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Hoppip is one of the more interesting vintage Japanese Pokémon promos from the Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake series.
Rather than being released in a regular expansion pack, this card was included as a bonus with Volume 5 of the Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake manga.
Its limited distribution, unique artwork by Kagemaru Himeno, and the appearance of Gengar in the artwork have made this Japanese-exclusive promo increasingly popular with collectors.
Why Is Hoppip So Expensive?
At first glance, Hoppip is not a Pokémon that would normally command a huge price.
The important part is the card’s distribution and artwork.
This Hoppip was included with Volume 5 of Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake rather than a standard Pokémon TCG expansion.
As the Pokémon TCG’s initial boom faded in Japan, later volumes of the series generally had lower distribution numbers.
That means cards from the later volumes can be considerably harder to find today.
The Artwork by Kagemaru Himeno
The card was illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, one of the most recognizable artists associated with vintage Pokémon cards.
The soft illustration style fits the manga-connected nature of the series particularly well.
What makes this card even more interesting is that Gengar appears prominently alongside Hoppip.
That combination gives the card considerably more visual appeal than you might expect from a Hoppip card.
A Japanese-Exclusive Promo
There is no equivalent version of this artwork in the international releases.
This makes the card particularly appealing to collectors who specialize in Japanese-exclusive Pokémon cards.
For international collectors, the card is not simply another vintage Hoppip. It represents a specific Japanese manga-related release that cannot be replaced by an English equivalent.
Hoppip Compared With Its Regular Card
The regular Hoppip from the Neo era has a completely different presentation.
The Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake version instead uses artwork specifically created for the manga-related promotion.
That distinction is one of the main reasons collectors pursue the promo version.
Price Guide
| Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | ~$230 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | ~$110 |
| PSA 10 | ~$6,200 |
※Prices are approximate market values based on the Japanese source article and reported market information. Vintage Pokémon card prices fluctuate depending on condition, grading, availability, exchange rates, and collector demand.
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Why Is the PSA 10 So Expensive?
The PSA population is extremely small.
The Japanese source data shows only 38 PSA 10 copies, with a PSA 10 rate of approximately 15.4%.
There have only been around 264 total submissions.
That is an extremely small population for a vintage Pokémon card.
The low submission count is also important. Because the raw card itself was not originally considered a major chase card, relatively few copies were submitted for grading.
As a result, the PSA 10 market can be difficult to value using traditional price comparisons.
With only a few dozen PSA 10 copies, even a small increase in collector demand can have a significant effect on the price.
The Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake Series
The Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake series has been receiving renewed attention from collectors.
Each volume came with a different promotional card, creating an unusual collecting challenge.
As the series progresses through later volumes, distribution became smaller as the initial Pokémon boom cooled.
This means later-volume promos can be particularly difficult to find today.
Collectors who want to complete the entire series therefore have an incentive to search for cards like Hoppip.
The Kagemaru Himeno Factor
Another source of demand comes from the illustrator.
Kagemaru Himeno has illustrated many iconic vintage Pokémon cards and has a dedicated collector following.
For collectors who focus on artwork rather than only Pokémon species, Himeno’s Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake illustrations are an important part of the series.
Hoppip benefits from that collector interest while also featuring Gengar prominently in the artwork.
Unopened Copies
Because the card was originally included with a book, unopened copies can still exist.
However, these are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Check Current Unopened Listings
Is Hoppip a Good Vintage Pokémon Card to Collect?
Hoppip may look like an unlikely candidate for a high-value vintage card.
But that is exactly what makes it interesting.
Its value comes from a combination of factors:
- Limited book distribution
- Japanese-exclusive artwork
- Kagemaru Himeno artwork
- Gengar appearing in the illustration
- Very low PSA population
- Growing interest in the Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake series
The PSA 10 population of only 38 copies is particularly notable.
For collectors who enjoy obscure Japanese promos and artwork variations, Hoppip is one of the cards worth keeping an eye on.
Purchase & Latest Market Prices
Prices and availability change frequently. Check current listings before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hoppip Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake promo?
It is a Japanese promotional card included with Volume 5 of Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake.
Who illustrated the Hoppip promo?
The card was illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno, a well-known Pokémon TCG illustrator.
Why is Hoppip so expensive?
The card was distributed as a book promo rather than a regular expansion card. Its Japanese-exclusive artwork, low supply, Gengar artwork, and growing collector interest all contribute to its value.
How many PSA 10 copies exist?
The Japanese source data lists only 38 PSA 10 copies.
Is there an English version of this Hoppip?
No equivalent version of this artwork is known in the international releases. The card is considered a Japanese-exclusive promo.
Is the Hoppip promo rare?
Yes. The very low PSA population and limited original distribution make high-grade copies particularly difficult to find.
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Published: August 25, 2026
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