Summary

Japan has no shortage of specialPokémonevents happening on a regular basis, but sometimes there are ones that stand out from the rest as being something truly special. Right now in Tokyo, such an event is happening at Azubudai Hills Gallery. An incredible and uniquePokémonart exhibition is being hosted by the gallery through the start of February, featuring artwork unlike anything ever displayed byPokémon, and plenty of exclusive goods, too.

This art exhibition is calledPOKÉMONX KOGEI: Playful Encounters ofPokémonand Japanese Craft. As the title suggests, the exhibition is presentingPokémonin a new way, through traditional Japanese craft styles that re-imaginethe characters that we know so well. Because it is a combination of characters that even children recognize, and a beautiful style of art, the exhibition is great for people of all ages, including families, to enjoy together.

POKÉMON X KOGEI - Exhibition Details

Playful Encounters ofPokémonand Japanese Craft

POKÉMONX KOGEI has been curated by the National Crafts Museum, with the word “kogei” meaningtraditional Japanese crafts. It features art pieces by 20 different Japanese artists, with sculpture, paintings, pottery, kimonos, and more. Everything is, of course, inspired by the world and characters in thePokémonfranchise. Theofficial websitefor the exhibition describes it as,

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 the pieces of art displayed inPOKÉMONX KOGEI are original to the exhibition, and have not been featured inany previousPokémonart galleries. ForPokémonfans who feel that they have already seen it all over the years, that makes this exhibition particularly appealing. The pieces have such original and unique designs that bringPokémonto life in a way that no one has seen before.

Azabudai Hills Gallery is not the first venue to hostPOKÉMONX KOGEI. Before coming to Tokyo, the exhibition traveled around Japan in 2023 and 2024, stopping in Ichikawa Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture, and Shizuoka Prefecture. It even went overseas to the USA, and was in JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles from July 2023 to January 2024. While the official website does not have any information regarding if Tokyo is the exhibition’s last stop or not at this time, there is a chance that it will continue on to other cities (or other countries) if you cannot make it to Tokyo before February.

Original Merchandise

Get Your Hands on Something Special

No special event would be complete without original goods, andPOKÉMONX KOGEI does not disappoint. Again trying to appeal across generations and to many types of people that may come to the museum, there is a huge variety of original goods for sale. For fans wanting a more traditional art gallery keepsake, there are painted plates, necklaces, coasters, and fabric buttons all inspired by works within the exhibition. There is even a limited number ofspecial Pikachu plushieswearing a kimono with the “kōji tsunagi” traditional pattern on it.

There are also pins of some of the different sculptures, and even masking tape printed with the artwork. One original design for the merchandise features Pikachu and a Pokeball inside a circle, and this design can be found on tote bags, backpacks, cups, and more. There are also mugs and keychains available, again featuring photos of some of the pieces found in the gallery. Finally, there are auctions happening selling some original pieces by the artists who contributed toPOKÉMONX KOGEI, but be warned that all the information regarding these purchases is only available in Japanese (though there is a link on the English version of the website to the Japanese page if you are interested).

What makesPokémonevents likePOKÉMONX KOGEI so special is not only do they appeal to all ages, but they appeal to fans of the entire franchise.POKÉMONX KOGEI is not specific to games, anime, or cards. Instead, whether people enjoy casually playingPokémon Sleep, own thousands ofPokémon cards, or are somewhere in between, they can enjoy the event.POKÉMONX KOGEI is full of the memorable characters that keep people coming back to the franchise over and over again, making it a special visit for allPokémonfans.

POKÉMONX KOGEI: Playful Encounters ofPokémonand Japanese Craft will be hosted in Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo, Japan until February 2nd, 2025. If you cannot make it yourself, be sure to check the official website, which has photos of and information about all the pieces of art.