From Freebies to Holy Grails: The Top 10 Skyrocketing Japanese Promo Cards

Promo cards with limited distribution runs and zero chance of a reprint are virtually guaranteed to create a frenzy in the secondary market.

This is especially true for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). We’ve all had that moment of regret—realizing a card you once got for free at a Pokémon Center is now worth a small fortune.

To help you navigate this volatile market, we’ve analyzed transaction data from SNKRDUNK to rank the Japanese promo cards that have seen the most explosive price growth. We’ve also compiled a list of the hottest new promos from late 2025 and early 2026 to keep on your radar.

Whether you’re an investor or a hardcore collector, use this as your guide to the Japanese market.

> Note: Data reflects the market for “Grade A” (Near Mint) raw cards. “Initial Price” refers to the average transaction price during the first month of release. “Current Price” refers to the average transaction price as of February 2026.

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The Top 10 Skyrocketing Promo Cards

#1. M Rayquaza EX (25th Anniversary Promo) [024/025 S8a-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 1,250
• Current Price: JPY 24,200
• Growth Rate: 📈 1,836%

Why it’s popping off: Originally included in the “25th Anniversary Promo Card Pack” (given to customers who bought four packs of the 25th Anniversary Collection in Japan), this card is having a massive resurgence.

Rayquaza has always been a fan favorite due to its dragon aesthetic, but the hype surrounding the return of “Mega Evolution” in the video game Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A has sent demand soaring. With rumors swirling about Rayquaza gracing the cover of the upcoming Storm Emerald set, all eyes are on this legendary dragon.

#2. Kanazawa’s Pikachu (Non-Holo / “No Mark”) [147/S-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 3,500
• Current Price: JPY 65,800
• Growth Rate: 📈 1,780%

Why it’s popping off: Collectors, pay attention to the details here. There are two versions of “Kanazawa’s Pikachu.”

1. Pokemon Center Mark: Handed out to visitors at the Kanazawa Pokémon Center opening.
2. No Mark (The Winner): Included only inside the “Pokémon Center Kanazawa Open Commemorative Special Box.”

This #2 ranked card is the “No Mark” version from the Special Box. Because you had to buy the entire box to get it, it is significantly scarcer than the handout version, driving its price higher than the standard branded one.

#3. Red’s Pikachu [270/SM-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 4,780
• Current Price: JPY 65,000
• Growth Rate: 📈 1,260%

Why it’s popping off: Released in August 2018 to celebrate 20 years of Pokémon Centers, this card features the OG protagonist Red and his partner Pikachu. It was a gift for purchasing five packs during the campaign.

The artwork is by Ken Sugimori, the legendary artist responsible for the original 151 designs, making this a nostalgic masterpiece. Since this card was distributed before the massive “Poké-Bubble” (the investment boom), finding a copy in pristine condition is increasingly difficult. It’s a blue-chip card likely to keep climbing.

#4. Poncho-wearing Pikachu (Mega Lucario/Audino/Slowbro) [203/XY-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 12,800
• Current Price: JPY 123,000
• Growth Rate: 📈 861%

Why it’s popping off: Part of the “Strong & Cute” Mega Campaign from way back in 2015. You received one random card for every JPY 1,000 spent.

The “Poncho” series is iconic in the collecting world. Because these were distributed randomly (blind-bag style) over a decade ago, they are incredibly rare. In 2022, you could snag one for around JPY 12,800. By 2025, they were hitting JPY 100,000. The scarcity is real.

#5. _’s Pikachu (Birthday Pikachu) [007/025 S8a-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 5,400
• Current Price: JPY 51,557
• Growth Rate: 📈 855%

Why it’s popping off: Another hit from the 25th Anniversary Collection promo packs (2021). This is a modern reprint of the classic “Birthday Pikachu,” where you write your name on the card to use it in battle (though we recommend keeping it blank for value!).

Pikachu cards are the gold standard for investment, and the “chase” element of pulling this specific card from a random pack has kept demand high.

#6. Mega Tokyo’s Pikachu [098/XY-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 16,000
• Current Price: JPY 140,000
• Growth Rate: 📈 775%

Why it’s popping off: Pikachu wearing a Mega Charizard Y poncho. Need we say more? This was the opening promo for the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro.

Once available in bargain bins for a few thousand yen, this card has skyrocketed. It traded for JPY 16,000 in early 2023, but by 2025, it shattered the JPY 140,000 ceiling. The combination of Pikachu and Charizard—the franchise’s two biggest heavyweights—makes this an unstoppable asset.

#7. Tea Party Pikachu (Pretend Tea Party) [325/SM-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 6,000
• Current Price: JPY 51,000
• Growth Rate: 📈 750%

Why it’s popping off: Released in 2019 for the renewal of Pokémon Center Kyoto. Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, known for tradition and history. This card reflects that “Japanese modern” aesthetic, featuring Pikachu in traditional garb enjoying a tea ceremony.

Much like the Kanazawa Pikachu, cards that capture a specific Japanese cultural vibe are extremely popular with international collectors.

#8. Mewtwo EX (25th Anniversary Promo) [022/025 S8a-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 1,000
• Current Price: JPY 8,500
• Growth Rate: 📈 750%

Why it’s popping off: A classic reprint found in the 25th Anniversary promo packs. Mewtwo remains a top-tier favorite across generations. With high-end cards like “Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SAR” and “Mewtwo VSTAR SAR” pulling the market up, this promo has followed suit.

Despite a 750% increase, it’s still available for around JPY 8,000, making it an excellent entry-level investment for new collectors.

#9. Manzai Pikachu (Comedian Pikachu) [407/SM-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 8,750
• Current Price: JPY 64,500
• Growth Rate: 📈 637%

Why it’s popping off: Released for the opening of Pokémon Center Osaka DX. Osaka is known as the comedy capital of Japan, famous for Manzai—a traditional style of double-act stand-up comedy.

The artwork features two Pikachus performing a comedy routine. The market for this card woke up in mid-2025. After PSA 10 graded copies broke JPY 100,000, the raw card market followed, jumping to over JPY 70,000 in early 2026.

#10. Shibuya’s Pikachu [002/S-P]

• Initial Price: JPY 6,000
• Current Price: JPY 38,500
• Growth Rate: 📈 542%

Why it’s popping off: Distributed during the opening of Pokémon Center Shibuya in late 2019. Shibuya is the epicenter of Tokyo street fashion and youth culture. Fittingly, this card features a graffiti-style Pikachu holding a spray can.

Even though it was a simple visitor gift, the “Street Art x Pikachu” vibe has global appeal. With the Pokémon 30th Anniversary on the horizon, this stylish card is expected to keep gaining traction.

Rank	Card Name & Set Details	Growth Rate
11	Meowth [192/SV-P] (Start Deck Generations “Special Battle Set”)	📈 500%
12	Dark Gyarados [005/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 497.5%
13	Rowlet [290/SM-P] (Munch “The Scream” Exhibition)	📈 458.3%
14	Pikachu [227/S-P] (Japan Post Stamp Box Promo)	📈 457.7%
15	Flareon [065/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 437.8%
16	Leafeon [068/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 433.1%
17	Glaceon [069/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 427%
18	Umbreon [067/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 425.6%
19	Armored Mewtwo [365/SM-P] (Movie Promo: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution)	📈 410.2%
20	Jolteon [064/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 404.9%
21	Sylveon [070/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 395.8%
22	Pikachu [001/S-P] (Seven-Eleven Campaign Promo)	📈 385.7%
23	Espeon [066/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 367.7%
24	Vaporeon [063/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 338.5%
25	Eevee [062/SV-P] (Yu Nagaba Collab)	📈 335.9%
26	Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat [085/SVP EN] (Van Gogh Museum Promo)	📈 307.2%
27	Pikachu [216/SV-P] (Summer Festival “Natsupoke” Campaign)	📈 290%
28	Detective Pikachu [098/SV-P] (Detective Pikachu Returns Promo)	📈 280.8%
29	Umbreon ☆ (Gold Star) [012/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 269.4%
30	Shining Magikarp [010/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 230%
31	Pikachu [392/SM-P] (Playing at the Sea / “Umi de Asobu” Promo)	📈 210%
32	Venusaur [002/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 202.6%
33	Team Magma’s Groudon [011/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 200%
34	Pikachu VMAX [123/S-P] (CoroCoro “Banzai” Pikachu)	📈 190%
35	Charizard [001/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 189.2%
36	Cramorant [226/S-P] (Japan Post Stamp Box Promo)	📈 180%
37	Lugia V [324/S-P] (Mystery Box Promo)	📈 170.9%
38	Rayquaza V [210/S-P] (CoroCoro Promo)	📈 168.4%
39	Pikachu VMAX [265/S-P] (CoroCoro Comic Feb 2022 Promo)	📈 166.7%
40	Mew ex [014/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 151.2%
41	Rocket’s Zapdos [015/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 150%
42	Xerneas EX [023/S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 150%
43	Celebi V [175/S-P] (Jet Black Spirit Box Promo)	📈 147.7%
44	Pikachu [218/SV-P] (Summer Festival “Natsupoke” Campaign)	📈 147.7%
45	Clefairy (Lillie) [381/SM-P] (Dream League Box Promo – Feat. Lillie)	📈 140.4%
46	Pikachu [125/S-P] (Kanazawa Center Opening – Standard Version)	📈 131.3%
47	Zekrom [021/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 129.3%
48	Reshiram [020/025 S8a-P] (25th Anniversary Promo Pack)	📈 109.2%
49	Espeon VMAX [189/S-P] (Eevee Heroes / Fusion Arts Gym Promo)	📈 107.9%
50	Eevee & Snorlax GX [297/SM-P] (Tag Team Promo)	📈 101.6%

2025-2026 Watchlist: New Promos to Know

Current market prices in Japan.

• Wattrel (Iono Art) [SV-P 232]: JPY 1,299~ (From “Battle Partners” Box Campaign)
• Victini [SV-P 288]: JPY 74,444~ (Tournament Prize – High Value!)
• Tohoku’s Pikachu [SV-P 260]: JPY 12,100~ (Souvenir from Pokémon Center Tohoku)
• Hiroshima’s Pikachu [SV-P 261]: JPY 18,300~ (Souvenir from Pokémon Center Hiroshima)
• Fukuoka’s Pikachu [SV-P 289]: JPY 20,000~ (Souvenir from Pokémon Center Fukuoka)
• Pikachu (McDonald’s 2025) [M-P 020]: JPY 1,599~ (Happy Meal Promo)

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Avoid Fakes: Authenticate Your Collection

As prices rise, so does the risk of high-quality counterfeits. It’s getting harder for the average collector to spot a fake with the naked eye.

SNKRDUNK offers a safe haven for collectors. Every single card, including rare promos, undergoes a rigorous authentication process by professional staff before it reaches your hands. If you are looking to invest in high-value Japanese promos, using a trusted platform like SNKRDUNK is your best defense against fraud.