CGC Trading Cards Grades First Ishihara GX

Since the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s distribution, The Pokémon Company has given the green light to produce thousands of promotional cards commemorating new sets, releases within the franchise and other special events. Some promotional cards are more unique than others, and CGC Trading Cards® just graded one of the most interesting Pokémon promo cards.

CGC Trading Cards recently certified its first Ishihara GX, Pokémon (2017) Black Star Promos – TPCi01 60th Birthday Party Giveaway. It received a grade of CGC 8.5, with subgrades of 8.5 for Centering, Surface and Corners, and 9.5 for Edges. As of May 2023, this is the only graded example of Ishihara GX in the CGC Trading Cards Population Report.

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“This is a truly special card,” said Matt Quinn, Senior Grading Finalizer for CGC Trading Cards. “Not only is it a rare collectible, but it’s also a fantastic commemoration of Ishihara’s work and dedication to the Pokémon franchise that so many have come to know and love.”

Tsunekazu Ishihara helped found the Pokémon Center Company — now simply called The Pokémon Company — soon after the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version in Japan. As its Representative Director, Ishihara spearheaded the development of the Pokémon TCG. After the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver, the Pokémon Center Company took over most licensing and brand managing for the franchise and became The Pokémon Company, with Ishihara becoming the CEO and president.

Ishihara is a driving force in the development and evolution of the Pokémon franchise. He is credited with implementing wireless technology in FireRed and LeafGreen — remakes of Red and Green on the Game Boy Advance — with encouragement from Satoru Iwata. Ishihara was also involved in developing the Pokéwalker for HeartGold and SoulSilver, and even negotiated the development of Pokémon Go.

Without a doubt, Tsunekazu Ishihara is a celebrated individual at The Pokémon Company. For his 60th birthday, he held a private party with friends, family and co-workers. Everyone who attended received one of the Ishihara GX cards as a party favor. No one knows how many examples of Ishihara GX were printed, but it’s clear that this is a special card. CGC Trading Cards is honored to have graded an example!

This CGC-certified example of Ishihara GX is being offered in an upcoming Heritage Auctions sale. Learn more by clicking here.