Upcoming Japanese Sets to Feature Alolan Vulpix VSTAR, Lugia, and Shiny Charizard VSTAR!

We’ve received insider information about upcoming Japanese releases!

We now have confirmation Incandescent Arcana will release in Japan on September 2nd. The sell sheet shows the set will feature Alolan Vulpix VSTAR — yes, you read that right. Though not confirmed yet, the sell sheet seems to imply Alolan Vulpix VSTAR will get a Character Rare with Lillie. During the Sun & Moon anime, Lillie and her Alolan Vulpix (Snowy) were a popular pair. This carried over to other parts of the franchise too.

Lately the TCG has been giving unevolved Pokemon more attention, such as making Character Rares of Hoothoot and Rockruff. Pikachu and Eevee were both Pokemon VMAX, so Alolan Vulpix getting similar treatment isn’t completely unprecedented.

We’ve learned today that Paradigm Trigger will release in Japan on October 21st. The set will feature Lugia, Regidrago, and Regieleki. The two Regi haven’t received their Pokemon V yet, so we could see them here. We know nothing else about the set at this time.

November 4th will see the release of a “Special Battle Set Charizard VSTAR vs Rayquaza VMAX.” The two Pokemon will be shiny. It’s likely they’ll be alternate art reprints of the existing Charizard VSTAR and Rayquaza VMAX.

VSTAR Universe will release on December 2nd. Based on its “generic” name, it’s likely this will be Japan’s annual reprint set like last November’s VMAX Climax. There have been several cards revealed in English that Japan hasn’t received yet, including our prerelease promos and a full art Lucario V. They may be sourced from this set.

A “Jumbo Card Collection” will release on December 16th featuring Lapras, Mew, and Latias.

There is no mention of Scarlet & Violet sets yet, which is quite unusual. Japanese sets for the latest generation have always released in December. Since December is occupied by VSTAR Universe, it’s possible the Scarlet & Violet sets will release in 2023 instead. If so, this would put it closer to our February releases for next gen sets.

We also have final confirmation Lost Abyss will release in Japan on July 15th (the date kept moving around). We might see its official reveal this week. The set will feature Giratina Origin Forme and possibly the return of the Lost Zone. The set will become the basis for our Lost Origin set in August. It will also see the release of two new High Class Decks named “VSTAR & VMAX High Class Deck Zeraora” and “VSTAR & VMAX High Class Deck Deoxys.”

As usual, all of this information is preliminary and subject to change.