Pokémon TCG Release Calendar 2026 (Japan): New Sets, Release Dates, Prices & Contents

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary Official Website

As of August 24, 2026, the next major Japanese Pokémon Card Game release is the MEGA Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION” (M6a), created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Card Game. The set will launch worldwide on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. In Japan, the suggested retail price is ¥360 per pack (tax included), while a 20-pack booster box is priced at ¥7,200 (tax included).

This page tracks officially announced Japanese Pokémon Card Game products for 2026, including release dates, product codes, suggested retail prices, pack or box contents, and key product details. We update the calendar whenever new information is published by official Pokémon sources.

Bookmark this page to keep track of upcoming Japanese Pokémon card releases throughout 2026.

Information Policy
Release dates, suggested retail prices, and product contents are based on information published by the official Pokémon Card Game website, the Pokémon Card Game 30th Anniversary website, and Pokémon Center Online. Information that has not yet been officially announced is clearly marked as “Awaiting official announcement.”

Quick Answer: What Is the Next Japanese Pokémon Card Release?

The next officially announced Japanese Pokémon Card Game product is the MEGA Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION” (M6a), scheduled for September 16, 2026. It costs ¥360 per pack or ¥7,200 per 20-pack box in Japan, including tax. Each pack contains six holographic cards.

2026 Pokémon Card Release Schedule in Japan

← Scroll left or right to view more product info →

Status | Release Date | Product Code | Product Name (Inc. Japanese Name) | Suggested Retail Price, Tax Included | Core Features | Details
Scheduled | Friday, October 16 | – | 30th CELEBRATION Card Set, 9 varieties 30th CELEBRATION カードセット（全9種） | ¥1,200 each | 1st–9th Gen partner Pokémon promo cards & display stand | ↓ Details

Scheduled

Wednesday, September 16

M6a

Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION” 拡張パック「30th CELEBRATION」

¥360 per pack /
¥7,200 per box

Global simultaneous release, new FUR rarity (Mew ex / Mewtwo ex)

↓ Details

Scheduled | Wednesday, September 16 | Mf | 30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon プレミアムデッキセット エーフィ・ブラッキー | ¥6,200 | Espeon ex & Umbreon ex full art pre-built deck, dual deck tin | ↓ Details
Scheduled | Wednesday, September 16 | – | 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX | ¥27,500 | Pokémon Center exclusive, FUR Pikachu ex promo card & merchandise | ↓ Details
Released | Friday, July 31 | M6 | Expansion Pack “Storm Emeralda” 拡張パック「ストームエメラルド」 | ¥200 per pack | Featuring Mega Rayquaza ex | ↓ Details

Released

Friday, July 31

ME Series

Starter Set ex, 3 products MEGA スターターセットex（イーブイex／ゾロアークex／マスカーニャex）

¥1,800 each

Eevee ex / Zoroark ex / Meowscarada ex

① Eevee ex Details ② Zoroark ex Details ③ Meowscarada ex Details

Released | Friday, May 22 | M5 | Expansion Pack “Abyss Eye” 拡張パック「アビスアイ」 | ¥200 per pack | Featuring Mega Darkrai ex | ↓ Details
Released | Friday, March 13 | M4 | Expansion Pack “Ninja Spinner” 拡張パック「ニンジャスピナー」 | ¥180 per pack | Featuring Mega Greninja ex | ↓ Details
Released | Friday, January 23 | M3 | Expansion Pack “Munekis Zero” 拡張パック「ゼロゼロゼロ」 | ¥180 per pack | Featuring Mega Zygarde ex | Detailed article coming soon
Released | Friday, January 23 | – | Special Card Set Mega Gallade ex スペシャルカードセット エルレイドex | ¥1,980 | Includes Mega Gallade ex foil promo card & 8 M3 expansion packs | Detailed article coming soon

Note: Official retail prices for expansion packs are normally announced on a per-pack basis. Standard expansion boxes contain 30 packs, while “30th CELEBRATION” is an exception and contains only 20 packs per box.

2026 Upcoming Pokémon Card Releases in Japan

If you are mainly interested in products that have not yet been released, these are the key dates to watch.

Friday, October 16, 2026 | 30th CELEBRATION Card Set, 9 Varieties

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA “30th CELEBRATION Card Set”
Release Date | Friday, October 16, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥1,200 each, including tax
Varieties | 9 varieties, with one product for the starter Pokémon of each generation
Contents | 3 newly illustrated full-art holographic promo cards / 2 “30th CELEBRATION” expansion packs / 1 paper card stand

This product line consists of nine card sets themed around the starter Pokémon from each generation. From the first generation in Pokémon Red and Green to the ninth generation in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the three starter Pokémon from each generation are included as newly illustrated full-art promo cards.

The background artwork features objects and buildings associated with each generation. Each product also includes a paper card stand that allows all three cards to be displayed together. The accessible price of ¥1,200 makes these sets a popular entry point for collectors.

Lineup, 9 Varieties

Generation | Starter Pokémon Included
Generation 1 | Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
Generation 2 | Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
Generation 3 | Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
Generation 4 | Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
Generation 5 | Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
Generation 6 | Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
Generations 7–9 | The starter Pokémon from each generation, included among the nine products

Each product will be named in the format “30th CELEBRATION Card Set ○○・○○・○○,” using the names of the three starter Pokémon included in the set.

The Pokémon Center Online is also scheduled to sell all nine products together as the “30th CELEBRATION Card Set, 9-Set Collection” for ¥10,800, including tax.

Official website: 30th CELEBRATION Card Set

For detailed card contents and market prices, see “Pokémon TCG MEGA 30th CELEBRATION Card Set (9-Pack Bundle)”

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | M6a Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION”

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION”
Product Code | M6a
Release Date | Wednesday, September 16, 2026, worldwide release
Suggested Retail Price | ¥360 per pack, including tax / ¥7,200 per box, including tax
Contents | 6 holographic cards, randomly inserted
Box Configuration | 20 packs per box, compared with 30 packs in a standard expansion box
Featured Cards | Mew ex, FUR / Mewtwo ex, FUR

This expansion pack commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and has an unusually premium configuration compared with standard releases. All six cards in each pack are holographic, and the price of ¥360 per pack is approximately twice the standard expansion pack price of ¥180 to ¥200.

Highlights

A new rarity called FUR, Futuristic Rare, makes its debut. Mew ex and Mewtwo ex feature newly commissioned artwork by graphic artist YOSHIROTTEN.

One Basic Energy card is guaranteed in every pack. These cards also feature special designs by YOSHIROTTEN.

There are 30 holographic Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a different artist. Every pack is guaranteed to contain one Pikachu card.

Thirty historically significant cards return in special versions, including Charizard from the original 1996 expansion pack and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX (Note: Not legal for current Standard regulation play).

Because every pack contains one Pikachu card and one specially designed Energy card, this set is expected to be highly popular both for opening and for collecting.

Official website: Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION”

For detailed card contents and market prices, see “30th CELEBRATION Hit Cards and Market Prices.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | Mf 30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA “30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon”
Product Code | Mf
Release Date | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥6,200, including tax
Contents | 1 Espeon ex deck, 60 cards / 1 Umbreon ex deck, 60 cards / 2 sheets of damage counters and markers / 2 Pokémon coins / 1 playmat / 1 sliding double-deck metal case / 1 beginner’s guide / 1 player’s guide
Featured Cards | Espeon ex and Umbreon ex, each with a full-art version

This premium set includes two ready-to-play 60-card decks featuring Espeon ex and Umbreon ex. The inclusion of full-art versions of both cards is the main attraction for collectors.

Highlights

In addition to the two 60-card decks, the set includes a metal double-deck case, a full-size paper playmat, and Pokémon coins featuring Espeon and Umbreon.

The deck case features a special 30th anniversary logo.

As these are preconstructed decks, several cards are included in multiple copies, and selected cards from past series are reprinted.

Espeon and Umbreon are among the most popular Eevee evolutions. Their past promo cards and high-rarity versions have also achieved high prices on the secondary market.

Official website: 30th CELEBRATION Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon

For market prices and featured cards, see the “Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon Market Guide.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA “30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX”
Release Date | Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥27,500, including tax
Contents | 2 FUR Pikachu ex promo cards / Various accessories designed by YOSHIROTTEN, including dice that can be used in battles
Sales Channel | Pokémon Center Online exclusive

This is the highest-priced product among the 2026 30th anniversary releases. Its retail price of ¥27,500 is approximately 3.8 times the ¥7,200 price of one box of the “30th CELEBRATION” expansion pack released on the same day.

Highlights

Two FUR Pikachu ex promo cards are included. Like the FUR Mew ex and Mewtwo ex cards in the expansion pack, the artwork is created by YOSHIROTTEN.

The included accessories are also designed by YOSHIROTTEN and include practical items such as dice that can be used during matches.

The FUR Pikachu ex promo card has currently only been announced for inclusion in this product.

Availability

This product will initially be available exclusively from the Pokémon Center Online. However, it may later become available at Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, and the Pokémon Store on Amazon.co.jp.

Because the sales channels are limited, this is expected to be the most difficult 2026 product for overseas collectors to obtain.

Official website: 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX

For more information, see the “30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX Buying Guide.”

2026 Pokémon TCG Released Products

Friday, July 31, 2026 | M6 Expansion Pack “Storm Emeralda”

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack “Storm Emeralda”
Product Code | M6
Release Date | Friday, July 31, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥200 per pack, including tax
Contents | 5 cards, randomly inserted
Featured Card | Mega Rayquaza ex

Rayquaza, the Legendary Pokémon from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, appears in the Pokémon Trading Card Game in its Mega Evolution form. Rayquaza has previously appeared on many highly popular cards, and this release attracted significant attention even before launch.

Mega Rayquaza ex has an Ability that activates when it is played from the hand to the Bench. The player may look at the top four cards of the deck and attach one Basic Energy card found there. Its main attack deals more damage depending on the total number of Fire and Lightning Energy attached to all of the player’s Pokémon.

Official website: Expansion Pack “Storm Emeralda”

For hit cards, pull rates, and market prices, see “Storm Emeralda Hit Cards and Market Guide.”

Friday, July 31, 2026 | ME Series Starter Set ex, 3 Products Released Together

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA “Starter Set ex”
Products | 1. Eevee ex 2. Zorua & Zoroark ex 3. Sprigatito & Meowscarada ex
Release Date | Friday, July 31, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥1,800 each, including tax
Contents | 1 deck, 60 cards / 1 sheet of damage counters and markers / 1 Pokémon coin / 1 playmat / 1 player’s guide / 1 instruction booklet

These three preconstructed decks were released on the same day as the “Storm Emeralda” expansion pack. They are divided into Lightning, Darkness, and Grass-type themes, and each product includes everything needed to begin playing immediately.

Product | Type | Features
Eevee ex | Lightning | A deck built around attaching Energy to Eevee ex and other Lightning-type Pokémon
Zorua & Zoroark ex | Darkness | An offensive deck featuring Darkness-type Pokémon and Zoroark ex
Sprigatito & Meowscarada ex | Grass | A technical deck that uses the Ability “Oil Slip” to force the opponent to switch Pokémon before attacking with Meowscarada ex

Each set includes full-art cards, creating demand both from players and collectors. As the three products have separate product codes, checking the product name is the most reliable way to identify the correct deck.

Official website: Starter Set ex

For the card list and featured cards, see “Starter Set ex Card List.”

Friday, May 22, 2026 | M5 Expansion Pack “Abyss Eye”

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack “Abyss Eye”
Product Code | M5
Release Date | Friday, May 22, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥200 per pack, including tax
Contents | 5 cards, randomly inserted
Featured Card | Mega Darkrai ex

This set focuses on Darkness-type Pokémon and uses the promotional phrase “The Gaze of Darkness: Mega Darkrai ex Arrives.”

Mega Darkrai ex has a powerful effect that can immediately change the course of a match. If the opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, it can be Knocked Out regardless of its remaining HP. The basic strategy is to first confuse the opponent using Malamar or Dark Bell, then finish it with the attack “Abyss Eye.”

The “Pokémon Card Game MEGA Starter Set ex Zoroark ex (MEZ)” is a strictly limited-production item sold via lottery and limited first-come-first-served sales.

Retail Stores: Regular over-the-counter sales (including convenience stores) are basically restricted to advanced lotteries or limited quantities, with no regular general sales available.

Official Online Stores: An advanced lottery was held at the Pokémon Center Online, and limited first-come-first-served pre-orders were also available on Amazon.

Secondary Market: Currently, acquiring the set relies primarily on TCG specialty shops in areas like Akihabara, or secondary marketplaces such as Mercari and JDirectItems Auction.

Main Mega Evolution ex Cards

Mega Darkrai ex: The featured Pokémon on the packaging.

Mega Zeraora ex: An attacker that moves in and out of battle to disrupt the opponent.

Mega Chandelure ex: A card that increases the Energy required for the opponent to retreat.

SAR versions of Mega Chandelure ex and Muk have been revealed. Both cards feature artwork that makes strong use of lighting effects.

Official website: Expansion Pack “Abyss Eye”

For featured cards and market prices, see “Abyss Eye Hit Cards and Market Prices.”

Friday, March 13, 2026 | M4 Expansion Pack “Ninja Spinner”

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack “Ninja Spinner”
Product Code | M4
Release Date | Friday, March 13, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥180 per pack, including tax
Contents | 5 cards, randomly inserted
Featured Card | Mega Greninja ex

As suggested by the promotional phrase “Keep Attacking! Mega Greninja ex Appears,” this set is centered around Mega Greninja ex.

Mega Greninja ex has the Ability “Finishing Shuriken.” By discarding one Basic Water Energy card from the hand, the player can place six damage counters on one of the opponent’s Pokémon. Because it can deal damage through both its Ability and its attacks, it is a highly flexible Mega Evolution ex card.

Featured Cards

Mega Greninja ex: The featured Pokémon on the packaging.

Mega Floette ex: Has the unusual attack “Gentle Light,” which heals 30 damage from every Pokémon in play.

Gourgeist ex: Deals more damage depending on how many Benched Pokémon already have damage counters.

Cobalion ex: Can attach Metal Energy from the field to itself before launching a powerful attack.

Greninja is highly popular overseas, and high-rarity versions received strong attention immediately after release.

Official website: Expansion Pack “Ninja Spinner”

For featured cards and market prices, see “Ninja Spinner Hit Cards and Market Guide.”

Friday, January 23, 2026 | M3 Expansion Pack “Munekis Zero”

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack “Munekis Zero”
Product Code | M3
Release Date | Friday, January 23, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥180 per pack, including tax
Contents | 5 cards, randomly inserted
Featured Card | Mega Zygarde ex

This was the first expansion pack released in 2026 and marked the beginning of the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 30th anniversary year.

Although Mega Zygarde ex is a Basic Pokémon, it has two powerful attacks. Its attack “Munekis Zero” requires the player to flip one coin for each of the opponent’s Pokémon. Every Pokémon for which the coin lands on heads receives 150 damage.

Featured Cards

Mega Zygarde ex: The featured Pokémon on the packaging.

Mega Starmie ex: Uses two attacks to gradually pressure the opponent.

Meowth ex: Its Ability “Hidden Search” allows the player to add a Supporter card to the hand.

Lumiose City: Appears as a Stadium card.

The set also includes cards featuring Lumiose City in the background, including Taragon and Pure, and these cards have been highly praised for their illustrations.

Official website: Expansion Pack “Munekis Zero”

Friday, January 23, 2026 | Special Card Set Mega Gallade ex

Image source: Pokémon Trading Card Game Official Website

Item | Details
Product Name | Pokémon Trading Card Game MEGA “Special Card Set Mega Gallade ex”
Release Date | Friday, January 23, 2026
Suggested Retail Price | ¥1,980, including tax
Contents | 1 holographic Mega Gallade ex promo card / 2 holographic Power Protein promo cards / 1 Ralts promo card / 1 Kirlia promo card / 8 “Munekis Zero” expansion packs / 1 Pokémon coin

This product was released on the same day as the “Munekis Zero” expansion pack. Its main attraction is the holographic Mega Gallade ex promo card included in the set.

During the early stages of a battle, Mega Gallade ex can use the attack “Gale Slash” for only one Fighting Energy. Once damage counters have been placed on it, the card can use “Marvelous Edge” to deal heavy damage, allowing the player to switch between two attacks depending on the situation.

The set also includes eight expansion packs, making the price relatively affordable compared with the amount of content included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are Japanese Pokémon expansion packs always released on Fridays?

A. No.

Many standard Japanese Pokémon Card Game products are released on Fridays, but Friday is not a fixed rule.

For example, 30th CELEBRATION is officially scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Always check the individual product’s official release date instead of assuming that every new Pokémon set launches on a Friday.

Q. How many booster packs are in one Japanese Pokémon card box?

A. It depends on the product.

Some standard Japanese expansion boxes contain 30 booster packs, but special releases can use a different box configuration.

For example, a 30th CELEBRATION box sold through Pokémon Center Online contains 20 packs, with six cards in each pack.

Always check the specifications for the exact set you are purchasing.

Is the booster box price always the retail price of one pack multiplied by 30?

A. No.

The number of packs in a box varies by product.

For example, 30th CELEBRATION costs ¥360 per pack, and its Pokémon Center Online box contains 20 packs, resulting in a box price of ¥7,200.

Do not assume that every Japanese Pokémon booster box contains 30 packs.

Q. What do panese Pokémon product codes such as M6a mean?

A. Codes such as M6a are identifiers used to distinguish Japanese Pokémon Card Game products and sets.

They are particularly useful when searching Japanese stores or secondary marketplaces because multiple products can have similar English translations or names.

However, the Pokémon Card Game does not always publicly explain the meaning of every letter, number, or suffix in its product codes.

For that reason, it is safest to use these codes as official product identifiers rather than trying to interpret every character.

Q. Which 30th anniversary Pokémon product should I buy?

A. The best choice depends on what you want to collect or play.

What You Want | Recommended Product | Price
Enjoy opening packs | Expansion Pack “30th CELEBRATION” | ¥360 per pack / ¥7,200 per box
Start playing immediately | Premium Deck Set Espeon & Umbreon | ¥6,200
Collect the starter Pokémon from a favorite generation | 30th CELEBRATION Card Set | ¥1,200 each
Focus on collectibility | 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX | ¥27,500

Q. Where can I buy the 30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX?

A. The FUTURISTIC BOX is an official Pokémon Center Online 30th-anniversary product.

Its Japanese suggested retail price is ¥27,500, including tax. Availability may be subject to Pokémon Center Online’s sales or lottery conditions.

After release, listings may also appear on Japanese secondary marketplaces such as Mercari or JDirectItems Auction. However, resale prices are determined by individual sellers and may differ substantially from the original retail price.

Q. Can I buy Japanese Pokémon cards if I live outside Japan?

A. Yes. Some Japanese stores support international shopping, while others are designed primarily for customers in Japan.

For eligible stores and marketplaces, overseas buyers can use cross-border shopping or proxy-purchasing services such as Buyee to purchase products in Japan and arrange international shipping.

Availability depends on the individual store, product, destination country or region, and shipping restrictions.

How to Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards from Overseas

For collectors living outside Japan, it is extremely difficult to participate in the intense competition for products sold at physical stores in Japan.

Products such as the “30th CELEBRATION FUTURISTIC BOX,” which are initially limited to the Pokémon Center Online, may be impossible to purchase without a Japanese shipping address and a supported Japanese payment method.

For this reason, many overseas fans use reliable Japanese online stores to secure stock.

The following article explains which stores are considered safe and which recommended stores support international shipping. Anyone considering purchasing Japanese Pokémon cards may find it useful.

Recommended Guides & Resources

How to Choose a Pokémon Card Online Store Without Making Mistakes.

The Ultimate Collector’s Guide (Jan 2026): Top 7 TCG Online Shops & Grading Essentials (PSA, BGS, CGC)

How to Avoid Resealed Japanese Pokémon Booster Boxes & Starter Sets.

For more Pokémon TCG updates, product spotlights, and expert tips on shopping in Japan, don’t forget to follow @buyee.unbox.picks on Instagram to stay connected with the community!

Want to easily order Pokémon trading cards from Japan? Try Buyee’s Global Shopping Cart for hassle-free proxy shopping: