Topps Latest Release Is An Import – Breaking Down 2022 Topps NPB

By Mike D
on August 29th, 2022
in Releases

Contents show topics

Japanese imports have long been popular in Major League Baseball. No, I’m not talking about Toyota or Honda, but players from the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball), Japan’s major leagues making the jump to North America and playing in major league baseball.

Check out prices for hobby boxes of 2022 Topps NPB on eBay

The long history of players making the jump-started with Masanori Murakami, the first Japanese player to appear in Major League Baseball. He was followed by stars such as Hideo Nomo, Hideki Matsui, Ichiro, right up to Seiya Suzuki prior to the 2022 season.

While Japanese manufacturers have made NPB cards for years, the recent increase in awareness and popularity has brought Topps into the Japanese card market.

NPB Topps 2022 (Nippon Professional Baseball) set is an example of these offerings. Let’s explore the new set.

NPB Topps 2022 release format

2022 Topps NPB has a planned release date of August 29, 2022.

Packs contain 14 cards. Boxes contain 24 packs.

2022 Topps NPB is a Japan-only release, although the cards typically find their way stateside rather quickly. In Japan, you can pre-order from Topps, although US collectors will need to purchase through a third-party.

Pre-sale on eBay place the cost at roughly $145-150 for a hobby box of 2022 Topps NPB.

Check out prices for hobby boxes of 2022 Topps NPB on eBay

2022 Topps NPB base set

The 2022 NPB base set consists of 216 cards.

The design will match the 2022 Topps Flagship design.

NPB Topps 2022 parallels

2022 Topps Nippon Professional Baseball offers an array of parallels for collectors to chase. These range from the fairly regular to some rather difficult picks.

Gold Rainbow Foil – 1:12 packs
Rainbow Foil – /150
Vintage Stock – /99
Blue Foil – /50
Orange Foil – /25
Red Foil – /5
RayFoil – 1/1

New in 2022 are 1/1 Printing Plates.

2022 Topps NPB Inserts

While not a lot of info is available at this time, we know that the 2022 Topps NPB set has three insert offerings, including a 1958 Topps throwback, Illustration, and Kings of the Craft.

NPB Topps 2022 insert parallels

In addition to the base inserts, you’ll also find insert parallels in the 2022 Topps NPB offering.

1958 Topps Parallels

Gold Foil – /50
Orange Foil – /25
Red Foil – /5
RayFoil – 1/1

Illustration Parallels

Gold Foil – /50
Orange Foil – /25
Red Foil – /5
RayFoil – 1/1

Kings of the Craft Parallels

Gold Foil – /50
Orange Foil – /25
Red Foil – /5
RayFoil – 1/1

The Final Word on 2022 Topps NPB

2022 Topps Nippon Professional Baseball offers a chance to get the hottest stars in Japan, including some who may eventually make their way to Major Leagues. It continues to open up the goodness of NPB baseball to a wider audience.

Check out prices for hobby boxes of 2022 Topps NPB on eBay

2022 Topps NPB Checklist

Stay tuned for 2022 Topps NPB checklist info as it becomes available.

We’ll have more scans as they become available as well.

More in Releases »

A Guide To The 2021-22 Hockey Upper Deck Series 2 Release

Mike D

Mike D. has collected cards for over 35 years, since he bought his first pack of Topps at the corner store in 1987. His fandom, collecting interests, and contributions to Cardlines center around baseball in general and the Baseball Hall of Fame specifically.

Mike's collecting focus is centered on graded cards, mostly rookie cards, of Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers. Lately, he's been enjoying dabbling in graded minor league cards. A collector/investor with a "buy and hold" approach, Mike takes the long-term view with his collection.