Part of our guide to the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Set: The Complete Guide to 30th Celebration.
Japanese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products are some of the most collectable releases of 2026. In Japan the set is called 30th CELEBRATION, and its line-up is very different from the English one, with sealed booster boxes, a premium Futuristic Box and nine starter Card Sets. Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products add even more choice, from booster boxes to gift boxes with figures. This guide explains every Japanese and Chinese 30th product and how they compare with the English range.
New to the anniversary set? Start with our Pokémon 30th Anniversary set guide, then see the 30th Anniversary card list for every rarity.
Japanese, Chinese and English 30th products compared
| Japanese | Chinese | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set name | 30th CELEBRATION | 30th Celebration | 30th Celebration |
| Launch | 16 September 2026 | 2026 | 16 September 2026, in waves to December |
| Booster boxes | Yes | Yes | No, packs come in collections |
| Special products | Futuristic Box, nine Card Sets, Premium Deck Set | Gift boxes, deck sets, figures | Elite Trainer Box, Ultra Premium Collections and more |
| Pack contents | 6 foil cards | Varies by product | Varies by product |
The biggest difference is the booster box. English 30th Celebration packs only come inside collections, so collectors who want to open a sealed box of packs often turn to the Japanese and Chinese versions.
The Japanese 30th CELEBRATION set
The Japanese set carries the code M6a and launched on 16 September 2026, the same day as the English version. It was the first Pokémon TCG expansion with a simultaneous worldwide launch, so Japanese and English collectors opened the anniversary cards on the same day.
Japanese packs are all foil. Each one holds six foil cards and sells for 360 yen in Japan, which makes opening a Japanese pack feel very different from opening an English one. The rarest cards are the new Futuristic rares of Mew ex and Mewtwo ex, designed by the artist YOSHIROTTEN.
You can open Japanese packs from a sealed Japanese 30th Celebration booster box.
Pokémon turns 30
The anniversary marks 30 years since Pokémon Red and Green came out in Japan on 27 February 1996. The trading card game followed in Japan later that year, and English players got the Base Set in 1999. That is why Japanese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products carry a special meaning for many collectors, as Japan is where the whole story began.
The Futuristic rare cards
Futuristic rare is a brand-new rarity that debuts in the anniversary set. Only two cards carry it, Mew ex and Mewtwo ex, and they are the rarest pulls in the set. The artwork is by the Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN, who also designed the set’s main visual and its Basic Energy cards, and the bold digital style looks unlike anything Pokémon has printed before.
Because Japanese packs are all foil, opening a Japanese 30th box is a great way to chase these cards while enjoying a foil card in every slot.
The Japanese Futuristic Box
The Japanese 30th Celebration Futuristic Box is a premium product built around the set’s new Futuristic rare cards and the bold digital style of YOSHIROTTEN’s artwork. In Japan it was sold through the Pokémon Center Online store, which made it hard to get at launch. It is one of the most sought-after Japanese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products.
The nine Japanese 30th CELEBRATION Card Sets
On 16 October 2026, Japan released nine Card Sets, one for the starter Pokémon of each generation. Each Card Set contains three promo cards of that generation’s starters, two booster packs and a card stand, so collecting all nine gives you all 27 starter Pokémon.
| Card Set | Starter Pokémon |
|---|---|
| Kanto | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle |
| Johto | Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile |
| Hoenn | Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip |
| Sinnoh | Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup |
| Unova | Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott |
| Kalos | Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie |
| Alola | Rowlet, Litten, Popplio |
| Galar | Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble |
| Paldea | Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly |
The Card Sets are a lovely way to celebrate a favourite generation. Many collectors pick the region they grew up with, while others display all nine together on a shelf.
Collecting the starters across every generation
The nine Card Sets make it easy to collect every starter Pokémon from Kanto to Paldea. Each set has its own promo cards, so a full run of 27 starters looks superb in a binder or on a shelf with the card stands. Some collectors add the Japanese 30th booster packs from each set to their sealed collection, while others open them straight away to chase the Futuristic rares.
The Japanese Premium Deck Set
The Premium Deck Set Espeon ex and Umbreon ex launched alongside the Japanese set. It features the two Eeveelutions that also lead several English 30th Celebration products, and its cards are part of the international 30th Celebration card list.
Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products
Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products are made for the Chinese market and often bundle extra cards, figures and display pieces that are not part of the English range. That makes them popular as gifts and as something different for a collection.
- Chinese 30th Celebration Booster Box: sealed packs of the Chinese version of the set.
- Prismatic Future Gift Box: a premium gift box.
- Espeon ex Deluxe Deck Set: a deck set built around Espeon ex.
- Espeon ex and Umbreon ex Collection Box: a collection featuring both Eeveelutions.
- Charizard Premium Figure Gift Box: cards plus a Charizard figure.
- Greninja ex Card Display Set: a display set for Greninja fans.
- 30th Anniversary First Partner Series 1 Box: a starter-themed product.
- Dream Painting 30th Anniversary Pikachu Figures: collectable Pikachu figures.
Japanese and Chinese 30th booster boxes compared
Both the Japanese and Chinese 30th booster boxes give you sealed packs to open, which the English range does not. The Japanese box is the one most collectors choose for its all-foil packs and Japanese print quality. The Chinese box is a good alternative if you want the anniversary artwork in a different language or are collecting the set in every version. Check each product page for exact contents, as pack sizes differ between the two.
Why collect Japanese 30th Anniversary Pokémon?
- Sealed booster boxes. Japanese boxes let you open lots of all-foil packs, which the English range does not offer.
- Unique products. The Futuristic Box and the nine Card Sets are only available in Japanese.
- Print quality. Japanese cards are known for crisp printing and consistent centring.
- The same artwork. The anniversary artwork is shared with the English set.
Our Japanese vs English Pokémon cards guide explains the general differences between the two languages.
Why collect Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon?
Chinese 30th products stand out for their packaging and extras. Gift boxes with figures, display sets and themed collections make great presents, and they look very different from English products on a shelf. If you collect the anniversary across every language, Chinese products are the final piece.
English or Japanese 30th Celebration?
The right choice depends on how you like to collect:
- Choose English if you want the Classic Collection cards from the Ultra Premium Collections, playable cards for UK events or English-language promos. See our 30th Anniversary release date guide for every English product.
- Choose Japanese if you want sealed booster boxes, all-foil packs, the Futuristic Box or the starter Card Sets.
- Choose Chinese if you want gift boxes, figures and something different.
Tips for buying Japanese and Chinese 30th products
- Buy early. Japanese 30th products were sold through ballots in some Japanese shops, so stock can be limited.
- Check the contents. Japanese and Chinese products vary a lot, so read each product description.
- Keep languages separate. Store Japanese, Chinese and English cards in different binders.
- Protect your foil cards. All-foil packs mean every card deserves a sleeve.
Displaying your 30th Anniversary collection
The anniversary range is made for display. The Card Sets come with card stands, the gift boxes look great on a shelf and a binder of 30th Celebration foils makes a striking page. Many collectors combine the Japanese starter Card Sets with English Classic Collection cards to tell the whole 30-year story in one place.
Browse the full range in English, Japanese and Chinese in our Pokémon 30th Celebration collection, or see more in our Japanese Pokémon cards and Chinese Pokémon cards ranges.
Japanese and Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon FAQs
What is the Japanese 30th Anniversary Pokémon set called?
It is called 30th CELEBRATION and carries the code M6a.
When did the Japanese 30th CELEBRATION set release?
It launched on 16 September 2026, the same day as the English set. The nine Card Sets followed on 16 October 2026.
Is there a Japanese 30th Celebration booster box?
Yes. Japanese and Chinese booster boxes are both available, unlike the English range.
How many cards are in a Japanese 30th CELEBRATION pack?
Each Japanese pack contains six foil cards.
Are Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon cards official?
Yes. Chinese 30th Anniversary Pokémon products are official releases made for the Chinese market, with their own packaging and extras.
Which Japanese 30th product is best as a gift?
A Card Set for the recipient’s favourite generation makes a great gift, as it includes promo cards, booster packs and a card stand.
Where can I find official Japanese product details?
The official Japanese Pokémon Card Game website lists the Japanese 30th CELEBRATION products.
