Japanese iconic media franchise Pokémon has been an important part of pop culture in past decades, and as such, it served as an inspiration for countless artists. This is especially the case in its native Japan, where the Pokémon motifs and characters have found their way into the country’s traditional arts and crafts practices.
The Los Angeles-based Japan House is now bringing some of Pokémon arts and crafts to the United States through the upcoming POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibition. It is set to feature 70 Pokémon-inspired works in a wide range of techniques from 20 Japanese artists. This includes Jolteon sculptures made out of gold and silver-plated copper, impressive ceramic sculptures of Venosaur, Pikachu cups, and a number of textile artworks adorned with Pokémon monsters.
Backed by The Pokémon Company, the exhibition made its debut in Japan’s National Crafts Museum and was a huge success. It is now set to be displayed at Japan House from July 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
According to the official statement, some arts and crafts on display will be swapped out during the exhibition’s run in order to encourage visitors to return multiple times.
“While Pokémon and Japanese craft might seem like an unlikely pairing, there is an elemental connection between the two worlds. Just as there are distinct Pokémon types – such as Grass, Fire, Water, Ground, Steel, and Electric – most of Japan’s principal crafts are created with grass, fire, water, earth, and metal, and facilitated by electricity,” said Yuko Kaifu, President of JAPAN HOUSE.
