Hikaru Koike is a classic Pokemon TCG illustrator whose public biography is limited but whose card list is important for collectors. Bulbapedia identifies Koike as an illustrator for both the Pokemon Trading Card Game and the Pokemon Trading Figure Game, with TCG credits reaching from Gym Challenge and Vending Machine cards through Aquapolis, Skyridge and the EX era. MobyGames also lists Hikaru Koike as a card illustrator on Pokemon Card GB2, which adds a small but useful connection to early digital Pokemon card history.
Classic e-Series and EX-era Pokemon illustration
In PKMN Collectors, Koike appears on Max Revive, Magneton, Elekid, Porygon2, Beedrill, Jolteon, Ledian, Steelix and a striking run of ex cards: Aerodactyl ex, Gardevoir ex, Vaporeon ex, Rayquaza ex, Regice ex, Regirock ex, Lapras ex, Typhlosion ex, Registeel ex, Magmar ex, Manectric ex, Rocket Scizor ex, Rocket Scyther ex, Salamence ex, Feraligatr ex, Arcanine ex, Blastoise ex, Sharpedo ex, Blaziken ex, Lugia ex, Gyarados ex, Cacturne ex, Golem ex, Kingdra ex, Groudon ex, Sceptile ex, Kyogre ex, Swampert ex, Medicham ex, Magcargo ex, Aggron ex, Muk ex and Electabuzz ex. The Art of Pokemon confirms a broad Japanese list.
For collectors, Koike is a high-value name because the catalog touches e-Series nostalgia and many EX-era chase subjects. The cards are not only historically placed; many include Pokemon that remain binder centerpieces. A Hikaru Koike collection can therefore connect Skyridge, Aquapolis, Team Rocket Returns and early ex collecting in one artist path.
Referenced from mobygames.com.
