What was the Japanese release date of Pokémon TCG Base Set?

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Base Set was first released in Japan on October 20, 1996.

In Japan, the set was known as the First Starter and Expansion Pack. It was created by Creatures Inc. and published by Media Factory, expanding Pokémon beyond video games and television into a competitive tabletop format.

The Japanese release contained cards based on the first-generation Pokémon. The English-language version appeared later as Base Set in the United States on January 9, 1999, with Wizards of the Coast handling publication. This difference often causes confusion when people describe the English Base Set as the beginning of the entire card game.

The set contained 102 cards, including Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. Early English printings also produced collectible variations such as First Edition and Shadowless cards.