Iconic Pokémon characters have been reimagined using traditional Japanese craft techniques as stunning sculptures made from ceramics, lacquers, textiles and copper, at a free exhibition currently running at Japan House in Hollywood.
Curated in collaboration between the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, and The Pokémon Company group, this extraordinary showcase brings together 20 Japanese artists, each breathing new life into Nintendo’s beloved Pokémon cast.
Comprising approximately 70 pieces (some of which are in rotation), the exhibition is a celebration of artistry, pop culture, and the enduring allure of Pokémon.
The Luxe Review toured the exhibit and was wowed by this uniquely beautiful cultural fusion.
Comprising approximately 70 pieces (some of which are in rotation), the exhibition is a celebration of artistry, pop culture, and the enduring allure of Pokémon…
Fans of the franchise will delight in seeing the various evolutions of their favourite characters, from starter creatures (Litten and Popplio), to fan favourites (Vaporeon and Charizard).
Highlights are many, but look out for Sadamasa Imai’s Venusaur, rendered in clay with overglaze enamels. Imai’s style begins with hand building, then trimming, correcting and adding more clay. The finished work is simply stunning.
The same skilled hands have crafted Squirtle, Magikarp, Kingler, and Arbok, each a testament to Imai’s artistic prowess.
Self-proclaimed Pokémon enthusiast Taiichiro Yoshida unveils his copper-clad creations, including Eevee and three ‘eeveelutions’. Yoshida’s signature copper work, enhanced with silver gilding, gives lustrous life to the furry fellow.
His meticulous craftsmanship extends to Vaporeon’s bronze, Jolteon’s gold and silver gilding, and Flareon’s traditional scarlet patina.
To create his Pokémon’s eyeballs, Yoshida used a cloisonné glass enamel technique, while black ears are the product of a copper sulfurization process.
Textile designer Reiko Sudo transports visitors to the whimsical ‘Pikachu Forest,’ woven from 900 strands of lace, while Keiko Masumoto transforms familiar Pokémon into porcelain.
While these awe-inspiring artworks are not available for purchase, enthusiasts can take home a lavishly illustrated hardback catalogue detailing all the exhibits for $48.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the Pokémon X Kogei exhibition, running at Japan House, Hollywood Los Angeles, until January 2024.
Entry is free. We rate it a unique exhibition of pop culture and Japanese craftsmanship.
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
High-end Technics turntable performance for less than you might expect. That’s the promise behind the SL-1500CS, a new direct-drive Hi-Fi turntable from the legendary Japanese brand, arriving March 2026. For decades, Technics has been synonymous with direct-drive turntables, from broadcast studios to DJ booths and audiophile listening rooms. Models such as the SL-1200 series helped…
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international celebrities. …
The Luxe Review 
Iconic Pokémon characters have been reimagined using traditional Japanese craft techniques as stunning sculptures made from ceramics, lacquers, textiles and copper, at a free exhibition currently running at Japan House in Hollywood.
Curated in collaboration between the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, and The Pokémon Company group, this extraordinary showcase brings together 20 Japanese artists, each breathing new life into Nintendo’s beloved Pokémon cast.
Comprising approximately 70 pieces (some of which are in rotation), the exhibition is a celebration of artistry, pop culture, and the enduring allure of Pokémon.
The Luxe Review toured the exhibit and was wowed by this uniquely beautiful cultural fusion.
Fans of the franchise will delight in seeing the various evolutions of their favourite characters, from starter creatures (Litten and Popplio), to fan favourites (Vaporeon and Charizard).
Highlights are many, but look out for Sadamasa Imai’s Venusaur, rendered in clay with overglaze enamels. Imai’s style begins with hand building, then trimming, correcting and adding more clay. The finished work is simply stunning.
The same skilled hands have crafted Squirtle, Magikarp, Kingler, and Arbok, each a testament to Imai’s artistic prowess.
Self-proclaimed Pokémon enthusiast Taiichiro Yoshida unveils his copper-clad creations, including Eevee and three ‘eeveelutions’. Yoshida’s signature copper work, enhanced with silver gilding, gives lustrous life to the furry fellow.
His meticulous craftsmanship extends to Vaporeon’s bronze, Jolteon’s gold and silver gilding, and Flareon’s traditional scarlet patina.
To create his Pokémon’s eyeballs, Yoshida used a cloisonné glass enamel technique, while black ears are the product of a copper sulfurization process.
Textile designer Reiko Sudo transports visitors to the whimsical ‘Pikachu Forest,’ woven from 900 strands of lace, while Keiko Masumoto transforms familiar Pokémon into porcelain.
While these awe-inspiring artworks are not available for purchase, enthusiasts can take home a lavishly illustrated hardback catalogue detailing all the exhibits for $48.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the Pokémon X Kogei exhibition, running at Japan House, Hollywood Los Angeles, until January 2024.
Entry is free. We rate it a unique exhibition of pop culture and Japanese craftsmanship.
The Whisky Exchange debuts 20 Year Old Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Mars Komagatake Japanese single cask exclusives
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
Technics SL-1500CS hands-on: New direct drive turntable promises audiophile performance for less
High-end Technics turntable performance for less than you might expect. That’s the promise behind the SL-1500CS, a new direct-drive Hi-Fi turntable from the legendary Japanese brand, arriving March 2026. For decades, Technics has been synonymous with direct-drive turntables, from broadcast studios to DJ booths and audiophile listening rooms. Models such as the SL-1200 series helped…
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international celebrities. …
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