POKEMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft 2024-2025
Art Exhibition of Pokemon and Japanese Crafts to be Held in Japan
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An art exhibition featuring Pokemon and Japanese crafts, POKEMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft (ポケモン×工芸展―美とわざの大発見―), has been held in cities across Japan. The unique exhibition explores the chemical reactions that combine Pokemon and crafts, featuring approx 70 works by 20 craft artists, from a Living National Treasure to youngsters, using a wide variety of materials and techniques from crafts.
The exhibition was first held at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa City in March 2023, then has been touring various locations including JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles in the US, Sagawa Art Museum in Shiga Prefecture, MOA Museum of Art in Shizuoka Prefecture, Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo and Matsuzakaya Art Gallery in Nagoya City.
Highlights of the exhibition
The large-scale Tokyo exhibition was held at Azabudai Hills Gallery from November 2024, featuring about 80 works on display including additional exhibits, talk events, workshops, a collaborative cafe, and a wide variety of original exhibition merchandise such as Kimono Pikachu, apparel items and tableware.
The exhibition is divided into three parts. First is a group of works that recreate the “forms” of Pokemon from unexpected materials with the techniques of craftsmanship, such as metal, earth and wood. You can enjoy the realistic appearance of Pokemon created by each artist, such as “Venusaur” with a focus on the texture of the skin, “Gyarados” with a sense of liveliness, and “Flareon” with its fur and energy full of spirit.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
The next group focuses on works that express the “story” of Pokemon. There are crafts scattered with elements of the story of Pokemon, such as raising, evolving, and trading, including “Island to Island” Ryukyu Bingata kimono, “Poke Ball Box” and “Pikachu’s Adventures in a Forest” installation.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
The last group of works incorporates the appearance of Pokemon into crafts necessary for “daily life.” As crafts improve and beautify various aspects of our lives, giving them vitality, Pokemon takes on the values of their function and decoration here, including tableware, kimono and accessories to enrich our sensibilities for cherishing the everyday.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
During the exhibition, a limited-time collaborative cafe “Pokemon x Craft Exhibition Cafe” opened at the Azabudai Hills Gallery Cafe. The cafe offers an exclusive menu with food and drinks inspired by the artworks of the exhibition. The different items were served in the first and second period (1 Nov to 25 Dec 2024/26 Dec 2024 to 2 Feb 2025).
Besides, the exhibition offers a variety of contents available such as a traditional tea ceremony experience with professional tutors, a talk event of craft artists, and a greeting of Pikachu wearing Kimono.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
The POKEMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft exhibition was held in Azabudai Hills Gallery, Tokyo from 1 November 2024 to 2 February 2025. After Tokyo, the exhibition is scheduled to tour more cities in Japan, including Nagoya, Aomori and Nagasaki.
This exhibition is highly recommended for both Pokemon fans and those who are interested in Japanese craft arts. Stay tuned for further updates about the exhibition in Tokyo venue, including details on the additional works and collaboration cafe!
POKEMON X KOGEI Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft (ポケモン×工芸展―美とわざの大発見―)
Nagoya venue
Location: Matsuzakaya Art Gallery
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tiVQqVhVfsWdq6Pe9
Date: 26 April to 15 June 2025
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Tokyo venue (concluded)
Location: Azabudai Hills Gallery
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xKM8vyV1J2ciNyT98
Date: 1 November 2024 to 2 February 2025 (closed on 31 December 2024)
Hours: 10:00–19:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 10:00–20:00 (Fri, Sat and Day before a holiday)
Official Website: https://kogei.pokemon.co.jp/en/
Check the latest anime-related events in Japan from the link below!
Thanks for reading! For more information about upcoming events in Tokyo, please check out the following articles!
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"The world is my oyster" I'm a globetrotter and hammock lover who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, and spend over a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan!
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