When did the first Pokémon Trading Card Game cards launch in Japan?

The first Pokémon Trading Card Game cards launched in Japan on October 20, 1996.

The initial Japanese set was based on the first-generation Pokémon and helped extend the franchise beyond video games. The cards introduced collectible monsters, attacks, Hit Points, Energy cards, and Trainer cards in a format that could also be played competitively.

The Japanese and international card games share the same broad concept, but card sets, release schedules, translations, and some rules have differed by region. This is why a card’s Japanese release date may precede its English-language debut by a substantial period.

The trading card game became one of Pokémon’s major pillars alongside the video games and anime. Its early cards, particularly first-edition Charizard cards, later became famous among collectors, although collectible value varies by condition, printing, and grading.