Event Overview
- Unique Pokémon art exhibition taking place in Tokyo showcases traditional Japanese crafts, reinventing beloved characters—ideal for audiences of all ages.
- Curated by the National Crafts Museum, POKÉMON X KOGEI features 70 original art pieces with fresh designs inspired by the Pokémon franchise.
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Tokyo is currently hosting a unique Pokémon event unlike any other at the Azabudai Hills Gallery. From now until early February, visitors can experience a truly distinct Pokémon art exhibition, showcasing innovative and exciting artwork alongside exclusive merchandise.
Titled POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on familiar Pokémon characters, reinterpreted through the lens of traditional Japanese crafts. The melding of recognizable characters and exquisite artistry makes it a captivating experience suitable for everyone, including families with children.
Exhibition Highlights of POKÉMON X KOGEI
Meet Pokémon and Traditional Japanese Craft
The exhibition, curated by the National Crafts Museum, features the concept of kogei, which refers to traditional craftsmanship. Visitors will encounter art from 20 talented Japanese artists, including sculptures, paintings, pottery, kimonos, and more—all inspired by the Pokémon universe. As the official website describes:
Put Pokémon and Kogei face to face, and what sorts of chemical reactions will occur? Twenty craft artists, from a Living National Treasure to youngsters, have seriously tackled that question. Works that evoke Pokémon shapes, gestures, touch. Works that reach back into memories of video games—evolution, trade, locations for journey, super-effective moves. Plus invitations to Pokémon to become part of the vessels that adorn our daily lives and even ultra cool attire—kimono and obi clasps.
The result is about 70 works—all new creations! What will your encounter with the works lying in wait for you in the exhibition gallery bring? Thrills, rapture, grins, tremors? The power of multiplication rides again! Please enjoy the quantum leaps in beauty and technique it has generated.
All artworks presented at POKÉMON X KOGEI are exclusive to the exhibition and have never before been featured in any previous Pokémon art shows. This provides a unique opportunity for seasoned Pokémon fans to experience original designs that breathe new life into their favorite characters.
Prior to its Tokyo run, POKÉMON X KOGEI toured several locations throughout Japan in 2023 and 2024, including stops in Ichikawa, Shiga, and Shizuoka Prefectures, and even made its way to the United States at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles from July 2023 until January 2024. While there is no confirmation yet on whether Tokyo will be the final stop, there is potential for the exhibition to continue to other cities or even countries.
Unique Merchandise Offerings
Get Your Hands on Exclusive Keepsakes
An exhibition of this caliber wouldn’t be complete without original merchandise, and POKÉMON X KOGEI is no exception. With a wide array of products designed to appeal to different generations and diverse audiences, there’s something for everyone. Fans can find an assortment of keepsakes, including hand-painted plates, necklaces, coasters, and fabric buttons, all inspired by the exhibition’s art.
Notably, limited-edition Pikachu plush toys dressed in kimonos featuring the “kōji tsunagi”pattern are also available. Other exciting merchandise includes pins featuring artwork from various sculptures, as well as decorative masking tape. An original design featuring Pikachu and a Pokéball appears on several items, including tote bags, backpacks, and cups, while mugs and keychains offer further unique options. Additionally, there are auctions where visitors can bid on original pieces created by the talented artists involved in the exhibition; however, details are primarily available in Japanese.
What truly sets events like POKÉMON X KOGEI apart is their broad appeal. These exhibitions cater to fans of all aspects of the Pokémon franchise—be it video games, anime, card collecting, or casual interaction with titles like Pokémon Sleep. Regardless of their familiarity with Pokémon, viewers will encounter beloved characters and nostalgic moments that resonate deeply, making the visit to this exhibition a memorable experience for all.
There’s still time to catch POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft, running at the Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo until February 2, 2025. If you can’t make it, be sure to visit the official website for photos and more information about the artworks on display.
Source: Official Website
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