The "Pokémon x Kogei: A Discovery of Beauty and Technique" exhibition, featuring about 90 works by 20 of Japan's leading contemporary craft artists, from Living National Treasures to up-and-coming young talents, is now being held at the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art. We'll introduce you to a unique "artistic Pokémon experience" that can be enjoyed not only by Pokémon fans but also by those unfamiliar with the series, showcasing a diverse range of materials and techniques in craftwork!

Some exhibits will be rotated during the exhibition period, so I immediately decided to come back for the second half.

The highly anticipated "Pokémon x Kogei: A Discovery of Beauty and Technique" exhibition, which has been met with great acclaim since its launch at the National Crafts Museum (Ishikawa Prefecture) in 2023 and subsequent tours to Los Angeles, USA, and various locations in Japan, has finally arrived at the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Sapporo! The 20 participating artists, ranging from Living National Treasures to promising young talents, include some who grew up playing with Pokémon and others who encountered the game for the first time for this exhibition. I, along with Chisato, a Pokémon fan for 30 years, witnessed how Pokémon stimulated the artists' creativity, giving rise to crafts and Pokémon never seen before.

Exhibition view

The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Appearance—Imposing!" which evokes the forms, gestures, and even the presence of Pokémon; "Story—Immersive!" which expresses the world of the games, including evolution, trading, journey settings, and super-effective moves; and "Life—Adorable!" where you can enjoy Pokémon incorporated into vessels, kimonos, and accessories. The Sapporo exhibition features two new works, bringing the total to about 90 pieces in metalwork, woodwork, ceramics, lacquerware, glass, and textiles.

Yuki Hayama, Pokémon Jar of the Universe (2022, Private Collection)

The first work you encounter upon entering the venue is ceramic artist Yuki Hayama's Pokémon Jar of the Universe. Chisato commented on this piece, which depicts countless plants and over 500 Pokémon, "I came to see it with my child on the first day, and we had so much fun finding the Pokémon drawn on it that we couldn't move away from this vase for a while."

The Pokémon and plant patterns were drawn freehand without any preliminary sketches.

Reading about the production process in the exhibition catalog reveals that drawing such intricate patterns on the rough, highly absorbent surface of the body after being bisque-fired at 900°C requires an incredibly high level of skill. The delicate three-dimensionality created by the raised white lines and stippling done with a sharp point and brush, as well as the shimmer that changes with the viewing angle from the gold leaf, is simply enchanting. "I could spend a lifetime just looking at Hayama-san's work," Chisato said.

Yuki Hayama, Sphere "Kaleidoscope of Colors (Xerneas Cycle of Life) I-III" (2024, Private Collection)

Sphere "Kaleidoscope of Colors (Xerneas Cycle of Life) I-III" depicts the story of the legendary Pokémon Xerneas from Pokémon X, released in 2013: "When the horns on its head shine in seven colors, it is said to be sharing everlasting life. It slept for a thousand years in the form of a tree before its revival. (from Pokémon X and Y)."

According to Chisato, "In the game, there's a depiction of Xerneas's horns glowing during battle, but it's never been highlighted like this, so I think this piece will really resonate with people who have played the game." Mugs and coasters featuring the Jar of the Universe and Kaleidoscope of Colors series are available at the special shop, so be sure to check them out!

Metalwork artist Taiichiro Yoshida's Jolteon. The cloisonné eyeballs are also beautiful (2022, Private Collection).

One of the highlights of this exhibition is the chance to encounter three-dimensional Pokémon summoned into the real world with new textures from unexpected materials. The unique presence of these Pokémon, brought to life from metal, clay, wood, and more, is truly captivating.

Keiko Masumoto, Shigaraki Jar / Moltres (2022, Private Collection)

For example, Keiko Masumoto's Shigaraki Jar / Moltres is based on the Flame Pokémon, Moltres. "I'm moved by the idea of a Fire-type Pokémon being born from the flames of a kiln," says Chisato. With the warm colors and texture of Shigaraki ware, the beautifully sculpted flames, and the floral patterns that evoke a sense of spring, it's a multi-layered work that you can admire endlessly.

Toru Fukuda's Resonance is a new work added for the Hokkaido exhibition (2026, Private Collection).

Toru Fukuda, who develops three-dimensional sculptures using wood inlay (mokuzōgan), a technique that combines various colors and grains of natural wood to create patterns, presents Resonance, featuring Vibrava. The way it communicates by vibrating its wings to create ultrasonic waves is expressed so perfectly, it's incredibly cool...! "Vibrava doesn't get much merchandise, so I'm thrilled that they chose to feature it! It's great to see a rare shiny one too," says Chisato. (Incidentally, other visitors were also reacting to the shiny one.)

Reiko Sudo, Pikachu's Forest (2023, Private Collection)

Pikachu's Forest, composed of 900 embroidered lace Pikachu figures, was inspired by the anime episode "Pikachu's Goodbye," where many wild Pikachu appear. There's one piece of lace that depicts the scene where Pikachu's friends work together to save him after he falls into a river, and there's also a shiny Pikachu hidden in there. It's ridiculously cute. Try to find them!

Akiyoshi Ikeda, Unown-Patterned Black Granite Tea Caddy. This tea caddy is just too cool... (2022, Private Collection)

Akiyoshi Ikeda, who develops his own unique expressions based on traditional raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) techniques, created the Unown-Patterned Black Granite Tea Caddy, based on the Unown that inhabit ancient ruins. "There are 28 forms of Unown, representing the alphabet, a question mark, and an exclamation mark. Reading the golden Unown reveals a phrase from a certain scene in the game."

"When I figured it out, I felt like, 'The message got through!'" says Chisato. The joy of discovering and responding to the challenges hidden by the artists throughout their works, such as shiny Pokémon and hidden meanings, might be a unique pleasure of this exhibition.

Kasumi Ueba, Star-Ice-Fierce Pattern Mimikyu (2024, Private Collection)

By viewing crafts through the lens of Pokémon, which are loved by people of all ages around the world, I feel I was able to better appreciate their advanced techniques and depth. I've only been able to introduce a small fraction of the nearly 90 works, but I highly recommend a visit, not just for Pokémon fans, but also for people like me who weren't familiar with them. The exhibition is even more enjoyable if you read the catalog, which explains each artist's production episodes and techniques, so be sure to check that out too!

©2026 Pokémon. ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
©Akiyoshi Ikeda, Kasumi Ueba, Reiko Sudo, Yuki Hayama, Toru Fukuda, Keiko Masumoto, Taiichiro Yoshida

Interview cooperation: Chisato Tokumaru