Imagine what would happen if the world of Pokémon met Kōgei, traditional Japanese craftsmanship. This intriguing question has sparked a one-of-a-kind exhibition, currently being held from March 21 to June 11, 2023, at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa.
©2023 Pokémon.
©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Visitors can witness the fusion of these two worlds in a fascinating display that showcases the unique artistry of Japanese crafts and the beloved characters of Pokémon. It is a must-see for those who are interested in Japanese pop culture and traditional crafts alike!
This playful exhibition showcases the works of 20 artists, ranging from renowned Living National Treasures to up-and-coming talents in the art world, who have taken on the challenge to incorporate a variety of traditional craft techniques and materials into the creation of 72 original pieces featuring everyone’s favorite Pocket Monsters, being displayed for the first time ever.
IMAI Sadamasa, Venusaur, 2022 Private Collection.
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo : SAIKI Taku
MITSUTA Haruo, Articulated Gyarados, 2022 Private Collection.
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo : SAIKI Taku
At first glance, it may seem like an unusual combination, but digging deeper, there are actually many striking similarities between the world of Pokémon and traditional Japanese crafts. From the raw materials used to the energy needed in the crafting process, there are elements incorporated such as ground, grass, metal, water, fire, and electricity that resemble the elemental types of Pokémon.
YOSHIDA Taiichiro, Jolteon, 2022, Private Collection.
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo : SAIKI Taku
MASUMOTO Keiko, Charizard/Shigaraki Jar, 2022
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo : SAIKI Taku
The world of Pokémon is more than just battling and catching; it’s a fascinating universe that also involves honing skills, nurturing, collecting, and trading. Interestingly, these processes have striking similarities to those taken by traditional Japanese craft makers and craft enthusiasts.
The unique shapes, gestures, and aura of the Pokémon have inspired numerous works. Other pieces reflect memories of the Pokémon games and draw on themes such as evolution, communication, level stages, and epic battle moves.
In addition, there are works that incorporate our favorite Pokémon into remarkable pottery pieces, beautiful kimonos, delicate obi belts, and numerous other traditional Japanese crafts.
KOMIYA Yasuyoshi, Kimono Cloth, Edo Komon , “Gengar and Haunter”, 2022
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Photo : SAIKI Taku
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as all of the stunning artworks at the exhibit are perfect for snapping a memorable photo. And the best part is, by sharing your photos with the hashtag #pokemonxkogei, you can connect with other Pokémon Masters who visited the exhibit from around the world!
Even if you’re not familiar with traditional crafts, the exhibit offers a chance to experience the thrilling world of Pokémon in creative new ways.
Exhibiting Artists:
IKEDA Terumasa, IKEMOTO Kazumi, IMAI Sadamasa, UEBA Kasumi, KATSURA Morihito, KUWATA Takuro, KOMIYA Yasuyoshi, SHIROMA Eiichi, SUDO Reiko, TAGUCHI Yoshiaki, TANAKA Nobuyuki, TSUBOSHIMA Yuki, NIIMI Hiroki, HAYASHI Shigeki, HAYAMA Yuki, FUKUDA Toru, MASUMOTO Keiko, MIZUHASHI Saori, MITSUTA Haruo, YOSHIDA Taiichiro
National Crafts Museum Exterior
Photo by Takumi Ota, taken in spring
POKÉMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft National Crafts Museum Address: 3-2 Dewamachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa 920-0963, Japan Dates: March 21 - June 11, 2023 Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (admission until 5:00 PM) Extended hours offered on April 29, 30, May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2023. Open until 8:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays (open on May 1), May 14 (Sun) Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/craft-museum/en/exhibitions/551
