The Japanese side of thePokemon TCGtends to lag slightly behind their English peers' prices, but they’re certainly not cheap. Terastal Festival ex was one of the most anticipated Pokemon TCG releases of 2024, offering a sneak preview of the ninevaluable Eeveelution cardsthat would see their English debut in Prismatic Evolutions.
Some of the most beloved Pokemon in the series' history return here as the most valuable Japanese Pokemon TCG cards from 2024, including Pikachu and Umbreon. If you enjoy unique textures on your cards, then the best Japanese cards from 2024 will offer you plenty of options to enjoy.
7Sylveon ex: Terastal Festival ex (Special Art Rare) – $100.70
A Bright And Beautiful Scene
This stunning Sylveon ex from Terastal Festival ex boasts the visual appeal and value to catapult it into the conversation asone of Sylveon’s best cards.As an Eevee-themed set, Terastal Festival takes the torch fromSword & Shield’s famous Evolving Skies,which set the modern standard for what a valuable Eeveelution should look like.
Even though Sylveon’s price continues to dip after release, it’s likely this card, and others from Terastal Festival ex will rebound and perhaps surpass their previous highs as time goes on, especially as demand for this set’s English twin, Prismatic Evolutions, continues to soar to unfathomable heights.
6Latias ex: Paradise Dragona (Special Art Rare) – $103.82
An Unexpected Flight
Paradise Dragona is a solid set that features stunning artwork of popular Dragon-type Pokemon, like Latias. This card mademajor waves in English as one of the most desirable cards in Surging Sparks,but its Japanese counterpart faced stiff competition from a very popular trainer.
While Latias predictably saw a major dip post-release, its recovery was swift, as it temporarily hit the $94 mark before jumping back into the triple-digits as one of the most sought-after Japanese Pokemon cards of 2024.
5Lisia’s Appeal: Paradise Dragona (Special Art Rare) – $124.86
One Of Japan’s Favorites
While her English popularity pales in comparison to her standing among Japanese collectors, Lisia claimed the crown asthe most valuable card in Paradise Dragona.However, Lisia’s popularity in the East hasn’t been enough to sustain her immensely impressive debut, as she continues to plummet toward the $100 mark.
Lisia was once alone at the top of Paradise Dragona as she had two versions at the top of the list, but Latias' resurgence has usurped the undisputed queen’s stranglehold on the top two spots, as she now shares the glory with the aforementioned Dragon-type.
4Greninja ex: Crimson Haze (Special Art Rare) – $139.27
A Blaze Of Color
Greninja ex’s Japanese price chart mirrors its English counterpart’s trajectory, as this card debuted at TCGplayer around the $120 mark and has only increased since then. This card’s English version tookthe Twilight Masquerade top spotby surprise, and the Japanese version has risen in value ever since TCGplayer incorporated Japanese cards into their database.
While Japanese cards are renowned for their high quality, this card is best enjoyed in person, as its busy design and subtle texture differences are hard to appreciate through a screen.
3Pikachu ex: Super Electric Breaker (Special Art Rare) – $227.24
The GOAT Returns
You may recognize this now-iconic Pikachu as one ofthe most valuable English cards released in the Pokemon TCG in 2024,as Pikachu’s popularity is ubiquitous. While trainers like Lisia receive more attention in Japan, one look atthe most valuable cards in Surging Sparkswill illustrate that Pikachu can make waves in any language.
If you appreciate the small details, then this card might be slightly hard to look at for too long, as the unique Japanese texturing gives Pikachu’s eyes an unsettling appearance that can detract from its visual appeal. While feelings about its appearance come down to preference, there’s no question about Pikachu’s standing as the most recognizable Pokemon ever.
2Umbreon ex: Terastal Festival ex (Special Art Rare) – $304.05
A New Umbreon To Chase
Speaking of recognizable Pokemon, it’s no surprise to see Umbreon climbing to the top of the list of the most valuable Japanese Pokemon cards of 2024.
The new Moonbreon claims second place yet again, much like it did inthe most valuable cards in Terastal Festival ex.
This card is visually stunning, but it’s not the rarest card in the set, as that distinction belongs to the next card on this list. However, let’s not take anything away from this Umbreon ex, affectionately dubbed “the new Moonbreon” both due to its similar thematic design and its groundbreaking valuation.
1Umbreon: Terastal Festival ex (Master Ball Foil) – $337.32
The Master Umbreon
The Umbreon Master Ball Foil claimsthe top spot as 2024’s most expensive Japanese Pokemon card,thanks to its unparalleled combination of rarity and desirability. You might be familiar with the Master Ball Reverse Holos that debuted in Scarlet & Violet: 151, which this set refines to feature a single Master Ball on a holographic pattern.
The standard Umbreon art is used above but would feature a reverse holographic design with a Master Ball in the center.
While Master Ball Foils also appear in this set’s English twin, Prismatic Evolutions, their standing as one of the most desirable variations gives this Umbreon the edge over its Special Art Rare twin. However, the gap between Umbreon’s SAR and MB Foil indicates that this competition is far from over.
