Hello everyone, this is Kumaki from GP!

This article introduces the exhibition “Pokémon × Crafts: A Grand Discovery of Beauty and Skill,” which was held at the Azabudai Hills Gallery from November 1, 2024 to February 2, 2025.

Some of you may have thought, “Pokémon × Crafts!?” — I certainly did at first. But the more I looked into it, the more fascinated I became.

Pokémon × Crafts: A Grand Discovery of Beauty and Skill

This exhibition showcased the creative “chemical reaction” that occurs when Pokémon meets traditional Japanese crafts.
Twenty artists created a total of 80 works, expressing Pokémon through materials such as clay, wood, metal, and textiles.

The exhibition had previously been held in Ishikawa from June to September 2023, where around 70 works were displayed—meaning the Tokyo exhibition was even more expansive.

During the exhibition period, special programs were offered, including:

• Artist talk sessions
• Workshops
• A collaboration café
• Limited-edition original merchandise

※ Since the exhibition was divided into two periods, some displays and café menu items were changed between Part 1 and Part 2.

Exhibition Highlights

Each artist applied their long-cultivated techniques and mastery of materials to interpret Pokémon in their own way. The works had an incredible presence—just seeing the materials up close would make you want to reach out and touch them.

Not only characters, but entire Pokémon worlds were reimagined through craftsmanship—such as kimonos using silk and stencil dyeing, or a Pikachu Forest expressed through cotton and needle lace.
No doubt, seeing them in person must have been overwhelming.

A silk Gengar… a Charizard jar crafted from ceramic… unbelievably cool.

Striking Official Visual for the Tokyo Exhibition

The official key visual featured three works:

• “Venusaur” by Kanma Imai
• “Shaymin with Fern Arabesque Pattern” by Kasumi Uebwa
• “Jolteon” by Taichiro Yoshida

The sheer intensity of the Venusaur artwork was especially striking, while Shaymin and Jolteon offered elegance and energy in contrast.

Pokémon × Crafts Café

The exhibition also featured greeting events where visitors could see Pikachu in kimono, as well as the first-ever collaboration café.

Featured Menu Items

On the left: a Croque-Monsieur available during Part 1.
On the right: a Gomoku Chirashi Sushi available in Part 2.
Both visually charming—and perfect for commemorating the exhibition visit.

A wide selection of desserts and drinks reflected traditional Japanese aesthetics.
From left to right:

• Pikachu Chestnut & Sweet Potato “Waffle Parfait” (available both periods)
• Shaymin Matcha Latte (Part 2)
• Ho-Oh & Lugia Black Sesame Latte (Part 1)

A wonderful lineup, blending Japanese flavors and Pokémon motifs.

In Closing

Pokémon brought us joy as children, and craftsmanship carries the stories of artisans across time. When these two worlds met, they created something wonderfully unexpected—something both nostalgic and entirely new. If you ever have the chance to see this exhibition in the future, I highly recommend experiencing that magic for yourself.