Japan's Pokémon Event Timeline
The Pokémon timeline offers a nostalgic journey through the significant events that have shaped the Pokémon universe, highlighting the launch of iconic games, memorable anime episodes, and legendary card releases. note that some details are drawn from my memory, so there may be occasional inaccuracies.
Mar 05, 1997
Pocket Monsters Carddass Part 3 & 4
Bandai released the second wave of Pokemon carddass was released in March 1997 . Sold 5 cards for 100 yen (One card for 20yen) via Gatchagatcha Carddass vending machine.
May 02, 1997
Slowpoke: "Playmat" Bonus Card
A playmat for the Pokémon card game released on May 2, 1997. It comes in three colors: red, green, and black. The bonus card "Slowpoke" was included face down.
May 15, 1997
Mewtwo promo card
The third promo card that was in the CoroCoro Comic‘s June 1997 issue. I remember there was alot of hype for this promo.
Jun 05, 1997
Vol.1 of Pokemon Card Fan Club Magazine
June 5, 1997, marks the publication of Volume 1 of the Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine. This magazine was significant as it provided fans with insights into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, including strategies, card information, and updates about the Pokémon franchise. It played a crucial role in building a community around the trading card game and keeping fans engaged with the evolving world of Pokémon.
Jun 13, 1997
Electabuzz: "Official Card File" Bonus Card
104-pocket official card file released on June 13, 1997. As a bonus, an "Electabuzz" card was included, hidden on the back.
Jun 15, 1997
Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Clefairy: Jumbo Card, Monthly CoroCoro Comic, July 1997 Issue
About "Monthly CoroCoro Comic, July 1997 Issue" CoroCoro Exclusive Bonus "Pokemon Super Jumbo Lucky Card" [Quote from Pokemon Club p130] 4 Million Pokemon Trainer Clinic 9 Nationwide Every time, Pokemon Club gives the latest information and game strategies to all Pokemon fans. This time, we will introduce how to use the special supplement jumbo card and how to apply for the Placoro limited Mew set!! How to play with the CoroCoro original special jumbo card!! We will teach you how to play with the special Pokemon special jumbo card made by CoroCoro! With this, you will surely become popular in your class!?
Jun 21, 1997
Pokemon Card Game 3rd Expansion Pack: Secret of the Fossils
The main characters are Omanyte, Kabuto, and Aerodactyl. Unlike the game, they evolve from "some fossils" that are trainer cards, so their evolutionary stages are one step behind from the game. This pack was planned to include all the first generation Pokemon, so it features a luxurious lineup including Articuno, Thunder, Fire, and Mew.
Aug 09, 1997
Surfing Pikachu (matte): "JR Stamp Rally" special card
Surfing Pikachu promo card was a special card that you could get only via "JR Stamp Rally" . You needed to go around stations to collect stamps which wasn`t an easy task.
Oct 15, 1997
Pocket Monsters Card Game Illustration Artist Contest
The ultimate promo card that Pocket Monsters Card Game Illustration Artist Contest
Nov 21, 1997
Pokemon Card Game 4th Expansion Pack Team Rocket
For the first time, "bad Pokémon" with low HP but powerful moves were included. Special energies such as Rainbow Energy were also added. Also, for the first time, cards with a rarity higher than ★ were included.