The Most Popular TCG in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the TCG you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:52
In a country where trading card games are not only a hobby but a vibrant aspect of pop culture, discerning which TCG tops the popularity charts can be quite intriguing. Collectors and players alike seek to understand trends, which cards are considered most valuable, and which games hold the deepest strategic elements. Such knowledge contributes significantly to making informed choices about where to invest time and resources.
This site offers a dynamic and interactive environment where your votes help determine the current favorites among Japan's array of trading card games. By participating, you contribute to a broader understanding of what makes each game appealing and how they stack up against each other. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of TCGs, your input is valuable and shapes the ongoing rankings you see.
What Is the Most Popular TCG in Japan?
-
143votes
Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY-SA 4.0This is by far the most popular TCG in Japan, featuring a vast collection of cards and a dedicated following. The game is based on the Pokémon franchise and features various creatures with unique abilities and attributes. The game has been popular for over two decades, with new sets released regularly.Pokémon Trading Card Game in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular CCG
-
237votes
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game
Kazuki TakahashiAnother popular TCG in Japan, Yu-Gi-Oh! has been a favorite among anime and manga enthusiasts. The game is based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and features various monsters and spells that players use to battle each other. The game has a complex rule system and is considered challenging but rewarding.The Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game is a Japanese collectible card game based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime franchise. Players take on the role of duelists, using a deck of cards representing various monsters, spells, and traps to defeat their opponents.- Release Year: 1999
- Number of Cards: 10,000+
- Game Formats: Advanced, Traditional, Speed Duel
- Player Age Range: 6+
- Duelist Level: Casual to Competitive
Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular TCG
-
327votes
Magic: The Gathering - While not originally from Japan, Magic
Richard GarfieldThe Gathering has gained a significant following in the country. The game is known for its complex gameplay and intricate card design, making it a favorite among serious TCG players. The game has been around for over 25 years and continues to be popular in Japan.Magic: The Gathering is a collectible trading card game (TCG) that was originally developed by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and published by Wizards of the Coast. While not originally from Japan, Magic has gained immense popularity within the country. The game involves players constructing decks of cards representing magical spells, artifacts, and creatures to defeat their opponents. Each player starts with a predetermined amount of life and uses their cards strategically to reduce the opponent's life to zero.- Year of Release: 1993
- No. of Cards: Over 20,000 unique cards
- Game Formats: Standard, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, and more
- Expansion Sets: Numerous expansion sets released regularly
- Player Count: 2 or more players
-
413votes
Dragon Ball Super Card Game
BandaiBased on the popular anime and manga series, the Dragon Ball Super Card Game features various characters and abilities from the franchise. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its exciting gameplay and unique mechanics.Dragon Ball Super Card Game is a trading card game (TCG) based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball. It was designed to be simple yet strategic, allowing players to relive the epic battles from the Dragon Ball universe.- Release Date: 2017
- Number of Cards: Over 1100
- Game Format: 1 vs 1
- Deck Size: 50 cards
- Card Types: Battle Cards, Extra Cards, Leader Cards
-
520votesVanguard is a TCG that features characters and abilities from an anime series of the same name. The game has gained a following in Japan due to its engaging gameplay and anime-style graphics. The game has been around for over a decade and continues to be popular.Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies, known for its low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It was founded in 1975 by John C. Bogle.
- Established: 1975
- Headquarters: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA
- Assets under Management: over $6 trillion
- Number of Clients: over 30 million
- Available Investment Products: mutual funds, ETFs, individual stocks, bonds, CDs
-
616votes
Weiss Schwarz
Takahiro KimuraWeiss Schwarz is a TCG that features various anime franchises, including Sword Art Online, Attack on Titan, and Fate/Zero. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its unique gameplay mechanics and extensive collection of cards.Weiss Schwarz is a popular trading card game (TCG) that combines characters and storylines from various anime and manga series. Players build decks using cards featuring characters, events, and equipment from different series and engage in strategic battles.- Year of Creation: 2007
- Number of Series: Over 200
- Languages: Japanese, English, and various others
- Game Format: 1v1 or multiplayer
- Deck Size: 50 cards
Weiss Schwarz in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most fun TCG
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular TCG
-
77votes
Duel Masters
Shigenobu MatsumotoDuel Masters is a TCG that features various creatures and spells that players use to battle each other. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its unique mechanics and colorful card design. The game has been around for over 20 years and continues to be popular.Duel Masters is a popular trading card game (TCG) in Japan. It is a strategic collectible card game where players engage in battles using creatures, spells, and powerful artifacts. The game features an intricate storyline and a vast array of unique and fantastical card abilities.- Year of release: 2002
- Number of cards: Over 2,000
- Gameplay format: 1v1 or multiplayer
- Target audience: All ages
- Deck size: 40-60 cards
Duel Masters in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular TCG
-
811votes
Future Card Buddyfight
BushiroadFuture Card Buddyfight is a TCG that features various monsters and abilities that players use to battle each other. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its engaging gameplay and anime-style graphics. The game has been around for over a decade and continues to be popular.Future Card Buddyfight is a popular trading card game (TCG) in Japan that was created by Bushiroad. It combines elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and various other genres, offering an exciting gameplay experience for players of all ages. In this TCG, players take on the role of Buddyfighters who engage in epic battles using their decks of cards, which feature a wide variety of colorful and powerful characters, spells, and equipment. The game is known for its strategic depth, fast-paced gameplay, and vibrant artwork.- Genre: Trading Card Game
- Theme: Fantasy, Sci-fi
- Target audience: Players of all ages
- Gameplay: Strategic and fast-paced
- Card types: Characters, Spells, Equipment
-
94votesBased on the popular anime and manga series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card features various characters and abilities from the franchise. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its exciting gameplay and unique mechanics.Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card is a trading card game (TCG) based on the popular anime and manga series Cardcaptor Sakura. It follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who discovers magical cards and must collect them to prevent disaster. The Clear Card arc is a continuation of the original series, where Sakura faces new challenges and encounters a new set of magical cards.
- Genre: Fantasy, Magical Girl
- Release Date: 2016
- Publisher: Toppan, Amada Printing
- Number of Cards: 200+
- Card Types: Character, Spell, Item
-
1018votes
Battle Spirits
BandaiBattle Spirits is a TCG that features various monsters and spells that players use to battle each other. The game has gained popularity in Japan due to its unique mechanics and colorful card design. The game has been around for over a decade and continues to be popular.Battle Spirits is a popular Trading Card Game (TCG) in Japan that combines strategy, collectability, and fierce battles. Players summon spirits, command their powers, and engage in tactical gameplay to defeat their opponents. The game emphasizes deck-building and clever card synergies, allowing players to create unique strategies and adapt to various playstyles.- Year of Creation: 2008
- Number of Cards: Over 5,000
- Game Formats: 1vs1, 2vs2, and 3vs3
- Target Audience: All ages
- Anime Adaptation: Yes
Missing your favorite TCG?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular TCG
-
Sales figuresThe number of booster packs and individual cards sold can indicate the popularity of a TCG.
-
Player baseThe number of active players, both casual and competitive, can give an idea of how widespread the game is.
-
Tournaments and eventsThe frequency and popularity of tournaments and events can show the level of interest in the game among the community.
-
Availability of merchandiseThe availability of merchandise such as official playmats, sleeves, and deck boxes can indicate the level of investment players have in the game.
-
Media presenceThe level of coverage the game receives in local media and online can show how much attention it is receiving from the community and wider audience.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular TCG in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Card is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 7073 views
- 170 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Card once every 24 hours. The rank of each Card is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular tcg in japan
Trading Card Games (TCGs) have been popular in Japan since the early 1990s. The first TCG to become popular in Japan was Magic: The Gathering, which was introduced in 1993. Since then, numerous TCGs have been released in Japan, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon, and Cardfight!! Vanguard. These games have gained a massive following and have even inspired anime series and movies. The popularity of TCGs in Japan has led to the creation of annual tournaments and events where players from all over the world can compete. With so many TCGs available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most popular in Japan. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top TCGs in Japan and determine which one reigns supreme.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
