Japanese pro wrestling cards come in many forms. The many different types of cards can often be confusing to a beginner collector. The cards can be broken down into several general categories.
The most popular modern cards are standard sized trading cards measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches. These are mainly distributed in packs or as boxed sets. Collector try to build sets, or collect cards of their favorite players. In addition to a standard numbered set, collectors may also try to acquire insert sets, parallel cards, relic/memorabilia cards, or autographed cards. The largest producer of pro wrestling sets is Baseball Card Magazine Sha, often abbreviated BBM, which produces various pro wrestling sets on an annual basis.
Collector card games, aslo known as CCG's or TCG's, are also another popular type of Japanese pro wrestling cards. These are a similar the popular Magic the Gathering or Pokemon cards games. Players use the cards to battle each other according to the rules of the game. The Capcom company has been producing King of Pro Wrestling, as an ongoing series. Each pack of cards contains a random selection of common, uncommon and rare cards.
There are many types of vintage Japanese cards that include pro wrestlers or pro wrestling themes. These older cards have become highly collectible in recent years due to scarcity and an increase in demand for those cards from the United States.
Menko cards are game cards similar to American Pog/milkcaps that were popular in the 1990's. Unlike standard trading cards they were meant to be played with. They are similar in size to tobacco cards, but often contain very thick card stock. Due to cards being heavily played with it is not unusual to find many of the cards in very worn condition.
Bromides and mini cards are similar to standard trading cards, but different in size and often thinner or photogaph card stock. Like trading cards, these were also distributed in packs. Other types of misc. cards include Karuta (an educational card game), postcards, phone cards, vending cards, and food premiums.
A great resource for information about Japanese cards is Ryan C Laughton’s Japanese Sumo Wrestling Cards and Menko Blog at https://sumocards.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html. He is the author of the book Sumo Menko and Card Checklist.
This is so cool that I have never heard before the pro wrestling cards. I think this is one of kind cards. Thank you for sharing with me the history of the pro wrestling cards and cultures of Japan. I love collecting games as well as some game cards. I think, it is cool to collect them lol.
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