Japanese Pokémon Card 151 (SV2a): what to know before you buy

Pokémon Card 151 (set code SV2a) is the Japanese high-class set released in June 2023 that revisits the original 151 Pokémon from Kanto. It is one of the most searched and most collected modern Japanese sets.

What is in a Japanese 151 box

A Japanese 151 booster box contains 20 packs of 7 cards. Japanese boxes are sealed in factory shrink wrap. The Japanese set has 165 numbered cards plus secret rares numbered above 165 (for example 201/165).

The rarities collectors chase

• SAR (Special Art Rare) — full illustrated cards of Pokémon ex and trainers. The Charizard ex and Erika's Invitation SARs are the best-known.
• AR (Art Rare) — illustration cards of the original Pokémon, often collected as a full set.
• SR — full-art Pokémon ex and trainer cards.
• UR — gold cards.

Japanese or English 151?

The English "Scarlet & Violet—151" set followed in September 2023. Many collectors prefer the Japanese version for its card stock, centering and the smaller pack format. See our Japanese vs English guide.

Raw or PSA graded?

For a binder set, raw Near Mint cards are the most economical. For high-value SARs, a PSA 10 removes condition risk. See raw vs PSA graded.

Guides

• Japanese vs English Pokémon cards: the differences that matter
• Japanese Pokémon card rarities explained (AR, SAR, SR, UR, CHR and more)
• How to read Japanese set codes and card numbers
• Buying Japanese booster boxes: contents, shrink wrap and shipping
• Japanese One Piece Card Game cards: a collector's guide
• Raw vs PSA graded Japanese cards: which should you buy?
• How to buy Pokémon and One Piece cards from Japan