Pokémon x Kogei exhibition heads to Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills
An exhibition combining Pokémon and traditional Japanese crafts is now open in Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills.
Taking place at the Azabudai Hills Gallery, the exhibition sees 20 artists reimagine Pokémon in the form traditional styles of Japanese craft or “kogei”.
The “Pokémon x Kogei” exhibition opened on the 1st of November 2024 and will run until the 2nd of February 2025.
The exhibition will run in two terms, with the first term ending on the 25th of December. The second term starts on the 26th of December and may see some of the exhibitions change.
Three new works have been created for the exhibition, the first of which is a traditional “tile” style cup and bowl featuring Pikachu, designed by Takuro Kuwata.
The second new exhibit is an ivy patterned arabesque pottery Banette, or Juppeta in Japanese, designed by Kasumi Ueha.
The final new addition is one that will surely draw many visitors to the exhibit.
A statue of fan favorite Pokémon Mewtwo has been created in glittering fine metal parts by Taiichiro Yoshida.
Other returning exhibits include a section of Pokémon themed traditional pottery:
Unique sculptures of Eevee and it’s “Eeveelutions”, Jolteon, Flareon and Vaporeon:
As well as a fine art pottery version of Shaymin and a realistic sculpture interpretation of Venusaur:
An opening ceremony was held for the “Pokémon x Kogei” exhibition at Azabudai Hills Gallery, with an appearance by popular actor Kanata Hongo.
At the ceremony, he spoke passionately about his love for Pokémon as well as giving his thoughts on what he would do if he were to create an item for the exhibition, saying, “I’ve grown up with Pokémon since I was little, playing games and watching anime. As for crafts, I love looking at local crafts when I travel, so the exhibition was a lot of fun. I’d like to try making a Pokémon work using mother-of-pearl.”
When asked which exhibit he would recommend, Hongo replied, “I recommend all of them, but the new work, Mewtwo, is made of fine metal parts. Each part is carefully made and I really felt the high level of skill.”
How do I get tickets to the Pokémon x Kogei Exhibition and how much do they cost?
Advance tickets for the exhibition at Azabudai Hills Gallery can be booked from 1st November via the official website.
Tickets are priced at 1,500 yen for adults, 1,400 yen for university students, 1,100 yen for high/junior school students and 400 yen for those aged 4 to elementary school age.
On the day tickets can be purchased, however prices are slightly higher than booking in advance.
Same day tickets for the “Pokémon x Kogei” exhibition at Azabudai Hills Gallery cost 1,800 yen for adults, 1,600 yen for university students, 1,300 yen for high/junior school students and 600 yen for those aged 4 to elementary school age.
How do I get to the Pokémon x Kogei exhibition?
Nearest station: The Azabudai Hills Gallery/Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A MBF is directly connected to Exit 5 of Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Alternatively, the exhibition is a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Roppongi-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
Source, Images: Official Website