiny / Sky Legend SM8b / SM10b |
02 Nov 2018 / 26 Apr 2019 | Multiple sources. The Shiny Vault is based chiefly on GX Ultra Shiny, while the separate 68-card core set draws from GX Ultra Shiny, Sky Legend, the Family Pokémon Card Game, Trainer Battle Decks and promos; headline totals are structurally non-comparable. |
| Unified Minds UNM |
2 August 2019 | GG End / Sky Legend / Miracle Twin SM10a / SM10b / SM11 |
05 Apr 2019 / 26 Apr 2019 / 31 May 2019 | Multiple sources. Three Japanese booster pools form the main body, with additional cards from the Family Pokémon Card Game and Japanese promos; some card placement differed by region. |
| Unbroken Bonds UNB |
3 May 2019 | Night Unison / Full Metal Wall / Double Blaze SM9a / SM9b / SM10 |
11 Jan 2019 / 01 Feb 2019 / 01 Mar 2019 | Multiple sources. Three major Japanese booster releases form the international expansion, with a small amount of additional promotional material. |
| Detective Pikachu DET |
29 March 2019 | Movie Special Pack: Great Detective Pikachu SMP2 |
26 Apr 2019 | Near-direct counterpart. A close themed counterpart, but the international numbered set contains 18 cards while the Japanese promotional set contains 25, and the extra cards were distributed differently; the international release also preceded Japan. |
| Team Up TEU |
1 February 2019 | Tag Bolt / Dark Order / selected GX Ultra Shiny cards SM9 / SM8a / SM8b |
07 Dec 2018 / 05 Oct 2018 / 02 Nov 2018 | Multiple sources. Tag Bolt and Dark Order provide the main blocks, with a small regular-card contribution from GX Ultra Shiny; the wider Shiny Pokémon block was not carried into Team Up. |
| Lost Thunder LOT |
2 November 2018 | Thunderclap Spark / Fairy Rise / Super-Burst Impact SM7a / SM7b / SM8 |
06 Jul 2018 / 03 Aug 2018 / 07 Sep 2018 | Multiple sources. Three Japanese booster releases supply the principal card pools, with only smaller promotional or product-placement differences outside those sources. |
| Dragon Majesty DRM |
7 September 2018 | Dragon Storm SM6a |
06 Apr 2018 | Primary source. Dragon Storm supplies the main core, but remaining Champion Road cards and selected later treatments also appear; the international special expansion is not a one-set localisation. |
| Celestial Storm CES |
3 August 2018 | Sky-Splitting Charisma / Champion Road SM7 / SM6b |
01 Jun 2018 / 03 May 2018 | Primary source. Sky-Splitting Charisma is the main expansion, with the Champion Road subset supplying a substantial supplementary block. |
| Forbidden Light FLI |
4 May 2018 | Forbidden Light / Ultra Force SM6 / SM5+ |
02 Mar 2018 / 19 Jan 2018 | Primary source. Forbidden Light is the main expansion, while the Ultra Force subset contributes a substantial supplementary block. |
| Ultra Prism UPR |
2 February 2018 | Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon / GX Battle Boost SM5S / SM5M / SM4+ |
08 Dec 2017 / 08 Dec 2017 / 20 Oct 2017 | Multiple sources. The paired SM5 expansions provide the main block, with additional cards from the high-class GX Battle Boost release; it is not a pair-only localisation. |
| Crimson Invasion CIN |
3 November 2017 | Awakened Heroes / Ultradimensional Beasts SM4S / SM4A |
15 Sep 2017 | Combined pair. Awakened Heroes and Ultradimensional Beasts were released as the paired SM4 block and together form the international expansion; regional product variants do not change the core relationship. |
| Shining Legends SLG |
6 October 2017 | Shining Legends SM3+ |
15 Jul 2017 | Near-direct counterpart. A close same-set relationship, but four Japanese set cards were removed from the international numbered expansion and distributed through Shining Legends products as promos; product format also differed. |
| Burning Shadows BUS |
4 August 2017 | To Have Seen the Battle Rainbow / Darkness that Consumes Light / Facing a New Trial SM3H / SM3N / SM2+ |
16 Jun 2017 / 16 Jun 2017 / 21 Apr 2017 | Multiple sources. The paired SM3 expansions and the substantial Facing a New Trial subset all contribute substantial blocks to the international expansion. |
| Guardians Rising GRI |
5 May 2017 | Islands Await You / Alolan Moonlight / Sun & Moon SM2K / SM2L / SM1+ |
17 Mar 2017 / 17 Mar 2017 / 27 Jan 2017 | Multiple sources. The paired SM2 expansions form the core, while the Sun & Moon subset and Rockruff Full Power Deck also contribute additional cards. |
| Sun & Moon SUM |
3 February 2017 | Collection Sun / Collection Moon SM1S / SM1M |
09 Dec 2016 | Multiple sources. The paired SM1 expansions form the core, but a substantial block of international cards originated in three separate Japanese Starter Set decks; this is not a pure two-set localisation. |
XY152013–2016▼
XY includes paired booster releases, deck contributions, anniversary products and the Kalos Starter Set, which is included because Pokémon treats it as an expansion.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolutions EVO |
2 November 2016 | Expansion Pack 20th Anniversary CP6 |
16 Sep 2016 | Near-direct counterpart. CP6 supplies the shared anniversary core, but the regional checklists, secret cards and promo allocations are not identical. |
| Steam Siege STS |
3 August 2016 | Fever-Burst Fighter / Cruel Traitor XY11 |
17 Jun 2016 | Combined pair. Fever-Burst Fighter and Cruel Traitor form the paired XY11 block behind the international set, with only normal regional numbering and promo-placement differences. |
| Fates Collide FCO |
2 May 2016 | Awakening Psychic King XY10 |
18 Mar 2016 | Multiple sources. Awakening Psychic King provides the main booster pool, with the two accompanying Japanese 60-card decks adding numbered international cards. |
| Generations GEN |
22 February 2016 | BREAK Starter Pack / PokéKyun Collection — / CP3 |
27 Feb 2016 / 29 Jan 2016 | Multiple sources. The 83-card international core corresponds mainly to the BREAK Starter Pack and XY-P promos, while the separately numbered 32-card Radiant Collection comes from PokéKyun Collection. The BREAK Starter Pack released in Japan five days after Generations, so it is a structural counterpart/source pool rather than an earlier chronological source. |
| BREAKpoint BKP |
3 February 2016 | Rage of the Broken Heavens XY9 |
11 Dec 2015 | Multiple sources. Rage of the Broken Heavens provides most of the checklist, with three earlier Japanese deck products supplying additional numbered cards. |
| BREAKthrough BKT |
4 November 2015 | Blue Shock / Red Flash XY8 |
26 Sep 2015 | Multiple sources. Blue Shock and Red Flash form the core; the BREAK Evolution Packs, Legendary Shine Collection holdovers and Japanese promos broaden the international checklist. |
| Ancient Origins AOR |
12 August 2015 | Bandit Ring XY7 |
20 Jun 2015 | Near-direct counterpart. Bandit Ring provides the clear one-set core, with a small number of Japanese promotional cards added to the international checklist. |
| Roaring Skies ROS |
6 May 2015 | Emerald Break XY6 |
14 Mar 2015 | Primary source. Emerald Break provides the main booster pool, while the M Rayquaza-EX Mega Battle Deck adds a notable group of numbered cards. |
| Double Crisis DCR |
25 March 2015 | Magma Gang VS Aqua Gang: Double Crisis CP1 |
30 Jan 2015 | Near-direct counterpart. Both releases contain the same 34-card themed pool; the main difference is the international blister-only distribution. |
| Primal Clash PRC |
4 February 2015 | Gaia Volcano / Tidal Storm XY5 |
13 Dec 2014 | Combined pair. Gaia Volcano and Tidal Storm jointly form the international set, with normal regional numbering, rarity and product-placement differences. |
| Phantom Forces PHF |
5 November 2014 | Phantom Gate XY4 |
13 Sep 2014 | Primary source. Phantom Gate provides the main pool, while the Hyper Metal Chain Deck and selected promos add numbered cards. |
| Furious Fists FFI |
13 August 2014 | Rising Fist XY3 |
14 Jun 2014 | Primary source. Rising Fist supplies 103 of the 111 numbered international cards; eight Japanese XY-P promos complete the main set. |
| Flashfire FLF |
7 May 2014 | Wild Blaze XY2 |
15 Mar 2014 | Primary source. Wild Blaze provides the core, with additional numbered cards from the M Charizard-EX Mega Battle Deck. |
| XY XY |
5 February 2014 | Collection X / Collection Y XY1 |
13 Dec 2013 | Multiple sources. Collection X and Collection Y form the core, while the two Japanese Half Decks contribute a substantial block of numbered cards. |
| Kalos Starter Set KSS |
8 November 2013 | Beginning Set / Beginning Set for Girls | 08 Nov 2013 (standard); 15 Nov 2013 (DX) | Near-direct counterpart. The 39-card international Kalos Starter Set maps closely to Japan’s XY Beginning Set / Beginning Set for Girls, which share one 39-card numbering system but use different deck composition and holo treatment. Product structure differs: the international release uses three 60-card decks, while Japan used half-deck kits across two variants. |
Black & White122011–2013▼
Black & White established many of the release patterns seen later: paired Japanese boosters, international holdovers, deck products and special sets assembled from several sources.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Treasures LTR |
6 November 2013 | EX Battle Boost / Shiny Collection EBB / SC |
13 Jul 2013 / 01 Feb 2013 | Multiple sources. EX Battle Boost supplies the main block, Mewtwo vs Genesect adds cards, and the separately numbered Radiant Collection comes from Shiny Collection; headline totals are not directly comparable. |
| Plasma Blast PLB |
14 August 2013 | Megalo Cannon BW9 |
15 Mar 2013 | Primary source. Megalo Cannon is dominant, while the same-day Blastoise + Kyurem-EX Combo Deck supplies a defined group of numbered cards. |
| Plasma Freeze PLF |
8 May 2013 | Spiral Force / Thunder Knuckle BW8 |
14 Dec 2012 | Multiple sources. Spiral Force and Thunder Knuckle form the main block, with Team Plasma Battle Gift Set and promotional cards adding further numbered cards. |
| Plasma Storm PLS |
6 February 2013 | Plasma Gale BW7 |
14 Sep 2012 | Multiple sources. Plasma Gale supplies the core, while the Powered Half Deck, both Kyurem-EX decks, Gift Set material and other held-over or promotional cards broaden the set. |
| Boundaries Crossed BCR |
7 November 2012 | Freeze Bolt / Cold Flare BW6 |
13 Jul 2012 | Multiple sources. Freeze Bolt and Cold Flare form the core, with National Beginning Set and Keldeo deck material plus regional Trainer substitutions and held-over cards. |
| Dragon Vault DRV |
5 October 2012 | Dragon Selection DS |
27 Jan 2012 | Near-direct counterpart. The 20-card Japanese subset maps closely, but Dragon Vault adds Kyurem as 21/20 and uses a different blister-only five-card all-Holo pack structure. |
| Dragons Exalted DRX |
15 August 2012 | Dragon Blast / Dragon Blade BW5 |
16 Mar 2012 | Multiple sources. Dragon Blast and Dragon Blade form the core, while the Hydreigon and Garchomp Half Decks add numbered cards; Magmortar also received changed international artwork. |
| Dark Explorers DEX |
9 May 2012 | Dark Rush BW4 |
16 Dec 2011 | Multiple sources. Dark Rush is the main booster source, but both EX Battle Strength Decks, the Thundurus vs Tornadus Gift Set and promo origins broaden the checklist. |
| Next Destinies NXD |
8 February 2012 | Psycho Drive / Hail Blizzard BW3 |
16 Sep 2011 | Multiple sources. Psycho Drive and Hail Blizzard form the core, with both Reshiram-EX and Zekrom-EX Battle Strength Decks adding additional cards. |
| Noble Victories NVI |
16 November 2011 | Red Collection BW2 |
15 Jul 2011 | Multiple sources. Red Collection supplies the main block, with all Victini deck cards and selected Psycho Drive / Hail Blizzard cards also included. |
| Emerging Powers EPO |
31 August 2011 | Remaining Black Collection / White Collection cards BW1 |
17 Dec 2010 | No direct Japanese equivalent. The international expansion combines all remaining BW1 cards with all three Battle Strength Decks rather than localising one Japanese booster release. |
| Black & White BLW |
25 April 2011 | Black Collection / White Collection BW1 |
17 Dec 2010 | Multiple sources. Black Collection and White Collection form the booster core, but Beginning Set products supply a substantial block and some BW1 cards were held for Emerging Powers. |
HeartGold & SoulSilver52010–2011▼
The HeartGold & SoulSilver block mixes paired LEGEND expansions with cards from Japanese deck products, subsets and promotions, so several international releases do not have a single Japanese booster equivalent.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Legends CL |
9 February 2011 | HeartGold & SoulSilver-era reprints / Lost Link / L-P promotional cards Various / LL / L-P |
Various 2009–2010 | No direct Japanese equivalent. Call of Legends has no direct Japanese expansion equivalent. It combines HeartGold & SoulSilver-era reprints with a defined block of Lost Link cards and a shiny Legendary subset originating from Japanese L-P promotions. Because many reprints use English-exclusive artwork, the relationship should be described by source pools rather than as a Japanese set equivalent. |
| Triumphant TM |
3 November 2010 | Clash at the Summit / Lost Link L3 / LL |
8 July 2010 / 16 April 2010 | Primary source. Clash at the Summit supplies the dominant main expansion block, while the separate Lost Link subset contributes a substantial supplementary pool. This is a dominant-source relationship rather than a strict one-set localisation. |
| Undaunted UD |
18 August 2010 | Reviving Legends / Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck / Steelix Constructed Standard Deck L2 / product releases |
11 February 2010 / various | Primary source. Reviving Legends is the dominant Japanese booster source for Undaunted, while accompanying Japanese deck products contribute additional numbered cards. Some cards from those decks were placed in Unleashed instead, so the relationship is not a card-for-card localisation. |
| Unleashed UL |
12 May 2010 | Held-over HeartGold Collection / SoulSilver Collection cards; Battle Starter Decks; Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck L1 / deck products |
9 October 2009 / 2009 | No direct Japanese equivalent. Unleashed has no direct Japanese booster counterpart. It combines held-over cards from HeartGold Collection and SoulSilver Collection with cards first distributed through Japanese Battle Starter Decks and most of the Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck. |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver HS |
10 February 2010 | HeartGold Collection / SoulSilver Collection L1 (paired releases) |
9 October 2009 | Combined pair. HeartGold Collection and SoulSilver Collection were released together and form the core of the international HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion. Product configuration, numbering and promotional distribution differ by region; the same-day Random Basic Pack is contextual rather than a separate expansion pool. |
Platinum42009▼
Platinum-era international sets usually have a clear Japanese booster core, but deck kits, gift products and DPt-P promotional cards often contribute meaningful additional material.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arceus AR |
4 November 2009 | Advent of Arceus / Arceus LV.X Grass & Fire / Arceus LV.X Lightning & Psychic / selected DPt-P promotional cards DPt4 / deck products / DPt-P |
8 July 2009 / 8 July 2009 / 2008–2009 | Multiple sources. Advent of Arceus supplies the main Japanese booster pool, while the two Arceus LV.X constructed decks and selected DPt-P promotions contribute additional English cards. The international Arceus expansion is therefore a multi-product composition rather than a strict one-set equivalent. |
| Supreme Victors SV |
19 August 2009 | Beat of the Frontier / Garchomp vs Charizard SP Deck Kit / Gift Box DPt / selected DPt-P promotional cards DPt3 / deck product / gift product / DPt-P |
6 March 2009 / 6 March 2009 / 20 November 2008 / 2008–2009 | Multiple sources. Beat of the Frontier is the main Japanese booster source for Supreme Victors, but the English set also also draws from the Garchomp vs Charizard SP Deck Kit, Gift Box DPt and selected DPt-P promotions. The English card pool therefore spans several Japanese product types. |
| Rising Rivals RR |
16 May 2009 | Bonds to the End of Time / Infernape vs Gallade SP Deck Kit / selected DPt-P promotional cards DPt2 / deck product / DPt-P |
26 December 2008 / 26 December 2008 / 2008–2009 | Multiple sources. Bonds to the End of Time supplies the booster core for Rising Rivals, but the English expansion also imports substantial cards from the Infernape vs Gallade SP Deck Kit plus selected Japanese promotional releases. It is therefore not an exact one-set localisation. |
| Platinum PL |
11 February 2009 | Galactic's Conquest / Entry Pack DPt / selected DPt-P promotional cards DPt1 / product cards / DPt-P |
10 October 2008 / 10 October 2008 / 2008–2009 | Primary source. Galactic's Conquest is the primary Japanese source for Platinum, but the international set also absorbs cards from Entry Pack DPt and selected DPt-P promotional releases. The relationship is therefore a primary-source mapping rather than a card-for-card localisation. |
Diamond & Pearl72007–2008▼
Diamond & Pearl ranges from a clear paired launch set to later international expansions that divide or recombine Japanese booster and deck-product pools.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormfront SF |
5 November 2008 | Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky / Giratina vs Dialga Deck Kit DP6 / deck product |
10 July 2008 | Multiple sources. Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky is the main Japanese booster source for Stormfront, and the English set also includes cards from the Giratina vs Dialga Deck Kit. Its retro secret cards are updated versions of older designs, so they are a special treatment rather than evidence of another contemporary Japanese expansion source. |
| Legends Awakened LA |
20 August 2008 | Cry from the Mysterious / Temple of Anger / Heatran vs Regigigas Deck Kit DP5 / DP5 / deck product |
14 March 2008 | Multiple sources. Cry from the Mysterious and Temple of Anger form the paired Japanese booster core for Legends Awakened, with the Heatran vs Regigigas Deck Kit contributing additional English cards. The international expansion is therefore broader than the two booster subsets alone. |
| Majestic Dawn MD |
21 May 2008 | Dawn Dash (primary) / Moonlit Pursuit / Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit / selected DP-P promotional material DP4 / DP4 / deck product / DP-P |
26 October 2007 / 26 October 2007 / 2007–2008 | Multiple sources. Majestic Dawn is built mainly from Dawn Dash, but it completes the English split of the wider Moonlit Pursuit / Dawn Dash block and also includes Japanese deck-kit and promotional/crossover material. The result is a multi-product source pool rather than a direct Dawn Dash equivalent. |
| Great Encounters GE |
13 February 2008 | Moonlit Pursuit (primary) / Dawn Dash shared block / Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit / selected Shining Darkness and constructed-deck prints DP4 / DP4 / deck products / DP3 |
26 October 2007 / 26 October 2007 / 5 July–26 October 2007 | Multiple sources. Great Encounters is built mainly from Moonlit Pursuit, but the Japanese DP4 pair was divided across Great Encounters and Majestic Dawn and the English set also receives cards from Japanese deck products and earlier DP3 material. “Mostly Moonlit Pursuit” is more accurate than calling it a direct equivalent. |
| Secret Wonders SW |
7 November 2007 | Shining Darkness / Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit DP3 / deck product |
5 July 2007 / 26 October 2007 | Multiple sources. Shining Darkness supplies the main Japanese booster pool for Secret Wonders, but the English set also absorbs cards from the Magmortar vs Electivire Deck Kit. It is therefore better treated as a multi-product composition than as a strict one-set equivalent. |
| Mysterious Treasures MT |
22 August 2007 | Secret of the Lakes DP2 |
2 March 2007 | Near-direct counterpart. Secret of the Lakes is the near-direct Japanese counterpart to Mysterious Treasures. The English and Japanese checklists are not literally identical, but no separate Japanese product changes the core relationship at set level. |
| Diamond & Pearl DP |
23 May 2007 | Space-Time Creation: Diamond Collection / Space-Time Creation: Pearl Collection DP1 / DP1 |
30 November 2006 | Combined pair. Diamond Collection and Pearl Collection, together known as Space-Time Creation, form the Japanese source for Diamond & Pearl. Japan split the first DP booster block across two simultaneous collections, so collectors should treat them as a paired source rather than expect one Japanese box to mirror the English set. |
EX Series162003–2007▼
The EX era is one of the more complex parts of the chronology. Japanese ADV and PCG boosters were frequently supplemented by decks, gift products and promotions, and some Japanese counterparts followed the international release.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX Power Keepers PK |
14 February 2007 | World Champions Pack WCP |
5 July 2007 | Near-direct counterpart. World Champions Pack is the closest Japanese counterpart to EX Power Keepers and mirrors the 108-card pool closely, but it was released in Japan several months after the English expansion and after the Japanese DP era had begun. It is a later Japanese counterpart rather than a source that preceded the English set. |
| EX Dragon Frontiers DF |
8 November 2006 | Offense and Defense of the Furthest Ends / Shockwave! Tyranitar ex Constructed Standard Deck / Imprison! Gardevoir ex Constructed Standard Deck PCG9 / constructed-deck products |
29 June 2006 | Multiple sources. EX Dragon Frontiers combines Offense and Defense of the Furthest Ends with substantial material from the Shockwave! Tyranitar ex and Imprison! Gardevoir ex constructed decks. Because those decks contribute many cards absent from the Japanese booster, the English expansion is best treated as a multi-product combination. |
| EX Crystal Guardians CG |
30 August 2006 | Miracle Crystal / Earth's Groudon ex Constructed Starter Deck / Ocean's Kyogre ex Constructed Starter Deck PCG8 / starter-deck products |
3–10 March 2006 | Primary source. Miracle Crystal is the primary Japanese source for EX Crystal Guardians, supplemented by the Earth's Groudon ex and Ocean's Kyogre ex starter decks. Those deck products supplied cards that were folded into the English main set, so the Japanese booster is not an exact checklist match. |
| EX Holon Phantoms HP |
3 May 2006 | Holon Phantom / Gift Box Mew • Lucario / selected PCG-P promotional cards PCG7 / gift-box product / PCG-P |
16 November 2005 / 27 January 2006 / various 2005–2006 | Multiple sources. EX Holon Phantoms uses Holon Phantom as its Japanese booster core, but a large share of the English checklist comes from other Japanese PCG products, especially Gift Box Mew • Lucario and selected PCG-P promotional cards. This is a multi-product relationship rather than a near-direct counterpart. |
| EX Legend Maker LM |
13 February 2006 | Mirage Forest / Mirage's Mew Constructed Starter Deck / selected PCG-P promotional cards PCG5 / starter-deck product / PCG-P |
30 June 2005 / various 2005 | Primary source. Mirage Forest is the primary Japanese source for EX Legend Maker. The English expansion also uses material from Mirage's Mew Constructed Starter Deck and selected PCG-P promotional cards, so collectors should not expect the Japanese booster to reproduce the English checklist exactly. |
| EX Delta Species DS |
31 October 2005 | Holon Research Tower / Fire, Water and Lightning Holon Research Tower Quarter Decks / selected PCG-P promotional cards PCG6 / quarter-deck products / PCG-P |
30 September–7 October 2005 / 28 October 2005 / various 2005 | Primary source. Holon Research Tower is the primary Japanese source for EX Delta Species, supplemented by the Fire, Water and Lightning Holon Research Tower quarter decks and selected promotional cards. The English expansion is broader than the Japanese booster even though the releases were only days apart. |
| EX Unseen Forces UF |
22 August 2005 | Golden Sky, Silvery Ocean / Meganium, Typhlosion and Feraligatr Constructed Starter Decks / selected PCG-P promotional cards PCG4 / deck products / PCG-P |
5 March 2005 / 8 April 2005 / various 2005 | Primary source. Golden Sky, Silvery Ocean is the primary Japanese source for EX Unseen Forces, but the English expansion also incorporates cards from the Meganium, Typhlosion and Feraligatr starter decks plus selected Japanese promotional cards. It is therefore not a card-for-card match to one Japanese booster set. |
| EX Emerald EM |
9 May 2005 | Gift Box Emerald / Quick Construction Packs / selected PCG-P promotional cards / Master Kit (later Japanese placement) product releases / PCG-P |
19 November 2004 / 16 January 2005 / various 2004–2005 / 15 July 2005 | No direct Japanese equivalent. EX Emerald has no single Japanese booster equivalent. Its card pool corresponds to several Japanese PCG products, especially Gift Box Emerald and the six Quick Construction Packs, with additional promotional/product material. Some Japanese placements came after the English release, so the result is a combined regional pool rather than a one-to-one source set. |
| EX Deoxys DX |
14 February 2005 | Clash of the Blue Sky / Deoxys and Rayquaza Constructed Starter Decks / selected PCG-P promotional cards PCG2 / starter-deck products / PCG-P |
1 July 2004 / selected PCG-P releases in 2004–2005 | Primary source. Clash of the Blue Sky is the primary Japanese source for EX Deoxys, supplemented by the Deoxys and Rayquaza Constructed Starter Decks and selected PCG-P promotional cards. The booster remains the dominant pool, but the English expansion is not a card-for-card match. |
| EX Team Rocket Returns TRR |
8 November 2004 | Rocket Gang Strikes Back / Black Deck Kit / Silver Deck Kit PCG3 / deck-kit products |
15 October 2004 | Multiple sources. EX Team Rocket Returns combines Rocket Gang Strikes Back with substantial material from the Black and Silver Deck Kits. The Japanese booster remains the central expansion, but the English checklist is a multi-product PCG pool rather than a direct translation of that booster alone. |
| EX FireRed & LeafGreen RG |
30 August 2004 | Flight of Legends / Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks PCG1 / random starter-deck product |
19 March 2004 / 9 April 2004 | Multiple sources. EX FireRed & LeafGreen combines Flight of Legends with a substantial card pool from the Venusaur/Charizard/Blastoise Random Constructed Starter Decks. Because that deck product broadens the English checklist, the relationship is better described as a multi-product combination than a direct equivalent. |
| EX Hidden Legends HL |
14 June 2004 | Undone Seal / Metagross Constructed Starter Deck / selected ADV-P promotional cards ADV4 / starter-deck product / ADV-P |
16 January 2004 / various 2004 | Primary source. Undone Seal is the primary Japanese source for EX Hidden Legends, supplemented by the Metagross Constructed Starter Deck and selected promotional material. The booster is clearly dominant, but the English expansion is broader than the Japanese booster checklist. |
| EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua MA |
15 March 2004 | Magma VS Aqua: Two Ambitions / Magma Deck Kit / Aqua Deck Kit ADV enhanced expansion ex1 / deck-kit products |
24 October 2003 | Multiple sources. EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua combines the Japanese Magma VS Aqua: Two Ambitions subset with substantial material from both the Magma and Aqua Deck Kits. The English expansion is therefore a deliberately blended ADV product pool rather than a one-to-one version of the Japanese subset. |
| EX Dragon DR |
24 November 2003 | Rulers of the Heavens / Flygon and Salamence Constructed Starter Decks / selected late-ADV product placements including Gift Box ADV3 / starter-deck products / other ADV product placements |
25 June 2003 / 17 November 2003 and other late-2003 placements | Multiple sources. EX Dragon combines Rulers of the Heavens with substantial material from the Flygon and Salamence Constructed Starter Decks, plus selected late-ADV product placements. The Japanese booster is the central block, but it does not reproduce the English checklist on its own. |
| EX Sandstorm SS |
18 September 2003 | Miracle of the Desert / later Japanese placements in Magma VS Aqua: Two Ambitions and Gift Box ADV2 / ADV ex1 / Gift Box product |
18 April 2003 / 24 October 2003 / 17 November 2003 | Multiple sources. Miracle of the Desert is the main Japanese booster counterpart to EX Sandstorm, but almost half of the English checklist first appeared internationally and was only placed into Japanese products later. EX Sandstorm is therefore a cross-regional combination rather than a set sourced entirely from an earlier Japanese release. |
| EX Ruby & Sapphire RS |
18 June 2003 | Expansion Pack / Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip Constructed Starter Decks ADV Expansion Pack / starter-deck products |
31 January 2003 | Multiple sources. EX Ruby & Sapphire uses the Japanese Expansion Pack as its booster core, but the English checklist also folds in substantial material from the Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip Constructed Starter Decks. It is therefore a multi-product ADV-era pool rather than a card-for-card Japanese equivalent. |
e-Card32002–2003▼
The e-Card block uses one primary Japanese release for Expedition and paired Japanese expansions for Aquapolis and Skyridge, with regional numbering and product differences retained in the notes.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyridge SK |
12 May 2003 | Split Earth / Mysterious Mountains | 23 Aug 2002 / 4 Oct 2002 | Combined pair. Skyridge combines the Japanese e-Card expansions Split Earth and Mysterious Mountains. Together they form the clear Japanese source pair for the international expansion, although English holo/reverse-holo numbering and product treatment differ. |
| Aquapolis AQ |
15 January 2003 | The Town on No Map / Wind from the Sea | 8 Mar 2002 / 24 May 2002 | Combined pair. Aquapolis combines the Japanese e-Card expansions The Town on No Map and Wind from the Sea. It is best treated as a deliberate two-set Japanese source pair rather than as the equivalent of either set on its own. |
| Expedition Base Set EX |
15 September 2002 | Base Expansion Pack / Pokémon-e Starter Deck | 1 Dec 2001 (both products) | Primary source. Japan's Base Expansion Pack is the primary source for Expedition Base Set, supplemented by cards first released in the Pokémon-e Starter Deck. The English set is therefore not a strict one-to-one version of the 128-card Japanese booster. |
Legendary Collection12002▼
Legendary Collection is a standalone international reprint expansion with no direct Japanese expansion counterpart, so its Japanese provenance runs back through earlier Original-era releases.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Collection LC |
24 May 2002 | No direct Japanese counterpart; underlying cards trace through earlier Original-era releases | Various earlier Original-era releases | No direct Japanese equivalent. Legendary Collection has no direct Japanese expansion equivalent. It is an international reprint set built from earlier Base Set, Jungle, Fossil and Team Rocket cards, so Japanese provenance should be traced through those original releases rather than forced into a single counterpart. |
Neo Series42000–2002▼
Neo-era international expansions are generally anchored to a main Japanese expansion, but Premium File and deck-product cards mean several are better described as primary-source relationships than exact equivalents.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neo Destiny N4 |
28 February 2002 | Darkness, and to Light... | 20 Apr 2001 | Near-direct counterpart. Neo Destiny maps very closely to Japan's Darkness, and to Light.... Both releases contain 113 cards. Some card identities had earlier or alternate Japanese promotional/deck printings, but the English Neo Destiny set maps to the 113-card main expansion rather than requiring those products as a separate source pool. |
| Neo Revelation N3 |
21 September 2001 | Awakening Legends / Premium File 3 promotional cards | 23 Nov 2000 (main expansion / Premium File 3) | Primary source. Awakening Legends is the primary Japanese source for Neo Revelation, supplemented by cards issued separately in Japan through Premium File 3. The English expansion combines those sources, so it is not a strict one-to-one version of the Japanese booster. |
| Neo Discovery N2 |
1 June 2001 | Crossing the Ruins... / selected Premium File 2 promotional cards | 7 Jul 2000 (main expansion); 8 Jul 2000 cinema / 5 Aug 2000 general (Premium File 2) | Primary source. Crossing the Ruins... is the primary Japanese source for Neo Discovery, but the English expansion also incorporates cards that were separate Premium File 2 promotions in Japan. English rarity/print treatment further expands the checklist, so it should not be presented as a strict one-to-one counterpart. |
| Neo Genesis N1 |
16 December 2000 | Gold, Silver, to a New World... / Premium File promotional cards | 10 Dec 1999 (Premium File); 4 Feb 2000 (main expansion) | Primary source. Gold, Silver, to a New World... is the primary Japanese source for Neo Genesis, but the English expansion also incorporates Japanese Premium File promotional cards. The relationship is therefore primary-source rather than a strict one-to-one equivalent. |
Gym Series22000▼
Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge are both composites of the wider Japanese Gym product pool rather than clean one-set localisations.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gym Challenge G2 |
16 October 2000 | Challenge from the Darkness / Leaders' Stadium / selected Japanese Gym theme decks | 24 Oct 1998 (Leaders’ Stadium); 26 Feb 1999 (Sabrina/Blaine decks); 25 Jun 1999 (Challenge from the Darkness) | Multiple sources. Gym Challenge is also a combination rather than a direct one-set equivalent. The English checklist combines Challenge from the Darkness with cards from Leaders’ Stadium and Japanese Gym theme decks, with additional regional artwork and rarity/print differences. |
| Gym Heroes G1 |
14 August 2000 | Leaders' Stadium / Challenge from the Darkness / selected Japanese Gym theme decks | 26 Apr & 25 Jul 1998 (first four Gym decks); 24 Oct 1998 (Leaders’ Stadium); 26 Feb 1999 (Sabrina/Blaine decks); 25 Jun 1999 (Challenge from the Darkness) | Multiple sources. Gym Heroes has no clean one-product Japanese equivalent. It combines the Leaders’ Stadium core with cards from Challenge from the Darkness and Japanese Gym theme decks, so the English set draws from the wider Japanese Gym product pool rather than one exact counterpart. |
Original Series51999–2000▼
The earliest international expansions include close counterparts such as Base Set, Jungle and Fossil alongside releases such as Base Set 2 that have no standalone Japanese equivalent.
| International set | Release date | Primary Japanese source(s) | Japanese release | Relationship & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Rocket TR |
24 April 2000 | Rocket Gang / later Japanese Dark Raichu in Crossing the Ruins... | 21 Nov 1997 / 7 Jul 2000 (later Dark Raichu Japanese print) | Near-direct counterpart. Team Rocket maps closely to Japan’s Rocket Gang, but the English release has an important exception: Dark Raichu 83/82 was created for the English set and only appeared in Japan later, in Crossing the Ruins.... The English checklist also differs through regional Holo/non-Holo treatment. |
| Base Set 2 B2 |
24 February 2000 | No direct Japanese counterpart; constituent cards trace to Expansion Pack / Pokémon Jungle | 1996–1997 source releases | No direct Japanese equivalent. Base Set 2 has no direct Japanese equivalent. It is an international reprint set built from selected Base Set and Jungle cards, so Japanese provenance should be traced back to those earlier releases rather than presented as a standalone Japanese set. |
| Fossil FO |
10 October 1999 | Mystery of the Fossils | 21 Jun 1997 | Near-direct counterpart. Fossil maps closely to Japan’s Mystery of the Fossils, but it is not card-for-card identical. The English set adds non-Holofoil variants of its Rare Holo cards, while the Japanese Mew was moved out of the numbered English expansion and released internationally as a Wizards Black Star Promo. |
| Jungle JU |
16 June 1999 | Pokémon Jungle | 5 Mar 1997 | Near-direct counterpart. Jungle maps closely to Japan’s Pokémon Jungle. The Japanese set has 48 cards; the 64-card English checklist is larger because it adds non-Holofoil versions of the Rare Holo cards. |
| Base Set BS |
9 January 1999 | Pokémon Card Game Volume 1 / Expansion Pack (with first Starter Pack distribution) | 20 Oct 1996 | Near-direct counterpart. Base Set maps closely to Japan’s first Pokémon Card Game Expansion Pack. The same 102-card core is present, but product distribution, numbering/order, rarity-symbol treatment and print variants differ between the Japanese and international releases. |
Before Base Set and special releases outside the main expansion table
The main table is a chronology of international expansions, not every Pokémon card product ever released. Early licensed collectibles, Japanese-only special releases, promo products and fixed collections need different treatment so they are not mistaken for ordinary booster expansions.
What came before Base Set?
- Bandai Carddass Pocket Monsters cards were important early licensed Pokémon collectibles sold in Japan in late 1996, but they were not part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- CoroCoro Pikachu and Jigglypuff appear to be the earliest publicly released Pokémon TCG promotional cards, issued shortly before the formal Japanese TCG launch.
- The Pokémon Card Game formally launched in Japan on 20 October 1996 with the first Expansion Pack and Starter Pack. That first Expansion Pack is the principal Japanese source for the international Base Set.
- Topsun Pocket Monsters cards are another historically important licensed collectible, but the evidence points to a 1997 release rather than the frequently quoted 1995 date, and they are not Pokémon TCG cards.
Japanese-only special releases
Japan’s three 1998 Expansion Sheet releases were official Pokémon TCG special collections distributed through vending sheets rather than normal booster packs. Most cards remained Japan-only; cards that later appeared in English were generally issued as Wizards Black Star Promos rather than as one equivalent international set. The Quick Starter Gift Set then reprinted Expansion Sheet material in a fixed-deck format, so it also sits outside the normal expansion chronology.
Why Southern Islands is listed separately
Southern Islands is an official 18-card Pokémon TCG special set with Japanese and international releases, but it was a fixed collection rather than a normal booster expansion. It released in Japan on 17 July 1999 and internationally on 31 July 2001, so it is best treated as a special-release callout rather than inside the main booster-expansion chronology.
Why English and Japanese Pokémon sets do not always match
The international Pokémon TCG has never used one fixed localisation pattern. A Japanese expansion may become most of an international set, two Japanese sets may be combined, cards may be held back for a later release, or an international expansion may absorb deck, promo and special-product material.
Paldea Evolved
Paldea Evolved is not simply Snow Hazard and Clay Burst. Triplet Beat is also a primary booster source, with additional deck and product cards in the wider source pool. Calling it a two-set localisation would omit a substantial part of the international checklist.
Generations and Celebrations
These sets are useful reminders that a structural counterpart does not always mean an earlier Japanese source. Generations released internationally before Japan’s BREAK Starter Pack, and Celebrations released internationally before the related Japanese 25th Anniversary products. The table therefore describes source relationships without implying the Japanese product always came first.
Legendary Collection
Legendary Collection has no direct Japanese expansion equivalent. It is an international reprint set built from earlier Base Set, Jungle, Fossil and Team Rocket cards, so its Japanese provenance has to be traced through those earlier releases rather than assigned to one matching set.
30th Celebration
30th Celebration draws from both 30th CELEBRATION and the separate 30th Celebration Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon. Numbering, subsets and promotional distribution differ, so a single headline card-total comparison would be misleading.
These examples are why the tables identify source relationships and regional differences rather than forcing every international expansion into a one-set equivalence.
Collector notes: using set codes and source sets
- Set code + set name: using both reduces confusion between similar translated names and anniversary products.
- English master sets: the international checklist is the relevant numbered checklist; the Japanese source list explains provenance rather than replacing it.
- Promos: keeping product promos separate from numbered-set cards makes it clearer when a card moved into an ETB, collection box or other promotional release.
- Headline totals: secret cards, galleries, shiny subsets, fixed decks and region-specific promos can make two regional totals look more comparable than they really are.
Store note: TCE stocks English Pokémon cards and sealed products; see our English Pokémon TCG range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese equivalent of an English Pokémon set?
Sometimes one Japanese expansion is a close counterpart, but many English-language international sets combine two or more Japanese releases or add deck and promotional material. The table therefore identifies the primary Japanese source set or sets rather than assuming every expansion has one exact equivalent.
Why do some international sets combine two Japanese sets?
Japan often releases paired expansions separately, while the international Pokémon TCG combines their card pools into one larger expansion. These are marked as a Combined pair when the two releases form the clear core of the international set.
Why do some sets have no direct Japanese equivalent?
Some international expansions are assembled from held-over cards, decks, promotional releases, reprints and several different products. In those cases, assigning one Japanese equivalent would be misleading.
Are English and Japanese Pokémon set codes the same?
No. International expansions and Japanese releases use separate set codes. Both are included because they help identify cards, booster packs, products and checklists accurately.
Do English and Japanese Pokémon sets contain exactly the same cards?
Not necessarily. Cards can be moved between expansions, omitted, released as promos, given different rarity treatments or distributed through different products.
Do Japanese Pokémon sets always release before the international set?
No. Most source products do release earlier, but there are important exceptions. Generations, Celebrations and EX Power Keepers all have related Japanese products that followed the international release, so “source” in this guide describes the card-pool relationship rather than automatically implying chronological direction.
Are all Japanese Pokémon cards eventually released in English?
No. Some Japanese cards remain Japan-only, while others move into later international sets or promotional releases. The 1998 Expansion Sheets are an early example: many cards remained Japan-only, while selected cards later appeared internationally as Wizards Black Star Promos.
Does this list include special Pokémon expansions?
Yes, when Pokémon recognises them as expansions. Special expansions such as Hidden Fates, Celebrations, Pokémon 151, Prismatic Evolutions and 30th Celebration remain in their appropriate era and release position. Fixed special sets such as Southern Islands are called out separately rather than treated as ordinary booster expansions.
What about Korean and Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets?
This page is specifically an English/international-to-Japanese source guide. Korean and Simplified Chinese products use different release structures and are outside the scope of this table.
Is Delta Reign final?
No. Delta Reign is included because Pokémon has announced it for 6 November 2026, but its source mapping is still pre-release and may change when the complete international checklist is published.
How often is this Pokémon set list updated?
This page is updated when new international expansions are announced or released, when final checklists replace preview information, or when stronger evidence changes a recorded relationship.
Where this comes from: Pokémon’s official expansion, product and card-database material is the first reference for modern releases; Pokémon Card Game Japan, Bulbapedia and Serebii are used to cross-check historical Japanese/international set relationships where official archives are incomplete.
Last updated: 6 October 2026. This guide covers 131 main international expansions from Base Set through Delta Reign; Delta Reign is the only announced, unreleased entry.