Knowledge base · Sets

Which set is my Japanese Pokémon card from?

Short answer

Look at the bottom of the card: on modern Japanese cards there is a set code such as SV8a or M2a in the bottom left, with the card number, for example 217/187. That code is the set. Very old cards without a code are identified by the set symbol. With code and number you can find the card.

A Japanese card doesn't show a set name, but it does show a code. With that code you find the set, its English counterpart and the value within seconds.

How to read the bottom of the card

Set code: letters and numbers such as SV2a, SV8a, M2a or S12a. The letters give the era: S is Sword & Shield, SV Scarlet & Violet, M the MEGA block.
Card number: for example 217/187. If the first number is higher than the second, it is a secret rare.
Rarity: letters such as AR, SAR, SR, UR or MUR next to the number.
Regulation mark: a single letter (such as G, H or I) that tells you the play format. It is not the set.

Frequently asked codes

SV2a: Pokémon 151
SV8a: Terastal Festival ex (English: Prismatic Evolutions)
S12a: VSTAR Universe (Crown Zenith)
M2: Inferno X (Phantasmal Flames); M2a: Mega Dream ex (Ascended Heroes)
M6: Storm Emeralda (Delta Reign); M6a: 30th Celebration

Looking further

Type the set code and number into PriceCharting, Cardmarket or Limitless TCG and you'll find the card, often with an English translation. All Japanese sets with codes, names and release dates are in our set overview. What the card is worth: see how to check your card's value.

Source and date: The Japanese cards themselves; set data in our knowledge base, 14 Nov 2026

Related sets

The Japanese version, with its English counterpart, contents and pull rates.

Most valuable chase cards from these sets

Market value of the single card, ungraded. Each card page shows the source, the date and the odds per box.

All chase cards: value and odds

In our shop

Factory sealed, official Pokémon TCG, imported by us.