Exhibition Overview
- A captivating Pokémon art exhibit in Tokyo embraces traditional Japanese crafts, appealing to all ages.
- Curated by the National Crafts Museum, POKÉMON X KOGEI displays 70 original works, featuring never-before-seen Pokémon designs.
Tokyo is currently host to a remarkable Pokémon art exhibition at the renowned Azabudai Hills Gallery, running until early February. This unique event features stunning artwork that reinterprets beloved Pokémon characters, providing an exciting opportunity for fans of all ages to explore art in an innovative context.
Titled POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft, this exhibition showcases Pokémon through the lens of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. By merging universally recognized characters with exquisite art styles, the exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by families and individuals alike.
Details of POKÉMON X KOGEI
Exploration of Pokémon and Japanese Craft
This exhibition, curated by the National Crafts Museum, emphasizes traditional Japanese arts, as suggested by the term “kogei.” The showcase features 70 innovative works created by 20 distinguished Japanese artists, which include sculptures, paintings, pottery, kimonos, and more—all inspired by the rich world of Pokémon. As highlighted on the official exhibition website,
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 within POKÉMON X KOGEI are exclusive creations, making this exhibition a particularly enticing experience for dedicated Pokémon fans who feel they have explored every corner of the franchise. The original designs breathe new life into Pokémon, presenting concepts previously unseen.
Before its Tokyo debut, POKÉMON X KOGEI traveled throughout Japan in 2023 and 2024, visiting Ichikawa, Shiga, and Shizuoka Prefectures. The exhibition even made its way to the USA, showcasing at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles from July 2023 to January 2024. While there’s no word yet on whether this will be the final stop for the exhibition, fans who cannot attend in Tokyo might still have opportunities to experience it elsewhere.
Exclusive Merchandise
Unique Keepsakes Await
No significant event is complete without exclusive merchandise, and POKÉMON X KOGEI captures this spirit beautifully. Catering to a diverse audience, the exhibition offers a wide array of unique items for sale, including painted plates, necklaces, coasters, and fabric buttons inspired by the artworks. Limited edition Pikachu plushies wearing traditional kimonos adorned with the “kōji tsunagi”pattern are also available.
Additionally, fans can find pins featuring various sculptures and decorative masking tape showcasing the artwork. One eye-catching original merchandise design presents Pikachu alongside a Pokéball, appearing on tote bags, backpacks, cups, and more. Mugs and keychains featuring gallery artwork round out the collection. Furthermore, auctions for original pieces from contributing artists are also taking place, although all related information is primarily available in Japanese, though there is a link to the relevant Japanese page on the English version of the website.
What sets events like POKÉMON X KOGEI apart is their wide appeal across demographics. This exhibition isn’t limited to those who avidly play games, watch anime, or collect cards. It speaks to anyone with a connection to the franchise, whether they are casual players of Pokémon Sleep or passionate collectors of memorabilia. POKÉMON X KOGEI features characters that resonate with fans, creating a memorable experience for all who attend.
Join us at Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo until February 2, 2025, for POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft. For those unable to attend, the official website features images and information about all the exhibition pieces.
Source: Official Website
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