What Japanese Booster Box Should You Buy?
Are you ready to level up your Pokémon card collection? Whether you're a new collector, seasoned player, or savvy investor, Japanese Pokémon booster boxes offer a world of exclusive designs, rare cards, and stunning artwork.

With so many sets to choose from, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

In this guide, we’ll break down five must-have Japanese booster boxes, each with unique features that make them stand out. From the nostalgic charm of Japanese 151 to the premium pull rates of VSTAR Universe, there’s a perfect box for every type of collector.

First up, we have Japanese 151, one of the most popular sets to come out in the past few years. This Japanese booster box features all 151 original Pokémon from the Kanto region—so if you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, this set might be perfect for you.
Each booster box contains 20 packs containing 8 different cards.

• Iconic Pokémon Revisited: Relive the magic of Pokémon Red and Blue as you collect beautifully reimagined cards of beloved Pokémon like Charizard, Mew, and Eevee.
• Exclusive Art Styles: Japanese 151 adds a fresh twist to fan favourites with artwork you won’t find in other sets.
• High Collectible Value: This nostalgia-rich set is perfect for collectors who grew up with the classics.
• Masterballs: 151 has a unique feature that had not been seen before with the introduction of the Masterball Holos which really added that extra chase to the set.

Best For

• Nostalgic collectors and long-time Pokémon fans
• Those looking to build a collection rooted in the Pokémon franchise's legacy
• People looking for long term investments as this will be a fan favourite for decades to come

Are you a massive fan of the different Eeveelutions? This set might just be for you.

Each Japanese booster box of Terastal Festival comes with 10 packs each containing 10 cards. Every single pack is guaranteed to have at least 1 EX or better so you never feel disappointed.

• Eeveelutions in all their glory: This Japanese Booster box has a very unique theme of being all about the different Eeveelutions giving them all incredible secret art rares
• Masterballs: This Japanese booster box just like Pokemon 151 contains the masterballs adding that extra chase once again. The Umbreon Masterball is one of the most expensive cards in the set being the "Moonbreon" or "Sunbreon" as some people have started to call it.
• A Celebration of Gen 9: This set highlights some of the standout Pokémon from the latest Pokémon adventure.

Best For

• Long term investors as Eevee cards have always done well when it comes to value
• Eeveelution fans

Dark and mysterious, the Ruler of the Black Flame set is a crowd-pleaser for collectors who love powerful cards with an edgy aesthetic. Featuring fan favourites like Charizard in epic forms, this set is as fierce as its name suggests.

In each Japanese booster box Ruler of the Black Flame you will receive 30 packs all containing 5 cards and each booster box has a guaranteed hit rate of 3 Art Rares, 1 Acespec and 1 SR or better so you will never open a box and be disappointed.

• Charizard Delights: This set has 3 different variations of rare Charizards all with beautiful art works
• Dynamic Artwork: From stunning full-art trainers to intricate card designs, the set doesn’t hold back. This set has some of the most Amazing Art Rare designs of any modern set. You have Gloom 109/108, Ninetails 110/108, Scizor 116/108 and then my personal favourite Clefa 113/108. On top of these being incredible art works they are also super affordable ranging from just £2-£6.
• High Trade Value: With its bold visuals and fiery rarities, this booster box is a hot pick for collectors and traders alike.

Best For

• Charizard lovers (it’s always about Charizard, isn’t it?)
• Collectors looking for dramatic, standout pieces

Taking a darker turn in the Pokémon world, Crimson Haze is a gripping adventure in a booster box. With an emphasis on mythical and legendary Pokémon, every pack feels like a new chapter in a thrilling saga.

In each Japanese booster box Crimson Haze you will receive 30 packs all containing 5 cards and each booster box has a guaranteed hit rate of 3 Art Rares, 1 Acespec and 1 SR or better so you will never open a box and be disappointed.

• Incredible Art Rares: With cards such as Eevee 078/066, Infernape 070/066 and Hisuian Growlithe 075/066 just to name a few a Crimson Haze Japanese booster box is a must have no matter what type of card you like.
• SAR Chase Cards: Not only are the Art Rares incredible but on top of that you have 2 top tier SARs in the Perrin which matches up with the Growlithe but also one of the biggest chases from a Japanese standard booster box the Greninja EX.
• Underrated Value: This set is a gem for collectors seeking something off the beaten path.

Best For

• Those who want a range of art at an affordable price
• Collectors wanting a Japanese booster box with some nice chase cards

We saved my all time favourite for last—VSTAR Universe, the epitome of premium collectible Pokémon sets. Renowned among both seasoned collectors and players, this set is packed with incredible pull rates, jaw-dropping art, and rare cards that scream exclusivity.

Each Japanese booster box of VSTAR Universe comes with 10 packs each containing 10 cards. Every single pack is guaranteed to have at least 1 EX or better so you never feel disappointed.

• Stunning Gold Cards: The gold variants in this set are some of Pokémon TCG’s most sought-after treasures.
• High-Pull Rates: Unlike many booster boxes, VSTAR Universe offers consistently exciting pulls, making it worth every penny.
• God Pack Chase: This set was one of the first to introduce the god pack where you can get 9 exclusive cards that can only be found in the god pack itself.
• Popular Pokemon: From fan favorites like Charizard to legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo, VSTAR Universe features an all-star lineup that any collector would be proud to own.

Best For

• Serious collectors who want the crème de la crème of Japanese Pokémon cards
• Players looking for top-tier additions to their decks

Still undecided? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose based on your preferences and goals as a collector, player, or investor.

• For Nostalgia: Go with Japanese 151 to relive the magic of Pokémon’s beginnings.
• For Modern Flair: Opt for Terastal Festival to explore a stunning Gen 9-inspired aesthetic.
• For collectability and long term investment: Try VSTAR Universe for its rare, playable cards.
• For a wide range of arts and affordability: Pick Ruler of the Black Flame or Crimson Haze for bold, unique designs of legendary and mythical Pokémon.

Think you’ve found your next booster box? Hurry up before they get snapped up—you’re one step closer to building the collection of your dreams!