A_Pharis
Active member
Technically not a Japanese release, nor does it feature Japanese text, the UD Collector's Choice card for Ichiro has an interesting backstory that ties it to Ichiro's pre-MLB career.
In November of 1994, the NBA opened the 1994-95 regular season in Yokohama, Japan. On two consecutive nights, the Los Angeles Clippers played the Portland Trail Blazers, with the Clippers losing both games.
Already a star in Japan, but little-known elsewhere, Ichiro was a VIP for the games. While in attendance, Ichiro crossed paths with an Upper Deck representative and shot a few photos holding a basketball, which were turned into a media card.
While the total amount printed varies by the source, it is estimated that only 100-200 cards were made and they were all shipped directly to Ichiro. Very few have surfaced, but when they do, they have been greeted with four-figure sales.
View attachment 57122
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Wow!