Experience the world of Pokemon in a new light through the “Pokemon x Kogei: Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft” exhibit. This popular exhibit has been touring across Japan and Los Angeles, and is now making a stop at Azabudai Hills Gallery.
Everything You Need To Know About the Pokemon x Kogei Art Exhibit
Art Exhibit
Kogei are Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Twenty artists, from masters to young up-and-coming creators, have been inspired by Pokemon designs, evolutions, attacks and journeys to create unique art pieces that mix traditional craftsmanship with modern pop culture. Artists include Kasumi Ueba, Sadamasa Imai, Morihito Katsura, Takuro Kuwata, Saori Mizuhashi and more. From vases to sculptures and even kimono, the exhibit features over 70 pieces.
Pokemon x Kogei Art Exhibit Cafe
The exhibit will also have its own pop-up cafe experience. The Pokemon x Kogei Cafe has a menu inspired by the exhibit’s art.
There will be two different menu periods:
- Term 1: November 1 to December 25
- Term 2: December 26 to February 2
The first term menu includes a specialty croque-monsieur sandwich, a Ho-oh and Lugia black sesame latte inspired by Morihito Katsura, a Pikachu chestnut and sweet potato waffle parfait inspired by Takuro Kuwata and various lattes decorated with a kimono-clad Pikachu.
The second term menu features a gomoku chirashi sushi, a matcha green tea latte inspired by Kasumi Ueba and various lattes.
Visitors will receive an exclusive lunch mat with their orders.
Exhibition Goods
Of course, the exhibit will also have exclusive Pokemon merchandise for sale. The products are all inspired by the artwork features in the gallery. Merchandise includes plates featuring the Pokemon kimono designs, a drip coffee blend set from Sarutahiko Coffee with exhibit artwork printed on each bag, a mini tote bag with Edo-komon walnut buttons, vibrant ceramic cups, bowls decorated with Pikachu and much more.
Pikachu Meet and Greet
Fans can also come meet Pikachu! Pikachu will be hosting meet-and-greet events while dressed up in a special kimono. The kimono features a kojitsunagi pattern with repeating combinations of the character ko (工).
This event requires a separate reservation.
Greeting dates:
- November 9 at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00
- December 7 at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00
- December 8 at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00
Tea Ceremony Experience
Visitors looking for a deeper experience with Pokemon x Kogei’s traditional arts can experience a tea ceremony inspired by the characters and artists on display. Pokemon kyogashi (Kyoto-style sweets) by Shichijo Kanshundo will be served inspired by: Pikachu, Magikarp and Ho-oh. Instructors from traditional culture non-profit organization Wanogakko will lead the ceremony while explaining more about matcha and the tea utensils involved in the process.
This event requires a separate reservation.
There will be three sessions:
- November 16, from 9:00 to 10:00 with instructor Reijiro Izumi
- November 24, from 9:00 to 10:00 with instructor Chieko Tsuchida
- December 15, from 4:00 to 5:00 with instructor Soko Kitami
Artist Talk
The artist talk event will provide visitors with further insight behind the featured creators’ perspectives. Morihito Katsura, the Living National Treasure who created “Obi Clasp in Umbreon Shape” and Taiichiro Yoshida, who created “Jolteon,” will be presenting. The audience will also be sampling Pokemon kyogashi sweets with matcha green tea.
This event requires a separate reservation.
