Pikachu is more than just a character—it is a shared language that connects fans around the world. Today, we are introducing a true symbol of that idea: the “Pikachu World Collection Green Ver.”, a Japan-exclusive limited release from 2010. Housed in a vivid green package, this special promotional set includes nine cards, each featuring a different country, language, and unique illustration. Also known as the “Green Version,” the “7-Eleven / Pokémon Center Original Version” is a rare item highly sought-after by collectors worldwide.
In this article, we will cover everything fans want to know: the differences between the Green Version and the regular Blue Version, a detailed look at all nine Pikachu cards in different languages, and the three key reasons why this set continues to rise in rarity and value.
- Product Details
- Green Version vs. Regular Version, Blue: A Complete Comparison
- All 9 Included Cards: The Complete List of Pikachu in Nine Languages
- Japanese Version, Illustrated by Ken Sugimori ★ Highly Popular Card
- English Version, Illustrated by Kouki Saitou
- Italian Version, Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita
- Korean Version, Illustrated by Masakazu Fukuda
- Spanish Version, Illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno
- German Version, Illustrated by Naoki Saito
- French Version, Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida ★ Key Card
- Polish Version, Illustrated by Kanako Eo
- Portuguese Version, Illustrated by Midori Harada
- Three Reasons the Green Version Has Been Rising in Value
- About Ken Sugimori
- Rare Cards Featuring Pikachu Motifs
- A Dream Piece for Collectors: Pikachu World Collection Green Ver.
Product Details

The Pokémon Card Game Pikachu World Collection was a special promotional product released in Japan on July 8, 2010. Built around the theme of “Pikachu traveling around the world,” it is a dream-like collector’s set that brings together Pikachu cards in nine different languages used for the Pokémon TCG at the time.
Product Name
Pokémon Card Game “Pikachu World Collection Green Ver. Promo Limited Edition”
Basic Information

This collectible product includes one Pikachu card each in nine languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Polish. All cards have the same effect.
| Product Name | Pokémon Card Game Pikachu World Collection |
| Series | Pokémon Card Game LEGEND |
| Release Date | July 8, 2010 |
| Number of Cards | 9 cards, one Pikachu in each of the nine languages |
| Specifications | All cards feature Cosmos Holofoil with gold borders |
| Included Item | A world map-style display sheet showing the nine languages |
| Estimated Print Run | Several thousand sets, limited production; exact number unpublished |
| Variations | Regular Version, Blue / Green Version, 7-Eleven / Pokémon Center Original |
Effect Details

Source: SNKRDUNK
| Item | Details |
| Pokémon Name | Pikachu |
| Pokédex Number | No.025, Mouse Pokémon |
| HP | 50 |
| Type | Lightning type |
| Evolution Stage | Basic |
| Weakness | ×2 |
| Resistance | -20 |
| Card Rarity | Promo, Holofoil specification |
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Attack 1: Hello!: Greet your opponent. Then, each player draws 1 card from their own Deck.
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Attack 2: Thunderbolt 60: Discard all Energy attached to this Pokémon.
Green Version vs. Regular Version, Blue: A Complete Comparison
Pikachu World Collection exists in two variations. Here is a focused breakdown of the differences collectors care about most. 
Green Version on the left, regular Blue Version on the right. Source: Nakano-ya
Availability Was Completely Different

Source: Hareruya 2
The Green Version was a limited item distributed only for a very short period. In other words, the supply of the Green Version was dramatically smaller than the Blue Version, making it much harder to obtain. This green Pikachu was available only to those who reserved it through specific stores in Japan, giving it an exceptional level of rarity. Both versions are limited releases, but the version many collectors ultimately chase is the harder-to-find “Green”.
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Green Ver., ultra-limited: A limited item that could be purchased only by people who reserved it at 7-Eleven in Japan in 2010.
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Blue Ver., general release: Sold more widely through Pokémon Center stores and overseas retailers.
The Background of the Japanese Pikachu Illustration Is Different

Regular Version, Blue. Source: Card Rush

Green Version
The feature that most clearly defines the Green Version is the different background color of the Japanese Pikachu card.
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Green Ver.: The background of the Japanese Pikachu shines green.
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Blue Ver.: The background of the Japanese Pikachu shines blue.
Both versions were illustrated by Ken Sugimori, the legendary artist behind official Pokémon artwork for many years. The green-background Japanese card from the Green Version is especially popular among collectors as a special Sugimori Style variant.
The Outer Box, or Binder, Has a Different Color
The Green Version and the regular Blue Version are easy to tell apart at a glance. 
Green Version on the left, regular Blue Version on the right. Source: Nakano-ya
All 9 Included Cards: The Complete List of Pikachu in Nine Languages
The biggest appeal of Pikachu World Collection is that it brings together Pikachu cards in all nine languages in which Pokémon cards were printed at the time. Each card has its own personality, from the illustrator and cultural motifs to the card frame design. Even Bulbapedia notes that many illustrations incorporate the colors of each country’s national flag.
Here, we will take a detailed look at each card one by one.
Japanese Version, Illustrated by Ken Sugimori ★ Highly Popular Card

This card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, the artist who has long handled official artwork for the main Pokémon video game series. It captures the classic, truly orthodox Pikachu that Japanese Pokémon fans know so well.
The green-background version exclusive to the Green Version is instantly distinguishable when placed next to the regular Blue Version. Because it can be identified by background color alone, this special variant gains collector value on two levels.
Even within the nine-card set, the Green Version-exclusive Japanese Pikachu with the green background is extremely popular as a single card, and PSA10 graded copies command especially high prices.
English Version, Illustrated by Kouki Saitou

This card features the Grand Canyon, one of America’s most iconic landscapes, giving it an impressive sense of scale.
Pokémon TCG site TheGamer has described the World Collection series as one of the most valuable Pokémon TCG cards you may never have heard of, showing just how much attention it receives from English-speaking collectors.
Italian Version, Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita

This card was handled by legendary illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita, known for early Pokémon cards such as Charizard and Pikachu. It has a warm Mediterranean atmosphere.
The biggest highlight is that the flowers in the background are arranged in the color pattern of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. This subtle detail is also noted on Bulbapedia. At first glance, it may look like a simple flower field, but on closer inspection, it becomes a national flag motif.
Korean Version, Illustrated by Masakazu Fukuda

Only the Korean and Portuguese versions use a different card frame from the other seven cards. Instead of the LEGEND-era frame, they use the Diamond & Pearl, or DPt-era, card frame from the previous generation.
As a result, when all nine cards are lined up together, these two cards deliberately break the uniform look of the set. This card adds a distinctive bit of spice to the nine-card lineup.
Spanish Version, Illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno

This card was illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, known for soft and gentle colors. In contrast to the passionate image often associated with Spain, the artwork has a sweet and charming touch.
Himeno is an officially recognized Pokémon TCG artist who was also interviewed in the Pokémon Card Game Illustration Collection, and the artist has a strong fan following. This popular card is often traded individually overseas for around US$99.99.
German Version, Illustrated by Naoki Saito

This card features calm, European-style colors. The illustrator, Naoki Saito, later became known for highly premium cards such as OIwai Pikachu, which can reach several million yen in PSA10 condition.
Saito’s YouTube channel has more than 600,000 subscribers, giving him a fan base that extends beyond Pokémon card collectors. Today, the simple fact that a card was illustrated by Naoki Saito can create additional collector demand.
French Version, Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida ★ Key Card

The biggest highlight of this set is the French version, illustrated by Atsuko Nishida.
Nishida is a graphic designer at Game Freak and the person who completed Pikachu’s character design from scratch on her own—in other words, she is often regarded as the true creator of Pikachu.
A card drawn by the very person who created the world’s most famous Pokémon character—that is what makes the French version so special. The blue, white, and red of the French flag are incorporated into the color palette, giving the card an elegant European feel.
Among overseas collectors, this card is also treated as a piece with special meaning because it was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, who was also involved with the legendary Pikachu Illustrator promo from 1998, of which only 39 copies are known to exist.
Polish Version, Illustrated by Kanako Eo

Illustrated by Kanako Eo, this card has a soft touch that evokes the culture of Eastern Europe.
Like the Italian version, this card includes a delicate detail in which the flowers in the background are arranged in the white and red color pattern of the Polish flag. Because Polish is one of the rarer language versions among the nine, this card is often described by collectors around the world as one of the rarest pieces in the collection—a Polish-language Pikachu that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
Portuguese Version, Illustrated by Midori Harada

This card was illustrated by Midori Harada, known for realistic depictions. Along with the Korean version, it uses the Diamond & Pearl, or DPt-era, card frame.
Pokémon TCG media outlet TheGamer has praised the Portuguese version for the way its realistic background brings out Pikachu’s character. The green and red of the Portuguese flag are incorporated into the background, creating a finish that feels nostalgic and Mediterranean.
Three Reasons the Green Version Has Been Rising in Value

The Pikachu World Collection Green Ver. is a rare product whose value has continued to climb over time. Here are three key reasons why.
Reason 1: Reprints or Re-releases Are Extremely Unlikely

Source: Reddit
The LEGEND series is no longer legal in the current regulation format, and these are now older-spec cards from more than 15 years ago. The chance of an official reprint is close to zero, meaning the existing copies already represent the entire market supply. As time passes, high-condition copies will only continue to become harder to find.
Reason 2: Extremely Narrow 7-Eleven Distribution

Source: Reddit
In 2010, the Green Version appeared at 7-Eleven stores for only a short period. The fact that it was held only by people who knew about it at the time and were actually able to buy it in-store is the foundation of its rarity.
Reason 3: A Collector’s Item Featuring the Creator of Pikachu

As mentioned above, the French version was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the person widely regarded as the true creator of Pikachu. On top of that, the Japanese version was illustrated by Ken Sugimori. This is an exceptionally rare collection that brings together two of the most important illustrators in Pokémon history.
About Ken Sugimori
Profile and Career

Source: IMDb
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Date of Birth: January 27, 1966, born in Tokyo
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Titles: Founding member of Game Freak Inc., art director, and character designer.
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Background: In the 1980s, he joined Game Freak, the self-published magazine created by Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, as an illustrator. He later helped establish Game Freak as a video game development company.
The Designer Behind the First 151 Pokémon

Source: Amazon
Sugimori is known for single-handedly completing the official artwork for all 151 Pokémon that appeared in the original Pokémon Red and Green games. Although the actual designs were created by multiple people, including Atsuko Nishida, Sugimori was the one who finalized them as the definitive “Pokémon artwork.”
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Representative designs: Pikachu, Mewtwo, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, and more.
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Human characters: Major characters and Gym Leaders such as Red, Green, Brock, and Misty were also created by him.
The Distinctive “Sugimori Style”

Source: Threads
Ken Sugimori’s art style, lovingly known among overseas fans as “Sugimori Style,” has gone through major changes while retaining several unmistakable characteristics.
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Early period, 1990s: Soft watercolor-like coloring and white highlights are key features. The 2010 card set discussed here can also be seen as an evolved form of this lineage.
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Middle to later period: As his workflow shifted to digital tools, his lines and colors became cleaner and sharper.
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Design philosophy: He places great importance on the delicate balance between cuteness and coolness. His designs reflect the idea that a slight imperfection, or a little “gap,” gives a creature a more believable sense of life.
Pokémon Cards Illustrated by Ken Sugimori
Blastoise, Back Error

Source: Card Rush
The Blastoise Back Error promo card illustrated by Ken Sugimori is an ultra-rare error card featuring a Classic Japanese card back printing mistake in which the back side is completely missing. It is one of the Holy Grail error items among collectors, with an overseas auction sale reportedly reaching approximately 42.8 million yen. High-condition copies are also drawing attention as investment-grade collectibles, though buyers should be especially careful about counterfeits.
Red’s Pikachu, 270/SM-P

Source: Card Rush
Red’s Pikachu is a 2018 Pokémon Center 20th Anniversary promo card illustrated by Ken Sugimori, distributed as a Pokémon Center-exclusive bonus for purchasing five packs. It depicts Red and his partner Pikachu in a dynamic pose and is known as one of the most popular promo cards among collectors.
Tamamuushi University Hyper Professor Exam Promo

Source: Card Rush
The Tamamuushi University Hyper Professor Exam promo is an extremely limited Magikarp Lv.10 promo card, No.129, distributed to the top 1,000 participants in the 1998 Pokémon Card Trainers Certification Exam. Featuring Ken Sugimori artwork and the Classic Japanese card back, its worldwide population of only 1,000 copies continues to fascinate collectors.
Rare Cards Featuring Pikachu Motifs
Pure Gold Pikachu

Source: Card Rush
Pure Gold Pikachu is an ultra-luxury promo card made from 99.99% pure gold to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon cards. Ken Sugimori’s classic Pikachu illustration shines in gold, giving the piece a substantial, premium feel as a collector’s item. Sold exclusively through Pokémon Center, it remains a dream item for fans as an eternal symbol of Pikachu.
Mario Pikachu, 294/XY-P

Source: Card Rush
This dream crossover promo card comes from Nintendo’s Mario Kart collaboration. Wearing a red cap and transformed in a Mario-inspired style, Pikachu is illustrated in a dynamic racing pose. Released as a special XY Promo Series card, it is a unique design loved by both game fans and Pokémon collectors.
Poncho-Wearing Pikachu, 230/XY-P

Source: Card Rush
This Pokémon Center-exclusive promo card features Pikachu wearing a vivid poncho illustrated by Ken Sugimori. The colorful Mexican-inspired fabric and cheerful expression give it a charming travel-like atmosphere that continues to win over fans. As part of the XY Promo Series, it was distributed as an event bonus and remains a popular staple among Pokémon card collectors.
Pitch’s Pikachu

Source: Card Rush
Pitch’s Pikachu is an event-exclusive promo card featuring a special Ken Sugimori illustration of a young Pikachu in an adorable baby-like form. Its large head, round eyes, and fluffy look express the very origin of Pikachu’s cuteness, making it irresistible to collectors. As a rare distribution item for event participants, it is a must-have card for Pikachu fans.
A Dream Piece for Collectors: Pikachu World Collection Green Ver.

The Pokémon Card Game Pikachu World Collection Green Ver. is:
A legendary promo product released in 2010
A rare 7-Eleven-exclusive variation
A nine-language collection illustrated by an incredible lineup of artists, including Atsuko Nishida, the creator of Pikachu
An artistic design packed with fine details, from national flag colors to floral arrangements
A masterpiece highly regarded by overseas collectors and still traded around the world
An impossible-to-reprint, age-appreciating investment-grade collectible
In short, it is a true dream piece filled with everything Pokémon card collectors love.
The concept of Pikachu connecting the world through nine languages, the involvement of two of the most important illustrators in Pokémon history, and the narrow 7-Eleven-exclusive distribution all came together to create a set that continues to fascinate collectors in Japan and around the world more than 15 years after its 2010 release.
With the market beginning to move toward Pokémon’s 30th anniversary year, now may be the perfect time to take another look at the value of this legendary promo set.
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Pokémon Card Game Pikachu World Collection Green Ver. Promo Limited Edition Nintendo 2010



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