When did the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s first set debut in Japan?

The Pokémon Trading Card Game’s first set debuted in Japan on October 20, 1996.

Known in Japan as the 1st Starter & Expansion Pack, the set was published by Media Factory and formed the foundation of the Pokémon card game. It was created by Creatures Inc., a company closely connected with the Pokémon franchise.

The Japanese release came several months after the original Game Boy games launched. The set focused on Pokémon from the first generation and became the basis for the English Base Set, which was released in the United States on January 9, 1999.

The English Base Set contained 102 cards and featured familiar artwork of Pokémon such as Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur. Collectors often distinguish early printings by details such as the First Edition stamp and the later “shadowless” card design.