Pokémon Trading Cards

Pokémon Trading Cards were originally launched in Japan in 1996 and have since become a global phenomenon. The brand began as a media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori and managed by The Pokémon Company.

The cards are produced in several locations to meet global demand. Typically, cards for the North American and European markets are printed in the United States, while those for the Asian market are primarily manufactured in Japan. Ownership is a unique joint venture between three Japanese entities, with Nintendo holding the primary international distribution rights for the broader Pokémon brand.