15+ most iconic Japanese Lugia Pokemon card list

Japanese Lugia card collectors and fans of Pokémon culture, rejoice! If you have ever browsed Japan Figure and wondered which Japanese Lugia Pokémon cards are the most iconic and valuable, this list is for you. As a store dedicated to Japanese culture and collectibles, Japan Figure understands how deeply fans cherish these rare cards. In this post, you’ll discover 15+ of the most iconic Japanese Lugia cards, what makes them special, their rarity, illustrators, and price ranges.

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Table of Contents ▼

1. Top 15 most iconic Japanese Lugia Pokémon card list
FAQs – People also ask about Japanese Lugia card

1. Top 15 most iconic Japanese Lugia Pokémon card list

Below is an overview of 15+ iconic Japanese Lugia cards. Each card has an introductory paragraph to set the stage, followed by bullet-point data for quick reference.

Lugia Neo Genesis Japanese
Lugia #249
Lugia V #110
Lugia V #79
Lugia VSTAR #80
Explosive Birth Lugia [Holo]
Lugia #90
Lugia VSTAR #123
Lugia ex #90
Lugia EX #74
Lugia #5
Lugia #249 – Pokémon Japanese Awakening Legends
Lugia Legend #30
Lugia VSTAR #118
Shining Lugia #58

1.1. Lugia Neo Genesis Japanese

The Japanese Lugia from the Neo Genesis set holds a special place in Pokémon TCG history as one of the earliest high-profile representations of Lugia in Japanese print. Its artwork and roster positioning made it a sought-after card soon after release. As one of the foundational Japanese Lugia cards, it remains a cornerstone for serious collectors.

Set / rarity: Neo Genesis (Japanese) / Holo Rare
Spec / number: Typically No. 249
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
Release: 2000 (Japan)
Pull rate: Relatively rare in booster packs
Price range: Moderate to high for NM / graded specimens

1.2. Lugia #249

The Japanese “#249” Lugia is one of the more frequently referenced versions in listings. It often appears in reprint or promotional contexts, making it familiar to many collectors. Its value and rarity depend heavily on specific printings and condition.

Set / rarity: Various sets / versions
Spec / number: 249
Illustrator: Varies depending on print
Release: Multiple reprints including promotionals
Pull rate: Dependent on printing
Price range: ~$128.99 for certain Japanese Awakening Legends edition

1.3. Lugia V #110

In modern Japanese TCG sets, Japanese Neo Lugia finds new life through powerful V cards. Lugia V #110 from the Paradigm Trigger set is one such modern icon, blending strong gameplay mechanics with Lugia’s legacy. It has gained collector attention partly due to its competitive and visual appeal.

Set / rarity: Paradigm Trigger / Holo / Rare
Spec / number: 110
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori (or set artist)
Release: 2022 (Japan)
Pull rate: Moderate in recent sets
Price range: ~$365 for graded high-end example

1.4. Lugia V #79

Another Lugia V printing, #79 appeals to collectors of variation. While not as premium as #110, it is still a recognizable modern Lugia card.

Set / rarity: Paradigm Trigger / Holo
Spec / number: 79
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: 2022
Pull rate: Higher (more common variant)
Price range: Approximately $4–10 ungraded (per PriceCharting)

1.5. Lugia VSTAR #80

The VSTAR line gives Lugia additional status as a powerful and premium card. Lugia VSTAR #80 appeals to fans of modern competitive and aesthetic designs.

Set / rarity: Paradigm Trigger / VSTAR
Spec / number: 80
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: 2022
Pull rate: Rarer than standard V
Price range: ~ $3.75 to $22.61 depending on condition

1.6. Explosive Birth Lugia [Holo]

Outside the normal main sets, promotional and movie tie-in prints often become iconic. Explosive Birth Lugia is one such promotional Japanese holo that collectors love due to its thematic art and limited release.

Set / rarity: Japanese 10th Movie Commemoration Promo
Spec / number: Promo (no set number)
Illustrator: Special event artist
Release: Commemorative movie promotion
Pull rate: Extremely rare / only via promotion
Price range: ~$49.95 to ~$51.31

1.7. Lugia #90

One of the most legendary Japanese Lugia cards is Lugia #90, often known by its “Wind from the Sea” moniker. This version is a holy grail among many fans because of its dramatic rarity, crystal/holographic finish, and deep collector demand.

Set / rarity: Wind from the Sea (Japanese) / Crystal Rare / Holo
Spec / number: 90
Illustrator: Original art team
Release: Early 2000s (Japanese)
Pull rate: Extremely low
Price range: In graded form, up to $6,000+ depending on condition

1.8. Lugia VSTAR #123

Continuing the trend of modern high-status cards, Lugia VSTAR #123 is a recent entry that attracts attention from players and collectors alike due to its design and stats.

Set / rarity: Paradigm Trigger / VSTAR
Spec / number: 123
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: Modern (2020s)
Pull rate: Rare in packs
Price range: ~$15.50–$21.39 depending on market

1.9. Lugia ex #90

The “ex” era in Pokémon TCG revived classic names. Lugia ex #90 combines nostalgia with elegance, making it a standout among Japanese Lugia cards.

Set / rarity: Golden Sky, Silvery Ocean (Japanese) / ex Holo
Spec / number: 90
Illustrator: Set illustrator
Release: Mid-2000s
Pull rate: Relatively rare
Price range: Up to ~$752 in top grades

1.10. Lugia EX #74

The EX variant gives Lugia powerful game potential, and the #74 printing is one of the more collectable. Its legend status in Japanese prints is part of its appeal.

Set / rarity: Plasma Gale (Japanese) / EX Holo
Spec / number: 74
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: Mid-2000s
Pull rate: Moderate for EX series
Price range: ~$108.78 to $189.99 (depending on grade)

1.11. Lugia #5

Among anniversary and commemorative prints, Lugia #5 from the Japanese 25th Anniversary set is a modern curiosity. It’s not among the highest value, but significant for lateness of release and symbolic use.

Set / rarity: 25th Anniversary Collection Japan
Spec / number: 5 (out of 028)
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: 2021 (Japan)
Pull rate: Moderate in celebration sets
Price range: ~$1.84 in near mint condition

1.12. Lugia #249 , Japanese Awakening Legends

Another variant of Lugia #249 appears in the Japanese Awakening Legends set. This version shows how the same identifier can produce multiple variants across generations.

Set / rarity: Japanese Awakening Legends
Spec / number: 249
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: Modern generation
Pull rate: Standard for that set’s rare slot
Price range: ~$19.84 (some listings)

1.13. Lugia Legend #30

Legend cards combine two halves of a Pokémon into one powerful card. Lugia Legend #30 is a standout legend print in Japanese TCG. Collectors prize its combined art, rarity, and nostalgic weight.

Set / rarity: SoulSilver Collection Japan / Legend
Spec / number: 30 (split L1SS 029 + 030)
Illustrator: Original Japanese legend art team
Release: Mid-2000s
Pull rate: Quite rare
Price range: $118.35 to ~$700+ in high grade

1.14. Lugia VSTAR #118

Yet another VSTAR variant, Lugia VSTAR #118 is appreciated by fans of alternate art printings and rarity diversity.

Set / rarity: Paradigm Trigger / VSTAR
Spec / number: 118
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: Modern era
Pull rate: Rare for high tier card
Price range: ~$10.50 to ~$19.99

1.15. Shining Lugia #58

Finally, Shining Lugia #58 from the Japanese Shining Legends set bridges classic and modern appeal. The “shining” treatment gives it a special lustre that collectors love.

Set / rarity: Japanese Shining Legends
Spec / number: 58
Illustrator: Set artist
Release: Mid-2010s
Pull rate: Rare relative to other holo variants
Price range: ~$30.07 to ~$57.99 depending on grade

Japanese Lugia card collecting is a fascinating journey through decades of Pokémon TCG history. From the classic Neo Genesis or Wind from the Sea prints to modern VSTAR and promotional editions, each version carries a story, collector demand, and unique value. Japan Figure is committed to offering authentic, quality Japanese collectibles,and helping you discover the right Lugia for your collection or gift. If you want to browse or purchase any of these cards, see authenticated listings at Japan Figure now and elevate your collection with a piece of Pokémon history.

FAQs – People also ask about Japanese Lugia card

Below are common queries enthusiasts and potential buyers often wonder about Japanese Lugia card prints.

What is Lugia in Japanese?

What is Lugia in Japanese? ▾

“Lugia” in Japanese is spelled ルギア (Rugia) using katakana script. It is the standard rendering used on Japanese Pokémon media and trading cards. This pronunciation stays close to the original English name while adopting Japanese phonetics.

Are Japanese language Pokémon cards worth anything?

Are Japanese language Pokémon cards worth anything? ▾

Yes, Japanese language Pokémon cards can be highly valuable,especially promotional, limited edition, or high-grade cards. Many collectors prefer Japanese versions due to unique art, print runs, and scarcity relative to English editions. Some special art rares (SARs) and promos fetch higher premiums than their English counterparts.

Is Neo Genesis Lugia a rare card?

Is Neo Genesis Lugia a rare card? ▾

Yes, Neo Genesis Lugia (especially Japanese printings) is considered rare. Because it was among the early sets, its pull rate was low and many copies are now damaged or lost. Pristine, graded Japanese Neo Genesis Lugia cards command premium collector interest.

Rikuya Takamine

Rikuya Takamine has been writing about Japanese pop culture for over seven years. With a background in media and communications, he covers major TCG releases and collectible figure launches with accuracy and excitement for leading Japanese pop culture platforms.

View articles by Rikuya Takamine