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Misty’s Treatment is one of the more unusual vintage Japanese Pokémon Trainer promos from the early Pokémon TCG era.
The card was included with the 1999 CD “On Lapras” (ラプラスにのって), rather than being released in a regular expansion pack or starter deck.
Even more importantly, there is no English version of this card.
That combination of a limited CD distribution, Japanese-exclusive status, and artwork featuring Misty caring for Lapras has made this a particularly interesting card for vintage Pokémon collectors.
Why Is Misty’s Treatment So Expensive?
The biggest factor is its unusual distribution history.
Misty’s Treatment was released as a promotional card included with the CD “On Lapras”, released in Japan on August 21, 1999.
It was never included in a regular expansion pack or starter deck.
This means collectors cannot simply pull the card from an old booster pack. The number of copies entering the market was tied to the original CD distribution.
A Japanese-Exclusive Pokémon Promo
One of the most important characteristics of Misty’s Healing is that there is no English version.
Unlike many vintage Japanese Pokémon promos that were later adapted or released internationally, Misty’s Treatment remained a Japanese-only card.
For international collectors, this creates a simple situation: if you want this particular card, you have to collect the Japanese version.
That makes it especially appealing to collectors who focus on Japanese-exclusive Pokémon cards and unusual vintage promotional releases.
A Card Made Around Lapras
The card has a very specific theme.
Its effect allows the player to remove up to three damage counters from a Lapras on the field.
Rather than being a broadly useful Trainer card, the effect is specifically designed around Lapras.
This kind of thematic design was common among promotional cards from the era. The card was less about tournament play and more about representing the world and characters of Pokémon.
The Artwork
The artwork was created by Toshinao Aoki and shows Misty gently caring for Lapras.
It has a much warmer and more character-focused feeling than many standard vintage Pokémon cards.
That makes it particularly attractive to collectors who collect Misty cards or vintage artwork by specific Pokémon illustrators.
A Unique Old Back Promo Detail
Another detail that makes the card immediately recognizable is the text printed at the bottom:
“This card cannot be used in official tournaments.”
This type of disclaimer can be found on certain promotional cards from the period and distinguishes them from standard tournament-legal Old Back cards.
For collectors, these small details are part of what makes Japanese vintage promos so interesting.
Price Guide
| Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | ~$325 |
| Moderately Played (MP) | ~$155 |
| PSA 10 | ~$780 |
※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 International Collectors Want It
Misty’s Treatment has several characteristics that make it particularly attractive outside Japan.
First, the card is Japanese-exclusive. There is no English equivalent with the same name, artwork, and effect.
Second, it is associated with Lapras and Misty, two characters with strong recognition among international Pokémon collectors.
Third, its distribution through a CD makes it fundamentally different from standard expansion cards.
For collectors building a collection of unusual Japanese Pokémon promos, this is exactly the kind of card that can become a key piece.
Why High-Grade Copies Are Interesting
The card was originally distributed as a CD bonus rather than being protected inside a booster pack.
As a result, finding genuinely clean copies can be difficult.
The Japanese market still occasionally offers copies, but high-grade examples are becoming increasingly interesting as international collectors discover Japanese-exclusive vintage promos.
PSA 10 copies can command a substantial premium over raw cards.
Sealed Copies
Sealed examples are even more desirable.
Because the card was distributed with the CD, an unopened copy preserves not only the card but also part of its original distribution history.
Recent Japanese market activity has shown sealed copies selling for around ¥90,000, although prices can vary significantly depending on the condition of the packaging and the completeness of the original item.
Purchase & Latest Market Prices
Prices and availability change frequently. Check current listings before purchasing.
Is Misty’s Treatment a Good Vintage Pokémon Card to Collect?
For collectors who specialize in Japanese vintage Pokémon promos, Misty’s Treatment is one of the more interesting cards from the era.
Its appeal comes from the combination of:
- 1999 CD promo distribution
- No English version
- Misty and Lapras artwork
- Unique Japanese promotional history
- Limited market supply
- Strong international collector appeal
It is not simply valuable because it is old.
The card has a story behind it, and that story is becoming increasingly relevant as collectors pay more attention to Japanese-exclusive vintage Pokémon releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Misty’s Treatment expensive?
The card was distributed as a limited Japanese CD promo and was never included in a regular expansion pack. It also has no English version, making it particularly interesting to international collectors.
Does Misty’s Treatment have an English version?
No. There is no English version of Misty’s Treatment with the same artwork, name, and effect.
What CD did Misty’s Treatment come with?
It was included with the Japanese CD “On Lapras”, released on August 21, 1999.
Who illustrated Misty’s Treatment?
The artwork was illustrated by Toshinao Aoki.
Is Misty’s Treatment tournament legal?
No. The card specifically states that it cannot be used in official tournaments.
How much is a PSA 10 Misty’s Treatment worth?
The Japanese source article estimates a PSA 10 value of approximately ¥120,000, or around $780 depending on the exchange rate.
Are sealed copies more valuable?
Yes. Sealed copies preserve the original CD-promo distribution and can command a significant premium over loose cards.
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Published: August 23, 2026
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