Japanese cards

The back of Japanese Pokémon cards: old and new, how to recognise them

Updated on 03/11/2026

Back of an original Pokémon card compared with a simulated fake back — The back of an original card, next to a SIMULATED fake back (dull colours and blurry edges).

The old back: «Pocket Monsters»

The first Japanese cards, from the 1996 base set, had a back with the words «POCKET MONSTERS» above a Poké Ball, without the Pokémon logo we know. In Japan this back is called kyūura (旧裏, «old back») and it is highly sought after by vintage collectors today.

The new back: from the 2001 VS set

With Pokémon Card VS, released on 19 July 2001, the Japanese back changed: the Pokémon logo arrived, bringing it very close to the back of English cards. Since then every Japanese expansion uses this back.

	Old back (kyuura)	New back
Period	1996 – July 2001	From the VS set (July 2001) to today
Wording	POCKET MONSTERS	Pokémon logo
Typical sets	Japanese Base, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, Gold & Silver	All modern sets, including Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution
For	Vintage collectors	Everyone

Using the back to spot fakes

The back is one of the fastest checks: on an original card the blue is deep and even, the edges of the artwork are sharp and the card has the right thickness. On many fakes the blue is lighter or faded and the print is blurry. All the checks are in how to recognise fake Japanese Pokémon cards.

Original Japanese cards in stock

Chandelure

069/067

3,99 €2 pcs

Kleavor

071/067

2,49 €1 pcs

Mightyena

072/067

3,49 €1 pcs

Hoothoot

073/067

8,79 €4 pcs

Hisuian Voltorb

173/172

3,49 €2 pcs

Magmortar

175/172

5,99 €2 pcs

−18%

Lapras

177/172

8,99 €12 pcs

Manaphy

178/172

5,99 €1 pcs

Frequently asked questions

Why is the back of Japanese cards different from English ones?+

Until 2001 Japanese cards had their own back, with the words «Pocket Monsters». Since July 2001 they have a back with the Pokémon logo, very similar to the international one.

When did the back of Japanese cards change?+

With the Pokémon Card VS set, released in Japan on 19 July 2001: it is the first with the new back.

What does «kyuura» mean?+

It is what collectors call the old Japanese back (旧裏, «old back»): cards with this back are from the first sets, 1996 to 2001.

Can the back help spot a fake card?+

Yes, it is one of the quickest checks: faded colours, a blue that is too light or blurry edges on the back are typical signs of fakes.