{"id":504795,"date":"2025-12-26T14:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T06:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/?p=504795"},"modified":"2025-12-26T14:10:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T06:10:08","slug":"the-grail-hunt-begins-complete-market-guide-to-japans-start-deck-100-battle-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/2025\/12\/26\/the-grail-hunt-begins-complete-market-guide-to-japans-start-deck-100-battle-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grail Hunt Begins: Complete Market Guide to Japan\u2019s “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Japanese Pok\u00e9mon TCG scene is buzzing this winter. On Friday, December 19, 2025<\/strong>, the highly anticipated “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection”<\/strong> officially hits the shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn’t your standard starter set. It\u2019s a massive “gacha” experience in a box: each product contains one of 100 unique, randomized deck variations<\/strong>. Every deck is guaranteed to include at least two Pok\u00e9mon ex<\/strong> cards, along with all the essentials\u2014damage counters, markers, a playmat, and a Pok\u00e9mon coin. It\u2019s the perfect entry point for newcomers, but let\u2019s be real\u2014the veteran collectors are here for the thrill of the hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The set introduces new staples like “Kai” and “Pok\u00e9Pad,” catching the eye of competitive players. But the real headlines are the leaks flooding social media: a stunning “Lillie’s Clefairy ex” illustrated by the legendary Naoki Saito<\/strong>, and the debut of the MUR (Mega Ultra Rare)<\/strong> rarity featuring “Mega Charizard Y ex.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is the complete market breakdown from the streets of Akihabara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note on Pricing: Prices listed are in JPY (Japanese Yen) based on data from December 25, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: SNKRDUNK (Japan’s premier marketplace for sneakers and TCGs, similar to StockX) and local Akihabara card shops (e.g., @snkrdunk_akiba).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfc6 “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection” Top 20 Ranking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The secondary market is volatile. Here is the current hierarchy of value:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rank<\/strong><\/td>Card Name<\/strong><\/td>Market Value (Start)<\/strong><\/td>Buy-Back Price<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
1<\/strong><\/td>Mega Charizard Y ex (MUR)<\/strong><\/td>280,000 JPY~<\/strong><\/td>200,000 JPY<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
2<\/strong><\/td>Pikachu ex (SAR)<\/strong><\/td>48,000 JPY~<\/strong><\/td>40,000 JPY<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
3<\/strong><\/td>Lillie’s Clefairy ex (SAR)<\/strong><\/td>40,000 JPY~<\/strong><\/td>33,000 JPY<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Mega Meganium ex (SAR)<\/td>18,000 JPY~<\/td>10,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Mega Feraligatr ex (SAR)<\/td>16,000 JPY~<\/td>12,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>Boss’s Orders (Karasuba) (SR)<\/td>15,000 JPY~<\/td>10,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>Mega Emboar ex (SAR)<\/td>15,000 JPY~<\/td>8,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Erika’s Tangela (AR)<\/td>5,500 JPY~<\/td>3,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>Eevee (AR)<\/td>5,500 JPY~<\/td>4,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Mega Charizard Y ex (Mirror)<\/td>5,000 JPY~<\/td>4,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>Mega Charizard Y ex<\/td>4,800 JPY~<\/td>5,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>Mega Feraligatr ex<\/td>4,500 JPY~<\/td>3,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>Mega Feraligatr ex (Mirror)<\/td>4,500 JPY~<\/td>3,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
14<\/td>Marill (AR)<\/td>3,800 JPY~<\/td>2,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
15<\/td>Mega Meganium ex<\/td>3,300 JPY~<\/td>3,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
16<\/td>Mega Meganium ex (Mirror)<\/td>3,300 JPY~<\/td>3,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
17<\/td>Scorbunny (AR)<\/td>2,800 JPY~<\/td>1,500 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
18<\/td>Mawile (AR)<\/td>2,500 JPY~<\/td>1,200 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
19<\/td>Banette (AR)<\/td>2,400 JPY~<\/td>1,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr>
20<\/td>Weavile (AR)<\/td>2,000 JPY~<\/td>1,000 JPY<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc8e Deep Dive: Market Trends & Card Analysis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here is a closer look at every card on the list and the reasons behind their price spikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mega Charizard Y ex [MUR] (766\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Market Price:<\/strong> 280,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 200,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is the holy grail. It is exclusively found in the special “Golden 001” deck. Social media is ablaze with reports of its brutally low pull rate. The combination of scarcity, the new MUR rarity, and the eternal popularity of Charizard has created a perfect storm for high prices. Collectors are watching this one closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pikachu ex [SAR] (764\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Market Price:<\/strong> 48,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 40,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Found in Deck No. 025 (matching its Pok\u00e9dex number), this card features Pikachu with a “caught off guard,” wide-eyed expression that fans find incredibly cute. Since you can’t choose your deck, hitting Deck 025 is pure luck. High demand from both serious collectors and casual fans drove the initial price to nearly 90,000 JPY, and it remains a premium hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lillie’s Clefairy ex [SAR] (765\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Market Price:<\/strong> 40,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 33,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Located in Deck No. 032. Lillie, originally from Pok\u00e9mon Sun & Moon, is arguably one of the most popular characters in the franchise history. Her previous “Lillie’s Clefairy ex SAR” still commands around 40,000 JPY in PSA 10 condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The artwork is by Naoki Saito, an illustrator whose cards consistently fetch premium prices (the “Saito Tax”). This synergy of character and artist is driving the value up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Mega Meganium ex [SAR] (761\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Market Price:<\/strong> 18,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 10,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Hidden in the secret Deck No. 101. This is Meganium’s Mega Evolved form, featuring four flowers around its neck and a sturdy, tank-like silhouette that fans adore. Since its debut in Gold & Silver, Meganium has had a loyal following. The difficulty of pulling the No. 101 deck specifically makes this new form highly sought after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Mega Feraligatr ex [SAR] (763\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Market Price:<\/strong> 16,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 12,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Also from the hidden Deck No. 101. This card showcases Feraligatr\u2019s new Mega Evolution from Pok\u00e9mon LEGENDS Z-A. It gains the Dragon typing and features massive dorsal fins that can cover its head\u2014a design that screams power. As the first card featuring this form, presented in full art, collector demand is surging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Boss’s Orders ((Corbeau) [SR] (760\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Market Price:<\/strong> 15,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 10,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Found in Deck No. 095. Karasuba is a character from Pok\u00e9mon LEGENDS Z-A, the leader of the “Sabi-gumi”\u2014an organization with a distinct Yakuza-like code of honor. He\u2019s a Poison-type user known for his thick Kansai dialect (Osaka street slang) and fearless smirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              His exploded popularity, combined with the fact that “Boss’s Orders” is a staple competitive card, led to initial trading prices around 40,000 JPY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Mega Emboar ex [SAR] (762\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Market Price:<\/strong> 15,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 8,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Another gem from the hidden Deck No. 101. Emboar, the final evolution of the Unova starter Tepig (who appears in LEGENDS Z-A as a starter candidate), gets a Mega Evolution. It takes on a samurai-like appearance, wielding a massive blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The card depicts Mega Emboar engulfed in flames said to reach 10,000 degrees. Its inclusion only in the rare No. 101 deck makes it a difficult chase, driving up the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Erika’s Tangela [AR] (743\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Market Price:<\/strong> 5,500 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 3,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Found in Deck No. 083. The art features the popular Kanto Gym Leader Erika smiling gently while petting Tangela. This is the first significant Erika-related card since “Erika’s Invitation” two years ago. Initial prices hit 10,000 JPY, showing the enduring power of classic characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Eevee [AR] (755\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Market Price:<\/strong> 5,500 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 4,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Found in Deck No. 040 (alongside Glaceon ex and Darkrai ex). This artwork was previously an English-exclusive promo (“Eevee P”), and it has finally landed in Japan. The English version trades for around 4,000 JPY. The combination of Eevee\u2019s popularity and the art’s exclusivity is fueling the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Mega Charizard Y ex [Mirror] (085\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Market Price:<\/strong> 5,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 4,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Found in Deck No. 082. This is the “Mirror” (reverse holo style) version of the normal card. Even though it’s not a full art, the sheer difficulty of obtaining specific decks in this collection, coupled with Charizard’s popularity, keeps the floor price high at over 5,000 JPY.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Mega Charizard Y ex (085\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • Market Price:<\/strong> 4,800 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 5,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Found in Deck No. 001. As the flagship new card of the “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection,” this standard version is attracting significant attention. Even the base rarity is trading at high volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Mega Feraligatr ex (169\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • Market Price:<\/strong> 4,500 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 3,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Found in Deck No. 015. There is high collector demand to complete the trio of starters, pushing the price of even this standard version upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Mega Feraligatr ex [Mirror] (169\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          • Market Price:<\/strong> 4,500 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 3,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Found in Deck No. 056. Similar to Charizard, sniping a specific deck is tough. The “Mirror” finish combined with Feraligatr’s popularity makes this a valuable hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Marill [AR] (748\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • Market Price:<\/strong> 3,800 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 2,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Found in Deck No. 089. Marill has been a fan favorite since Gold & Silver for its round, mouse-like design. The AR card captures Marill bouncing with pure joy. Given the difficulty of pulling this specific deck, the price is expected to rise further due to its “cuteness factor.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Mega Meganium ex (018\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              • Market Price:<\/strong> 3,300 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 3,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Found in Deck No. 006. Collectors looking to complete the Mega Starter set are buying this up, keeping the price steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Mega Meganium ex [Mirror] (018\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                • Market Price:<\/strong> 3,300 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 3,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Found in Deck No. 094. The card is gaining attention not just for collection purposes but also for its gameplay performance, driving demand from players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Scorbunny [AR] (745\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  • Market Price:<\/strong> 2,800 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 1,500 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Found in Deck No. 093. Scorbunny is the energetic rabbit starter from Sword & Shield and arguably the most popular of its generation. The illustration captures its happy expression perfectly. AR cards in specific decks have low distribution rates, adding scarcity to its popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Mawile [AR] (754\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    • Market Price:<\/strong> 2,500 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 1,200 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Found in Deck No. 070. Mawile, the “Deceiver Pok\u00e9mon,” is loved for the gap between its cute face and its terrifying giant jaws. This card captures that duality perfectly\u2014ferocious yet adorable\u2014making it a must-have for niche collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Banette [AR] (749\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                      • Market Price:<\/strong> 2,400 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 1,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Banette has a tragic backstory\u2014a discarded plush toy possessed by a grudge\u2014which gives it a cult following. The full illustration shows Banette standing in the center of a room with a dark, gothic, yet cute vibe. The artistic quality is driving its popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Weavile [AR] (746\/742)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        • Market Price:<\/strong> 2,000 JPY~<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Buy-Back:<\/strong> 1,000 JPY<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Why It\u2019s Spiking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Known for its sharp claws and cool demeanor since Diamond & Pearl, Weavile is famously the partner of Team Galactic\u2019s boss, Cyrus. The AR art depicts a pack of Weavile closing in on the viewer, creating a tense, immersive atmosphere that fans appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                          The Japanese Pok\u00e9mon TCG scene is buzzing this winter. On Friday, December 19, 2025, the highly anticipated “Start Deck 100 Battle Collection” officially hits the shelves. This isn’t your standard starter set. It\u2019s a massive “gacha” experience in a box: each product contains one of 100 unique, randomized deck variations. Every deck is guaranteed to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":504835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-504795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tcg"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504795"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=504795"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":504838,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504795\/revisions\/504838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/504835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=504795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=504795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=504795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}