The Yu Nagaba Box - A Coveted Pokemon Collectors Item

The Yu Nagaba Box: A Must-Have for Pokemon Collectors

The Pokemon Trading Card Game has produced some truly iconic and coveted cards over the years. From the original 1st edition Base Set to the rare Gold Star cards, collectors are always on the hunt for that next big chase card to add to their collection.

In recent years, one of the most sought-after items has been the Yu Nagaba box. Named after the prolific illustrator behind many of the most popular Pokemon cards, these specialty boxes contain rare promo cards featuring Nagaba's signature adorable artwork.

The History and Origins of Yu Nagaba

Yu Nagaba has been contributing his unique illustration style to the Pokemon TCG since the very beginning. He was one of the main artists behind the original 1st edition Base Set, creating such iconic cards as Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur.

His cute, colorful art style perfectly captured the spirit of Pokemon and was instrumental in making the trading card game a global phenomenon. Nagaba continued lending his talents to the TCG over the next two decades, creating instantly recognizable cards in sets like Neo Genesis, EX Ruby & Sapphire, and XY Evolutions.

The Yu Nagaba Box Promos

In 2019, The Pokemon Company released a special box in Japan celebrating Yu Nagaba's contributions to the TCG. The Yu Nagaba box included reprints of some of Nagaba's most iconic card illustrations as part of exclusive promotional sets.

Some of the highlight promo cards in the Yu Nagaba box include:

• Pikachu (SM-P Promo)
• Charizard (SM-P Promo)
• Blastoise (SM-P Promo)
• Venusaur (SM-P Promo)
• Espeon & Deoxys LEGEND (a Callback to the Neo Set)
• Gyarados EX (XY-P Promo)
• Mewtwo EX (XY-P Promo)

These exclusive promos recreate some of Nagaba's most famous Pokemon illustrations with beautiful full art treatments. The stunning artwork combined with the exclusivity of the cards make the Yu Nagaba promos extremely desirable for collectors.

Why Pokemon Fans Want the Yu Nagaba Box

Here are some of the key reasons the Yu Nagaba box has become a holy grail item for Pokemon collectors:

• Gorgeous Artwork - The full art promo cards showcase Nagaba's illustrations in vivid detail.
• Nostalgia - Long-time Pokemon fans get to re-experience iconic cards from childhood.
• Exclusivity - The promos were only available in this one specialty product.
• Retirement - Yu Nagaba retired from the TCG after this release, making these some of his final illustrations.
• Chase Cards - Several of the Nagaba promos like the Pikachu and Charizard are extremely rare and valuable.
• Display Piece - The entire box product with all its promos offers an amazing centerpiece.

Where to Find the Yu Nagaba Box

When it was first released, the Yu Nagaba box was obtainable mainly in Japan and limited areas overseas. However, collectors hoping to still track one down have a few options:

• Secondary Resale Market - Sites like eBay often have listings for the Yu Nagaba box and individual promo cards, but expect to pay a premium price.
• Facebook Groups - Join Pokemon buy/sell/trade groups and set up alerts for Yu Nagaba box.
• Local Collectors - Get to know other Pokemon collectors in your area who may have leads on a box.
• Japan Proxy Service - Proxy shopping services can purchase sealed product in Japan for international customers.

Building the Perfect Yu Nagaba Collection

While the box itself is the ultimate prize, collectors can also slowly assemble all the individual Yu Nagaba promo cards for an impressive showcase:

• Pikachu - As Nagaba's most iconic Pokemon card, this promo Pikachu is the crown jewel of the set.
• Charizard - Alongside Pikachu, the Charizard is the other primary chase card every collector wants.
• Eeveelutions - Track down the Espeon & Deoxys LEGEND plus the Gyarados and Mewtwo EX cards for a nice trio.
• Blastoise & Venusaur - Round out the original Kanto starter trio with Nagaba's classic illustrations.

While costly, with patience it's possible to assemble the entire lineup of Yu Nagaba promo cards. Displayed together in a binder or frames, they create a breathtaking tribute to one of the greatest Pokemon artists.

Yu Nagaba's Pokemon Legacy

The Yu Nagaba box was the perfect way for the Pokemon Company to celebrate the storied career of an illustrator who played such a pivotal role in the success of the TCG.

Nagaba's iconic card artwork will forever be cherished by Pokemon fans around the world. The exclusive promo cards included in this specialty box are the perfect collector's items to represent Nagaba's lasting influence on the franchise.

For both seasoned and new Pokemon collectors, obtaining these limited promos is akin to capturing an elusive Legendary Pokemon. The Yu Nagaba box and its promo cards will go down as some of the most desirable and valuable Pokemon finds of the modern era.

FAQs

What is inside the Yu Nagaba box?

The Yu Nagaba box contains reprints of iconic Pokemon cards illustrated by Yu Nagaba as exclusive promo cards, including Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Espeon & Deoxys LEGEND, Gyarados EX, and Mewtwo EX.

Why are the cards exclusive to this box?

These promo card reprints were created specifically to celebrate the retirement of illustrator Yu Nagaba from the Pokemon TCG, so they were only available in this specialty product.

Where was the Yu Nagaba box released?

The box was initially released in Japan in 2019, with limited availability in other regions. It was not widely distributed worldwide.

How much does the Yu Nagaba box cost?

As a rare specialty item, the Yu Nagaba box typically sells for a premium. Unopened boxes can cost $500 or more. Individual promo cards also sell for high values.

Does Yu Nagaba still illustrate Pokemon cards?

No, the Yu Nagaba box was released to celebrate Nagaba's retirement from illustrating Pokemon cards after decades of contributing iconic artwork to the TCG.