©Taiichiro Yoshida
When the ‘POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft’ exhibition debuted at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa in March 2023, I was completely captivated by the photo of Taiichiro Yoshida’s Jolteon. It felt like being struck by Thundershock, as I thought to myself “This is the real deal.”
As someone from the original Pokémon generation, I still remember the passionate debates over the starter Pokémon, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, and how we poured our energy into memorizing the names of all 151 Pokémon—more than we ever did for kanji tests.
So, when I heard the exhibition was coming to Tokyo, I knew I couldn’t miss it.
Pokémon Brought to Life in the Real World Through the Mastery of Traditional Crafts
Upon entering the Azabudai Hills Gallery, you’re immediately greeted by statues of Eevee, Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon. The sharp intensity of their gaze creates a sense of tension, just like encountering wild animals in the wild.
Taiichiro Yoshida
1st Image: ‘Jolteon’ 2022, Private Collection
2nd Image: ‘Flareon’ 2022, Private Collection
3rd Image: ‘Vaporeon’ 2023, Private Collection
4th Image: ‘Eevee’ 2023, Private Collection
These creations by metalwork artist Taiichiro Yoshida are meticulously crafted by assembling countless copper plate pieces shaped using a technique called tagane (chiseling). The colors are achieved through innovative methods: the gold of Jolteon, the Electric Pokémon, is created using electricity; the red of Flareon, the Fire Pokémon, is produced with heat; and the blue of Vaporeon, the Water Pokémon, is brought to life using aqueous solutions—all through precise chemical reactions.
For the irises of their eyes, Yoshida employs the shippo (cloisonné enamel) technique, giving their eyes a vivid, almost cosmic brilliance. The lifelike shimmer is so captivating that you could lose yourself in their gaze for hours.
“They’re so beautiful, striking, and absolutely adorable!”
A thrill that feels almost like pure joy. I wondered, have I ever been this deeply moved by crafts before?
The exhibition is divided into three sections, with the first section themed ‘Appearance’ Alongside the four Eevee series statues, this section showcases a variety of works that bring Pokémon to life through intricate crafting techniques, capturing their unique features and forms. Once imaginary creatures, these Pokémon now feel as though they’ve been given a soul, stepping vividly into the real world.
These ceramic works by potter Sadamasa Imai beautifully capture even the finest textures and details. Pay close attention to the surface of Venusaur’s body, the inside of its ears, the intricate pattern of Kingler’s shell, and the woven texture of the rope.
© Sadamasa Imai
These three-dimensional works by sculptor Tōru Fukuda are created using the traditional technique of mokuzōgan (wood inlay). A rainbow made of various colored woods forms the path of Ho-Oh’s flight.
Tōru Fukuda, ‘Flying’ 2022, Private Collection
New works making their first appearance.
Taiichiro Yoshida, ‘Mewtwo’ 2024, Private Collection
Stepping into the World of Pokémon
The second section, ‘Stories,’ brings together works that evoke memories of experiences from the Pokémon games and anime. An installation where you can virtually experience Pokémon moves promises fun for both kids and adults alike.
This piece is inspired by the Ice-type Pokémon move ‘Icicle Crash.’ When viewed up close, you can notice tiny air bubbles embedded in the material, resembling ice.
Hiroki Niimi, Vessel -TSURARA- 2022, Private Collection
A space composed of around 900 lace ribbons in Pikachu shapes.
Reiko Sudo, ‘Pikachu’s Adventures in a Forest’ 2023, Private Collection
Craft artist Terumasa Ikeda, renowned for combining the traditional technique of raden (lacquer inlay) with ultra-fine numbers and geometric patterns to create what’s known as ‘cyber raden,’ has chosen iconic motifs such as the original starter Pokémon—Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur—as well as Mewtwo, Unown, and the Poké Ball. His works explore the challenge of visualizing abstract concepts, like the digital exchange of Pokémon and the genetic engineering that is said to have created Mewtwo.
Terumasa Ikeda
1st Image: ‘Poké Ball Box’ 2022, Private Collection
2nd Image: ‘Ornamental Box, “Mewtwo,” Luminous Design, Raden Inlay,’ 2022, Private Collection
Pokémon × Kogei: Bringing Color to Everyday Life
The third section, ‘Life,’ takes place in the world of craftsmanship, centered around daily life. Unlike the first two chapters, which focused on recreating the Pokémon universe through craft, this section shows how Pokémon integrate into the world of traditional crafts. It’s exciting to see how Pokémon are woven into pottery, ceramics, and Edo-komon kimonos.
Drawing on the idea that ‘fire is inseparable from ceramics,’ pottery inspired by Fire-type Pokémon was crafted using Shigaraki ware. The colors are carefully adjusted through the control of fire.
© Keiko Masumoto
Stunning Pokémon, beautifully adorned with intricate patterns all over their bodies. These pieces can be used as flower vases or tea bowls.
© Kasumi Ueba
Ceramic artist Takuro Kuwata, known for his vivid and metallic pottery, has created new works for the Tokyo venue, including cups, bowls, and golden tiles featuring Pikachu. The charm of Pikachu seems to spill out from the bottom of the cup, as if it’s overflowing with cuteness.
© Takuro Kuwata
There are so many more highlights I can’t fully capture here, so I highly recommend visiting in person to experience it for yourself. Perhaps, Like me, more and more adults from the original Pokémon generation are starting to develop an interest in crafts and contemporary art. This exhibition is perfect for them—it’s both an enjoyable and educational experience.
The merchandise and collaboration café are also not to be missed.
After finishing the exhibition, be sure to visit the gift shop in the basement. The shop offers exclusive exhibition merchandise and catalogues with easy-to-understand explanations of the techniques used in the artworks. Also, next to the shop, the Azabudai Hills Gallery Café serves collaboration-themed sweets, so I recommend stopping by for a break on your way out. Even if you’re short on time, you’ll be happy to find the takeout option, ‘Pikachu’s Sugar Scone.’
Museum shop and original goods
‘POKÉMON × KOGEI Exhibition Special Pikachu Latte (Matcha),’ ‘Pikachu Waffle Parfait with Chestnuts and Sweet Potatoes,’ ‘Pikachu Sugar Scone’
Whether you’re with a partner, family, or fellow Pokémon fans, you’re sure to have a great time. It’s also a perfect chance to explore the newly opened Azabudai Hills. Why not include it in your winter holiday plans?
©2024 Pokémon. ©1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft
Venue: Azabudai Hills Gallery
Exhibition Dates: November 1, 2024 (Friday) – February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
First Period: November 1, 2024 (Friday) – December 25, 2024 (Wednesday)
Second Period: December 26, 2024 (Thursday) – February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
*Closed on December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
*Exhibition changes between the first and second periods
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday, and the day before holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:30 PM)
Other days: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry 6:30 PM)
Tokyo Venue Website：https://www.azabudai-hills.com/azabudaihillsgallery/sp/kogei-pokemon-ex/en/
