‘Pokémon X Kogei’ Exhibition Combines Craftsmanship With Cuteness

The new Pokémon X Kogei exhibition opened in Tokyo at the beginning of November. It is a remarkable display of Japanese craftsmanship combined with adorable gaming icons.

If you are curious about what “kogei” means in Japanese, its literal translation is “craft,” which is very clear from the items on display.

Japan has a long history of respecting and funding artisans in a variety of crafts. This is an enduring part of Japanese culture, so it is genuinely fascinating to see it combined with Pokémon.

The eclectic selection of items on show, from kimonos to pottery, is palpably remarkable.

The main poster shows off an amazing-looking Venusaur (shown below), but this is even more impressive up close, not least because it is really quite large.

Hosted at the Azabudai Hills Gallery, the general at-the-counter ticket costs 1,800 yen (or around $12. There is also a café serving Pokémon-themed food, if you are into that sort of thing.

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In terms of goods, there are some quite interesting items available, although my favorite is a plushie of Pikachu looking adorable in a kimono.

Considering the massive global popularity of a franchise such as Pokémon, it’s not only fascinating to see it interpreted in this way but also a sign that what we regard as pop culture is actually more involved and nuanced.

Pokémon itself comes from a fascinating coalescence of wanting to have pets where living space is limited and an almost mythical element of demons, such as the yokai. This is partly why Yo-kai Watch was able to hit a similar cultural touchstone.

While Pokémon is indeed a new cultural phenomenon, its foundation is actually very traditional, and I think that’s why this new exhibition works so well.

So if you are visiting Tokyo and are a fan of Pokémon, I can strongly recommend you swing by Azabudai Hills. The exhibition runs until February 2.

Location: Azabudai Hills Gallery

Opening Date: November 1st 2024

Entrance: 1,800 yen