Pokémon Center Releases New Pikachu Plush Alongside Pokémon & Japanese Craft Exhibition Opening
For the cultured Pokémon fans
| JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce the opening of “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft,” the new exhibition making its U.S. debut today. One of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises and Japanese craft artistry and techniques, both contemporary and refined over centuries, come together in this exhibition featuring over 70 works created by 20 renowned Japanese artists using their skills and ever-evolving craft techniques to creatively channel the world of the globally popular Pokémon brand. While the exhibition is on view through January 7, 2024, certain artworks will be switched during the exhibition’s run, giving attendees an opportunity to view new artwork on return visits. |
In celebration of the exhibition, a limited edition Official Exhibition Book (published by Tokyo Bijutsu) will be available for purchase (Price: $48) at JAPAN HOUSE’s WAZA Shop and online, while supplies last. In addition, The Pokémon Plush: Pokémon x Kougeiten Craft Exhibition – Pikachu, created in collaboration with the original exhibition, will be available for the first time outside of Japan beginning today at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
Additionally, to commemorate the opening JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will host a special complimentary talk program with Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, and Masahiro Karasawa, director of Japan’s National Crafts Museum on opening day, July 25 from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. (PDT). This enlightening evening will broaden attendees’ perspective on the rich world of Japanese craft opened up by the epic battles between Pokémon and kogei. Conversations will touch upon the genesis of the exhibition and The Pokémon Company President Ishihara’s reverence for and desire to spotlight kogei, as well as the stories behind the exceptional artists and artworks as Director Karasawa shares his unique knowledge and perspectives on the collection.
Opening to great acclaim at National Crafts Museum earlier this year, the exhibition showcases celebrated artists ranging from Japan’s living national treasure and metal artist Morihito Katsura, to exciting young artists like sculptor Taiichiro Yoshida. Ingenious creations include playful images of Pikachu, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio stencil-dyed onto silk cloth, Charizard integrated into a large ceramic jar, and a dazzling Jolteon made from copper plates hammered into the shape of lightning bolts and then plated with gold and silver.
The original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan in 1996 where their popularity quickly grew. Following tremendous success in Japan, the original games were released within a couple of years in the U.S. and the franchise expanded rapidly, remaining at the forefront of popular culture to this day. New generations of Pokémon games were launched over the years, as well as the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, animated TV shows, movies, mobile games, toys, clothing, and other merchandise.
Complimentary exhibition tickets can now be reserved through JAPAN HOUSE’s online reservation system for Tuesday, July 25 – Thursday, August 31. Reservations for the remainder of the exhibition’s run will be released on the first day of the prior month (e.g., Tuesday, August 1 for September reservations). Guests can register for themselves plus five additional guests. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows and the gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Mon. – Fri.) and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sat. – Sun.).
The exhibition will also include related programs throughout the duration of the exhibition from July 2023 – January 2024. For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Media sponsors for the exhibition are KCRW and LAist; promotional partners include Animation is Film Festival 2023 and Starbucks.
Comments (0)