Mitsuhiro Arita: Legendary Pokémon Card Illustrator

The Pokémon TCG wouldn't be the same without its unique illustrations. Since 1996, dozens of artists have brought the creatures of our childhood to life, but one name always comes up when talking about the most famous cards: Mitsuhiro Arita .

This Japanese illustrator is behind some of the most iconic cards of all time, including the famous Charizard Base Set .
In this article, discover his journey, his memorable cards, and why he is considered a true legend of the Pokémon TCG.

Who is Mitsuhiro Arita?

• Independent Japanese illustrator, who started in the 90s.
• One of the main and historic artists of the Pokémon TCG.
• Unlike others, he has participated continuously in almost every generation
• Also worked on various projects such as the video game Final Fantasy XI or manga covers

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Famous Pokémon cards drawn by Arita

• Charizard / Charizard – Base Set (1997): his most iconic card, symbol of the worldwide popularity of the Pokémon TCG.

• Dark Dragonite 149 (2001):

• Mewtwo GX 082/072 (2017)
  

• Pikachu promo 227/SP (2021): Pikachu + Arita : a rare combination. Most famous Pikachu are designed by Atsuko Nishida , so seeing Arita on this iconic Pokémon is a real event. It commemorates a unique collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Japan Post .

• Lugia V 324/SP – Silver Storm (2022):

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A unique style that has marked the Pokémon TCG

• Realism and detail: Tangible Pokémon, with precise textures and shading.
• Play of light: contrasts to reinforce power and energy.
• Artistic Evolution: His style has grown with the evolution of the Pokémon TCG.

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Anecdotes and heritage

• For a long time, fans were unaware of his identity, until the rise of social media.
• He revealed that the Charizard Base Set was a technical challenge due to the printing constraints of the time.
• He regularly attends conventions and signs cards for fans.
• His longevity makes him a bridge between the old and new generation of players.

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🏁 Conclusion: Why Arita is a legend

Mitsuhiro Arita isn't just an illustrator—he's a living legend of the Pokémon TCG. His works, from Charizard Base Set to Neo Revelation , have made history and continue to fascinate collectors and players alike.

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