The POKÉMON × KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft exhibit which debuted at the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan is coming to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, United States from July 25th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024.

The POKÉMON × KOGEI Art Exhibition Is Coming to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles

Starting July 25, 2023, you can witness Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft in this incredible exhibition.

Pokémon and fine art collide in POKÉMON × KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft, a new exhibition coming later this summer to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. From July 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, this site will be home to more than 70 works that bring the Pokémon world to life through traditional Japanese artistry that has been honed over centuries as well as more modern techniques and technologies that are typical of contemporary artists.


The exhibition showcases work from 20 renowned Japanese artists, including the metal artist Morihito Katsura, who is recognized as one of Japan’s living national treasures, to exciting young artists like sculptor Taiichiro Yoshida. Pieces include images of Pikachu, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio stencil-dyed onto silk cloth, Charizard integrated into a large ceramic jar, and a dazzling Jolteon sculpted from individual pieces of gold- and silver-plated copper hammered into the shape of lightning bolts.

There will be no admission fee to the POKÉMON × KOGEI exhibit, located at the JAPAN HOUSE Gallery on Level 2 of Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. During the exhibit, the gallery will be open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. PT weekdays and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. PT on Saturdays and Sundays. Stop in to enjoy a bit of culture and see some beautiful Pokémon art.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/the-pokemon-kogei-art-exhibition-is-coming-to-japan-house-los-angeles

Press Release - JAPAN HOUSE LOS ANGELES UNVEILS POKÉMON EXHIBITION

“POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft” Makes its US Debut ​​​​​​​

LOS ANGELES – July 25, 2023 – JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce the opening of “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft,” the new exhibition making its U.S. debut today. One of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises and Japanese craft artistry and techniques, both contemporary and refined over centuries, come together in this exhibition featuring over 70 works created by 20 renowned Japanese artists using their skills and ever-evolving craft techniques to creatively channel the world of the globally popular Pokémon brand. While the exhibition is on view through January 7, 2024, certain artworks will be switched during the exhibition’s run, giving attendees an opportunity to view new artwork on return visits.

In celebration of the exhibition, a limited edition Official Exhibition Book (published by Tokyo Bijutsu) will be available for purchase (Price: $48) at JAPAN HOUSE’s WAZA Shop and online, while supplies last. In addition, The Pokémon Plush: Pokémon x Kougeiten Craft Exhibition – Pikachu, created in collaboration with the original exhibition, will be available for the first time outside of Japan beginning today at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.


Additionally, to commemorate the opening JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will host a special complimentary talk program with Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, and Masahiro Karasawa, director of Japan’s National Crafts Museum on opening day, July 25 from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. (PDT). This enlightening evening will broaden attendees’ perspective on the rich world of Japanese craft opened up by the epic battles between Pokémon and kogei. Conversations will touch upon the genesis of the exhibition and The Pokémon Company President Ishihara’s reverence for and desire to spotlight kogei, as well as the stories behind the exceptional artists and artworks as Director Karasawa shares his unique knowledge and perspectives on the collection.

“The talented artists behind the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibit bring the Pokémon world to life in a never-before-seen way while honoring traditional Japanese artistry in each piece,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. “Our collaboration with JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a unique platform to celebrate Japanese culture, as well as the artists, for fans of both the Pokémon brand and art. We’re honored to have the Pokémon brand be featured in this way and leverage its modern-day popularity to share the incredible legacy of Japanese craft with new audiences in the US.”

Opening to great acclaim at National Crafts Museum earlier this year, the exhibition showcases celebrated artists ranging from Japan’s living national treasure and metal artist Morihito Katsura, to exciting young artists like sculptor Taiichiro Yoshida. Ingenious creations include playful images of Pikachu, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio stencil-dyed onto silk cloth, Charizard integrated into a large ceramic jar, and a dazzling Jolteon made from copper plates hammered into the shape of lightning bolts and then plated with gold and silver.

“This unique collaboration answer the question, ‘What happens when Pokémon meets kogei?’ for art enthusiasts and gamers alike,” said Yuko Kaifu, president, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. “We’re excited to present this unique collaboration with exceptional artists and artworks showcasing the rich world of Japanese craft through the global phenomenon of Pokémon appreciated by all ages around the world.”

The original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan in 1996 where their popularity quickly grew. Following tremendous success in Japan, the original games were released within a couple of years in the U.S. and the franchise expanded rapidly, remaining at the forefront of popular culture to this day. New generations of Pokémon games were launched over the years, as well as the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, animated TV shows, movies, mobile games, toys, clothing, and other merchandise.

Complimentary exhibition tickets can now be reserved through JAPAN HOUSE’s online reservation system for Tuesday, July 25 – Thursday, August 31. Reservations for the remainder of the exhibition’s run will be released on the first day of the prior month (e.g., Tuesday, August 1 for September reservations). Guests can register for themselves plus five additional guests. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows and the gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.) and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sat. – Sun.). The exhibition will also include related programs throughout the duration of the exhibition from July 2023 – January 2024.