Last Updated: August 2026
Masaki Omastar is one of the five legendary promotional Pokémon cards released through Japan’s famous Communication Evolution Campaign (commonly known among collectors as the Masaki Promo or Trade Please Campaign). While Masaki Gengar is often considered the face of the series, Omastar is actually the lowest-distributed Pokémon of all five campaign cards.
Only around 21,000 copies were originally distributed, making Masaki Omastar one of the rarest Japanese promotional Pokémon cards from the vintage era. Combined with its unique mail-in distribution, Japanese exclusivity, and remarkably low PSA 10 population, it has become one of the hobby’s most underrated collector cards.
📌 Key Facts
| Release | 1999 |
| Campaign | Communication Evolution Campaign |
| Card Type | Japanese Promotional Card |
| Illustrator | Ken Sugimori |
| Estimated PSA 10 Value | Approximately $7,900 |
| PSA 10 Population | 47 |
| Gem Rate | Approximately 5.1% |
| Distribution | Approximately 21,000 copies |
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Card History
Masaki Omastar was never sold in booster packs or retail products. Instead, it was distributed exclusively through Japan’s famous Communication Evolution Campaign, one of the most creative promotional events ever held for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The campaign recreated the trade evolution mechanic from the original Pokémon Game Boy games in real life. Rather than evolving Pokémon through a Link Cable, players mailed specific cards to Media Factory and received an exclusive promotional Pokémon in return.
To receive Omastar, participants first needed to obtain Bill’s PC (known in Japan as Masaki’s Personal Computer) from Expansion Sheet packs. They then mailed Bill’s PC together with an Omanyte card. After the application was verified, Media Factory mailed an exclusive Omastar promo card directly to the player.
This unusual promotion has become one of the defining moments of vintage Japanese Pokémon history and remains unlike any distribution method ever used outside Japan.
How the Communication Evolution Campaign Worked
The Communication Evolution Campaign was introduced by Media Factory in 1999 to recreate one of the most memorable mechanics from the original Pokémon Game Boy games: trading Pokémon to evolve them.
Instead of evolving Pokémon in-game, players participated through a mail-in campaign. Collectors first needed to obtain Bill’s PC (called Masaki’s Personal Computer in Japan) from the Expansion Sheet series. By mailing Bill’s PC together with a specific Pokémon card, participants received an exclusive promotional evolution card directly from Media Factory.
The five available promotional Pokémon were:
| Required Card | Promotional Card Received |
|---|---|
| Kadabra | Alakazam |
| Haunter | Gengar |
| Graveler | Golem |
| Machoke | Machamp |
| Omanyte | Omastar |
This innovative campaign has become one of the most famous promotional events in Pokémon TCG history and is considered a milestone by collectors of vintage Japanese cards.
Why Is Omastar the Rarest Masaki Promo?
Although Masaki Gengar receives the most attention and usually commands the highest prices, Masaki Omastar had the smallest original distribution. Approximately 21,000 copies were awarded through the Communication Evolution Campaign, making it the rarest card in the five-card series based on original distribution.
| Masaki Promo | Approximate Distribution |
|---|---|
| Alakazam | ~39,000 |
| Gengar | ~36,000 |
| Machamp | ~29,000 |
| Golem | ~22,000 |
| Omastar | ~21,000 |
Interestingly, despite being the rarest by distribution, Masaki Omastar is still generally more affordable than Masaki Gengar. Many experienced collectors consider this one of the best values in the entire Masaki Promo lineup.
Is There an English Version?
No. Masaki Omastar has never been released as an English-language Pokémon card.
Although several Omastar cards have appeared in English expansions over the years, none feature the exclusive artwork or the unique mail-in distribution method used for the Japanese Communication Evolution Campaign.
Because of this, the original Japanese version remains the only way to own this artwork, making it especially attractive to international collectors.
Why Collectors Love Masaki Omastar
- The lowest-distributed Pokémon in the entire Masaki Promo series.
- Exclusive to Japan’s legendary Communication Evolution Campaign.
- No English version exists.
- Required to complete the five-card Masaki Promo collection.
- Extremely low PSA 10 population.
- One of the most historically important Japanese promotional Pokémon cards.
If you’re building the complete Masaki Promo collection, be sure to read our detailed guides to Masaki Gengar, Masaki Alakazam, Masaki Golem, and Masaki Machamp. You may also enjoy our complete Communication Evolution Campaign Guide, which explains the history of all five promotional cards.
Price Guide (USD)
The prices below represent approximate market values based on recent Japanese marketplace activity, eBay sales, and graded population data.
| Condition | Estimated Market Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | Approximately $475 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | Approximately $330 |
| PSA 10 | Approximately $7,900 |
Where to Buy Masaki Omastar
Because Masaki Omastar was available only through Japan’s Communication Evolution Campaign, it appears far less frequently than standard expansion cards. Most copies on today’s market come from long-time Japanese collections, making patience essential when searching for a high-quality example.
Mercari Japan is often the best place to find raw copies before they appear on international marketplaces. Many Japanese collectors sell directly through Mercari, making it an excellent source for vintage promotional cards.
PSA Population
Despite an original distribution of approximately 21,000 copies, Gem Mint examples remain exceptionally difficult to obtain. The campaign’s unique mailing method is one of the biggest reasons why high-grade copies are so scarce.
- PSA 10 Population: 47
- Gem Mint Rate: Approximately 5.1%
- Original Distribution: About 21,000 copies
After a successful application, Media Factory mailed the promotional card inside a cardboard holder. Unfortunately, this holder often pressed against the corners of the card, leaving small indentations or creases that collectors now commonly refer to as the “Masaki Mark.” Even unopened campaign envelopes can contain cards with these factory-created imperfections, making flawless examples extraordinarily difficult to find.
Why Is Masaki Omastar So Expensive?
Several factors continue to support the long-term value of Masaki Omastar.
- The lowest original distribution of any Masaki Promo card.
- Exclusive to Japan’s Communication Evolution Campaign.
- No English version has ever been released.
- Mail-in distribution resulted in many damaged copies.
- Very low PSA 10 population.
- Essential for completing the legendary five-card Masaki Promo set.
Collector’s Notes
Although Gengar is usually considered the centerpiece of the Masaki Promo series, many advanced collectors believe Omastar offers the strongest rarity-to-price ratio. It has the smallest original distribution, remains relatively affordable compared with Gengar, and continues to receive increasing attention as collectors work toward completing the full set.
Another fascinating detail is that Omastar is the only Pokémon in the campaign that does not evolve through trading in the original Game Boy games. Omanyte evolves simply by reaching Level 40, yet Media Factory still selected Omastar for the Communication Evolution Campaign. No official explanation has ever been published, making this one of the most interesting pieces of Pokémon TCG trivia.
Investment Potential
Masaki Omastar has quietly become one of the strongest long-term opportunities within the legendary Masaki Promo series. While Masaki Gengar typically receives the most attention, Omastar offers a unique combination of genuine scarcity, historical significance, and relatively accessible pricing.
As more collectors attempt to complete the five-card Communication Evolution Campaign set, demand for Omastar has continued to increase. Because it had the lowest original distribution of the series, finding high-grade examples has become increasingly difficult.
Several factors continue to support its long-term collector appeal:
- The lowest-distributed card in the entire Masaki Promo series.
- Distributed exclusively through Japan’s Communication Evolution Campaign.
- Never released as an English-language card.
- Exceptionally low PSA 10 population.
- One of the most historically important Japanese promotional Pokémon cards.
- Required for collectors pursuing a complete Masaki Promo collection.
Market Trends
Interest in the Masaki Promo cards has grown significantly over the past several years as collectors outside Japan have become more familiar with the Communication Evolution Campaign. Although Masaki Gengar remains the headline card, Omastar has steadily gained recognition because of its considerably lower original distribution.
Unlike many vintage promotional cards that were inserted into magazines or distributed at retail events, Masaki Omastar could only be obtained by successfully completing the campaign. This unique history gives the card an appeal that extends beyond simple rarity.
Another important factor is condition rarity. The original mailing process frequently resulted in pressure marks or small indentations before collectors even received the card. Because of these unavoidable flaws, pristine examples remain extremely scarce despite approximately 21,000 copies being distributed.
Many experienced collectors now view Masaki Omastar as one of the most undervalued cards in the entire Masaki Promo lineup, particularly for those who prioritize rarity over popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Masaki Omastar?
Masaki Omastar is a Japanese-exclusive promotional Pokémon card distributed through the 1999 Communication Evolution Campaign. Participants mailed Bill’s PC (Masaki’s Personal Computer) together with an Omanyte card to receive Omastar by mail.
How many Masaki Omastar cards were distributed?
Approximately 21,000 copies were distributed, making it the rarest card in the Masaki Promo series based on original distribution.
Is there an English version?
No. Masaki Omastar has never been released as an English-language Pokémon card. The artwork remains exclusive to Japan.
Why are PSA 10 copies so rare?
The original mail-in packaging frequently caused pressure marks, edge wear, or surface imperfections before collectors even opened the envelope. These issues make Gem Mint copies exceptionally difficult to obtain.
What is the “Masaki Mark”?
The term “Masaki Mark” refers to pressure marks or indentations commonly found on Masaki Promo cards as a result of their original mailing method. These imperfections are one of the biggest reasons PSA 10 examples are so scarce.
Why is Omastar considered the rarest Masaki Promo?
Campaign records indicate that only around 21,000 copies were distributed, fewer than any of the other four Pokémon offered through the Communication Evolution Campaign.
Why was Omastar included in the campaign?
This remains one of the biggest mysteries of the campaign. Omastar does not evolve through trading in the original Pokémon games, yet it was still selected as one of the five promotional Pokémon. No official explanation has ever been released.
Related Guides
- Communication Evolution Campaign Complete Guide
- Masaki Gengar Price Guide
- Masaki Alakazam Price Guide
- Masaki Golem Price Guide
- Masaki Machamp Price Guide
- Top 20 Most Valuable Japanese Promo Cards
Final Thoughts
Masaki Omastar demonstrates that popularity and rarity are not always the same. While Masaki Gengar often steals the spotlight, Omastar is actually the lowest-distributed card in the legendary Communication Evolution Campaign, giving it a unique place in Pokémon TCG history.
Its exclusive Japanese release, fascinating mail-in distribution, extremely low PSA 10 population, and relatively accessible market price make it one of the strongest collector opportunities in the vintage Pokémon hobby.
Whether you’re building a complete Masaki Promo collection or simply searching for one of Japan’s rarest promotional Pokémon cards, Masaki Omastar deserves serious consideration.
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