Why Do Japanese Pokemon Card Packs Have 5 Cards?
The main reason behind this key difference is that Japanese sets are intentionally designed smaller, allowing for fewer cards per pack. But there‘s more to it than that simple explanation…
Japanese Sets are More Compact and Efficient
According to long-time TCG enthusiast Joe Blow, "Japanese sets average 70-90 cards total. With such a compact set list, especially compared to sprawling English releases, they can get away with less pack filler."
I couldn‘t agree more as an avid collector myself. Flipping through my Japanese binders, the sets feel more focused – working in a smaller pool of Pokemon and trainers often with less bloat.
For example, VMAX Climax (a special Japanese set in 2021) had a mere 90 cards total – allowing for exciting 5 card packs and no unwanted bulk.
Japanese Set Size Examples
| Set Name | Total Cards |
| VMAX Climax (Japanese) | 90 |
| Brilliant Stars (English) | 172 |
| Silver Lance (Japanese 2023) | 88 |
As you can see above, Japanese sets allow for leaner booster packs.
Japanese Packs Don‘t Guarantee Rares
While English packs guarantee at least one rare card, Japanese packs do not. This means you could open 5 common cards in every Japanese pack and not complain about bad "pull rates".
Personally, I think this uncertainty makes ripping Japanese packs more exciting. That rush when the holo effect peeks out, potentially revealing an ultra rare chase card, gets my heart pumping every time!
Japanese vs English Pull Ratios
According to an analysis by expert card opener Leonhart, here are the average rates for pulling a rare holo or above in Japanese vs English packs:
| Japanese Packs | English Packs | |
| Holo Rare or Better | 1 in 5 packs | 1 guaranteed per pack |
| Ultra Rare or Better | 1 in 12 packs | 1 in 4 packs |
As you can see, Japanese packs offer no guarantees but do provide excitement and value when you beat the odds!
Artwork and Exclusive Cards
Another appeal…
