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.
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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The UK’s smallest pub is packing its bags for Japan, with The Nutshell from Bury St Edmunds being recreated inside an Osaka department store this October. For two weeks, a little piece of Suffolk will be making an unlikely appearance in Japan. The Nutshell, widely recognised as the UK’s smallest pub, is being recreated inside…
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.
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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From AI-powered disaster planning to investable wine, CEATEC 2026 offers a glimpse of Japan’s next wave of innovation. Taking place at Makuhari Messe, near Tokyo, many of the innovations extend beyond traditional consumer electronics. Japan’s flagship technology exhibition has increasingly become a showcase for new business models, emerging luxury experiences and technologies designed to reshape…
Why the UK’s smallest pub is being recreated inside a Japanese department store
The UK’s smallest pub is packing its bags for Japan, with The Nutshell from Bury St Edmunds being recreated inside an Osaka department store this October. For two weeks, a little piece of Suffolk will be making an unlikely appearance in Japan. The Nutshell, widely recognised as the UK’s smallest pub, is being recreated inside…
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