Hot Wind Arena (Japanese Pokémon TCG Subset)

Release Date: March 14, 2025 (Japan).
Card Count: 63 cards in the base set + 29 secret/extra rarities.
Booster Format: 30 packs per booster box.
Localization: Traditional Chinese and Korean versions released later; the English equivalent set is Destined Rivals.

Key Features & Themes

• Continues the Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic (Pokémon paired with their Trainers in the card name and art).

• Featured Trainers include Ethan, Cynthia, Arven, and Misty.

• Some cards were designed specifically for Sealed Battles in Japan, where players built 40-card decks with 4 Prize cards from limited booster packs plus a promo Nemona card.

Stand-Out Cards

• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex — fiery set mascot.

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex — a highly collectible and competitive card.

• Arven’s Mabosstiff ex — standout Dark-type.

• Misty’s Starmie and other Trainer-linked Pokémon add nostalgic appeal.

• Secret rarities include Art Rares (AR), Special Art Rares (SAR), and Ultra Rare gold cards.

Why It Matters

• Deepens the Trainer’s Pokémon theme that started with Battle Partners.

• Connects to the global release Destined Rivals, giving collectors overlap between Japanese and English sets.

• The Sealed Battle tie-in made this more than just a collectible release, encouraging players to engage in limited-play formats.