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Japanese Pokémon Sets and Their English Equivalents
Which English set each Japanese Pokémon TCG set became, what differs, and whether importing the Japanese version is worth it. 81 guides, newest first.
Phantom Gate (XY4, 2014): English Equivalent Phantom Forces
Japanese Phantom Gate (XY4) released September 13, 2014 and became English Phantom Forces on November 5, 2014. Card-count comparison, number crosswalk, and import guide.
Blue Impact and Red Flash (XY6, 2015): English Equivalent Roaring Skies
Japanese Blue Impact and Red Flash (XY6, March 14, 2015) were the two-half source for English XY Roaring Skies on May 6, 2015. M Rayquaza EX and Shaymin EX are the chase cards. Set comparison and buying guide.
Rising Fist (XY3, 2014): Japanese Pokémon TCG and Its English Equivalent Furious Fists
Japanese Rising Fist (XY3, June 2014) is the source set for English Furious Fists (August 2014). See the card mapping, what changed between versions, and where to shop today.
Rage of the Broken Sky (XY9): English Equivalent BREAKthrough (2015)
Japanese XY9 Rage of the Broken Sky (December 2015) became English XY-BREAKthrough (November 2015). Set mapping, card-count differences, key BREAK cards, and whether to buy Japanese or English.
Wild Blaze (XY2): English Equivalent Flashfire (2014)
Japanese Wild Blaze (XY2, February 28, 2014) became English XY Flashfire on May 7, 2014. Both sets share the XY2 code, but Flashfire has 26 more cards. Charizard EX and M Charizard EX are the chase singles.
Bandit Ring (XY7, 2015): Japanese Pokémon TCG and Its English Equivalent Ancient Origins
Japanese Pokémon TCG Bandit Ring (XY7, June 2015) became English Ancient Origins in August 2015. See the card mapping, what changed between versions, and where to buy both today.
Super-Burst Impact (SM8): Japanese Set and English Equivalent Lost Thunder (2018)
Japanese Super-Burst Impact (SM8, Oct 2018) became English Lost Thunder (Nov 2018), one of the largest Sun & Moon sets at 214 cards. Full JP-to-EN set mapping, card number crosswalk, and buying guide for both editions.
Dragon Storm (SM6a): English Equivalent Is Dragon Majesty
Japanese Dragon Storm (SM6a, April 6, 2018, 59 cards) became English Dragon Majesty (DRM, September 7, 2018, 78 cards). Here's every difference between the two sets, card-number crosswalk, and whether to buy JP or EN.
Collection Sun and Collection Moon (SM1, 2016): English Equivalent Sun and Moon Base Set
Japanese Collection Sun (SM1S) and Collection Moon (SM1M), released December 9, 2016, are the primary source sets for the English Sun & Moon base set (February 3, 2017). Here is the full card mapping, box comparison, and import guide.
Miracle Twin (SM11): Japanese Equivalent of Unified Minds (2019)
Japanese SM11 Miracle Twin (May 31, 2019) is the primary source for English Unified Minds (August 2, 2019). Full set mapping, card-count differences, and which to buy in 2026.
Alter Genesis (SM12): Japanese Equivalent of Cosmic Eclipse (2019)
Japanese SM12 Alter Genesis (September 6, 2019) became English Cosmic Eclipse (November 1, 2019). Here is the full set mapping, card-count differences, and whether to import JP or buy EN in 2026.
VMAX Rising (S1a): English Equivalent Rebel Clash and Sword and Shield (2026)
Japanese VMAX Rising (S1a, Feb 7, 2020) split across two English sets: ~60% landed in Rebel Clash (SWSH02) and the rest in Sword and Shield base (SWSH01). Full set mapping, card crosswalk, and import guide.
Darkness That Consumes Light (SM3H): Japanese Equivalent of Burning Shadows (2017)
Japanese SM3H Darkness That Consumes Light (April 2017) and SM2+ Facing a New Trial (July 2017) became English Burning Shadows. Card-number crosswalk, Gardevoir GX SR, Wicke SR import guide.
Forbidden Light (SM6): Japanese Set and English Equivalent (2018)
Japanese Pokémon TCG Forbidden Light (SM6, March 2, 2018) became English Forbidden Light (FLI, May 4, 2018). Learn what changed between the two versions, the key cards, and which one to buy.
Super Electric Breaker (SV8): English Equivalent and Import Guide (2026)
Japanese Super Electric Breaker (SV8, Oct 18 2024) is the source set for English Surging Sparks (Nov 8 2024). Mapping table, pack-count comparison, card crosswalk, and what to know before importing.
Tag Bolt and Night Unison (SM9/SM9a): English Equivalent Team Up (2026)
Japanese Tag Bolt (SM9, Jan 11, 2019) and Night Unison (SM9a, Feb 1, 2019) became English Team Up on Feb 1, 2019. Full set mapping, TAG TEAM GX card crosswalk, and import buying guide.
Remix Bout (SM11a): English Equivalent Hidden Fates (2026)
Japanese Remix Bout (SM11a) released August 2, 2019 and became English Hidden Fates on August 23, 2019. Here is how the two sets compare, what is exclusive to each, and which one to buy.
Awakened Heroes and Ultradimensional Beasts (SM4/SM4+): English Equivalent Crimson Invasion (2026)
Japanese Awakened Heroes (SM4) and Ultradimensional Beasts (SM4+), both released October 20, 2017, are the two source sets for English Crimson Invasion. Just 14 days separated the Japanese and English releases. It is the tightest gap in the Sun and Moon era.
GX Ultra Shiny (SM8a, 2018): English Equivalent and Import Guide
GX Ultra Shiny (SM8a) has no single English equivalent. Learn which EN sets received its cards, what stayed Japan-exclusive, and how to decide between the JP and EN versions.
Japanese ex Starter Sets: Metagross vs Grimmsnarl (2026)
Steven's Beldum & Metagross ex (SVOD) and Marnie's Morpeko & Grimmsnarl ex (SVOM): Japan-only 60-card starter decks released Feb 21, 2025. No English equivalent. Full import guide, deck contents comparison, and buy verdict.
Clay Burst and Snow Hazard (SV2D/SV2P): English Equivalent Paldea Evolved (2026)
Japanese Snow Hazard (SV2P) and Clay Burst (SV2D), released April 14, 2023, are the two source sets for English Paldea Evolved (SV02). Past Paradox cards come from Clay Burst; Future Paradox cards from Snow Hazard.
Wild Force and Cyber Judge (SV5K/SV5M): English Equivalent Temporal Forces (2024)
Japanese Wild Force (SV5K) and Cyber Judge (SV5M) are the source sets for English Temporal Forces. Released January 26, 2024 in Japan and March 22, 2024 in English. Here is exactly how the cards split between both boxes.
Yokohama Deck Pikachu (WCS23): Japanese Import Guide (2026)
The WCS23 Yokohama Deck -Pikachu- has no English retail equivalent. Learn what's inside, how it differs from the EN 2023 WCS Decks, and where to import a sealed copy.
Guardians Rising Japanese (SM2): English Equivalent (2026)
Japanese SM2 Alolan Moonlight (SM2L) and Islands Waiting for You (SM2S) are the two sets that became English Guardians Rising. Both released Feb 3, 2017; the English set followed Apr 28, 2017. Import guide and card crosswalk.
25th Anniversary Collection (S8a, 2021): English Equivalent
The Japanese 25th Anniversary Collection (S8a) has no English equivalent. Here's how it compares to Celebrations, what's different in the card list, and whether to import it.
Double Blaze (SM10): Japanese Equivalent of Unbroken Bonds (2019)
Japanese SM10 Double Blaze (March 1, 2019) is the primary source for English Unbroken Bonds (May 3, 2019). Here's the full set mapping, card-count differences, and which to buy in 2026.
The Best of XY (2016): English Equivalent
The Best of XY is a Japanese-only High Class Pack released in late 2016 with 187 cards reprinting fan favorites from the XY era. There is no English equivalent set. Here is what its collectors chase and where to find them.
Ancient Roar and Future Flash (SV4K/SV4M): English Equivalent Paradox Rift (2026)
Japanese Ancient Roar (SV4K) and Future Flash (SV4M), both released October 27, 2023, became English Paradox Rift on November 3, 2023. See the full JP-to-EN mapping, what each set contains, and whether to buy Japanese or English.
Japanese M1 English Equivalent: Mega Evolution ME01 (2026)
Japanese M1 Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia are the source sets for English ME01 Mega Evolution. Here is the full set mapping, pack cost breakdown, and what the English release adds.
Ancient Koraidon ex Starter Deck & Build Set: Japanese Import Guide (2026)
Japanese SVHK (Ancient Koraidon ex) and SVHM (Future Miraidon ex) Starter Deck & Build Sets released January 26, 2024 with no direct English equivalent. This guide covers contents, pricing, and whether to import.
Japanese 25th Anniversary Collection vs English Celebrations (2026)
Japanese S8a vs English Celebrations: release dates, card differences, Classic Collection reprints, price per pack, and which to import in 2026.
Pokémon Start Deck Generations (SVM, 2024): Japanese Import Guide
Pokémon Start Deck Generations (SVM) is a Japan-exclusive Scarlet & Violet release with nine 60-card decks themed to every main-series region. Here is what each deck contains, what the Special Battle Set includes, and where to import one.
Japanese Premium Trainer Box ex (SVB, 2023): Import Guide
The Japanese Premium Trainer Box ex (SVB) launched the Scarlet & Violet TCG era on January 20, 2023, combining packs from Scarlet ex (SV1S) and Violet ex (SV1V). No English version exists. Here's what's inside and how to import one.
Japanese Pokémon GO S10b English Equivalent: Pokémon GO Set 2022
Japanese S10b (Pokémon GO, Jun 17, 2022) is the direct source set for the English Pokémon GO expansion (SWSH10.5, Jul 1, 2022). Learn the card-count differences, notable card crosswalk, and whether to buy JP or EN.
Amazing Volt Tackle (S4, 2020): English Equivalent Vivid Voltage
Japanese Amazing Volt Tackle (S4, Sep 18, 2020) became English Vivid Voltage (SWSH04, Nov 13, 2020). Learn the card split, Amazing Rare breakdown by JP source set, and whether to buy JP or EN.
Explosive Walker (S2a, 2020) English Equivalent: Rebel Clash and Darkness Ablaze
Explosive Walker (S2a) has no single English equivalent. Its cards split across Rebel Clash (SWSH02) and Darkness Ablaze (SWSH03), making it one of the few Sword & Shield Japanese sets that requires two English boxes to cover.
Shiny Star V (S4a, 2020): English Equivalent and Card Mapping
Japanese Shiny Star V (S4a, November 27, 2020) is the High Class Pack behind English Shining Fates (February 19, 2021). Full set comparison, key card crosswalk, and import guide.
Silver Lance S6H/S6K English Equivalent: Chilling Reign
Japanese Silver Lance (S6H) and Jet-Black Spirit (S6K) both map to English Chilling Reign. Both JP sets released on April 23, 2021; Chilling Reign followed on June 18, 2021. Here is what is in each version and which to buy.
Rebellion Crash (S2, 2020): English Equivalent Rebel Clash
Japanese Rebellion Crash (S2, April 24, 2020) is the primary source set for English Rebel Clash (SwSh02, May 1, 2020), just seven days later. Full card mapping, rarity crosswalk, and which version to buy.
Single Strike Master and Rapid Strike Master: The Japanese Sets Behind Battle Styles (2021)
S5D Single Strike Master and S5R Rapid Strike Master are the two Japanese sets behind Battle Styles (SWSH5, March 2021). Learn what changed between JP and EN, which style to target, and where to buy.
Legendary Heartbeat (S3a, 2020) English Equivalent: Vivid Voltage
Japanese Legendary Heartbeat (S3a, July 10, 2020) became English Vivid Voltage (November 13, 2020). Both sets share 10 Amazing Rares, Pikachu VMAX, and Togekiss VMAX. Full set mapping and import guide.
Dark Phantasma (S10a, 2022): Which Cards Went to English Lost Origin
Japanese Dark Phantasma (S10a) released May 13, 2022, and most of its 99 cards appeared in English Lost Origin (September 9, 2022). Here's the full mapping, what stayed out, and whether the Japanese box is worth importing.
Matchless Fighters (S5a, 2021) English Equivalent: Chilling Reign
Japanese Matchless Fighters (S5a) became English Chilling Reign, with a smaller share going to Evolving Skies. Here is the full set mapping, card crosswalk, and whether to buy the Japanese or English version.
VSTAR Universe (S12a, 2022) English Equivalent: Crown Zenith
VSTAR Universe (S12a) is the Japanese source for Crown Zenith. Learn what changed between the two sets, how the Galarian Gallery maps to S12a's premium cards, and whether to import or buy English.
Infinity Zone (S3, 2020): Japanese Equivalent of Darkness Ablaze
Japanese S3 Infinity Zone (July 10, 2020) is the set behind English Darkness Ablaze. Mapping table, box differences, top card crosswalk, and whether to buy JP or EN today.
Battle Region (S9a): Japanese Equivalent of Astral Radiance (2022)
Japanese Pokémon TCG Battle Region (S9a, Feb 25, 2022) became English Astral Radiance (May 27, 2022). Card counts, pack differences, key card crosswalk, and which version to buy.
Fusion Arts (S8, 2021) English Equivalent: Fusion Strike
Japanese Fusion Arts (S8, September 24, 2021) became English Fusion Strike (SWSH8, November 12, 2021). Here is the full set mapping, box differences, and top chase cards confirmed across both releases.
Lost Abyss (S11) English Equivalent: Lost Origin (2022)
Japanese Lost Abyss (S11, July 2022) is the core source for English Lost Origin, but about one in three S11 cards landed in Silver Tempest instead. Here is the full mapping and card-number crosswalk.