In Hiroshima! Pokémon × Kogei: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft

Catch the Pokémon × Kogei exhibition featuring Japanese crafts at Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, July 10–September 23. See 100+ traditional craft interpretations of the Pokémon world and buy exclusive merch.

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Opening July 10: Pokémon × Kogei at Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, Pokemon x Crafts Exhibition

The highly popular exhibition Pokémon × Kogei: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft will run in Hiroshima from July 10 to September 23, 2026.

Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition

After touring internationally across the United States of America and multiple Japanese cities, this exhibition brings approximately 100 craft pieces to Hiroshima.

Top Japanese contemporary craft artists have used traditional materials—such as metal, clay, lacquer, and wood—to capture the forms, expressions, and shared memories of the Pokémon world.

Visitors can also look forward to brand-new works debuting exclusively at the Hiroshima venue.

Masterpieces of Metal, Clay, and Lacquer

The exhibition showcases how master craft techniques intersect with pop culture. Renowned artists push the boundaries of their respective media to express the textures, fur, and elemental movements of various Pokémon.

Key pieces on display include Sadamasa Imai’s ceramic interpretation of Venusaur, Toru Fukuda's detailed woodwork titled "After the Rain," and Yuki Tsuboshima's intricate, articulated metalwork featuring Rookidee and Corviknight.

The collection balances technical discipline with creative imagination, adapting classic forms like Shigaraki jars, kimonos, and lacquerware tea caddies into the universe of Pokémon.

Special Events, Artist Talks, and Tea Ceremonies

The Hiroshima venue will host several interactive and educational programs throughout the two‑month run:

Artist Talk Session (July 11)

This free, pre-registered dialogue between ceramic artists Sadamasa Imai and Takuro Kuwata, moderated by Masahiro Karasawa (former director of the National Crafts Museum), will be held in the basement lecture hall.

Special Pokémon Tea Ceremony (July 29 and August 18)

This event will be held at the adjacent Shukkeien Garden's Seifukan building.

Guests can participate in a traditional tea gathering featuring an appearance by a special Pikachu mascot dressed in a geometric Koji-tsunagi pattern kimono.

Family Gallery Tours and Curator Talks

Scheduled throughout July and August to guide families and art enthusiasts deeper into the specific craft techniques used.

Exclusive Commemorative Merchandise and Collaboration Shop

An on-site exhibition shop will offer standard Pokémon Center merchandise alongside event‑exclusive items. Commemorative goods are also available.

This special Pikachu plush toy, dressed in the signature Koji-tsunagi kimono, is priced at 2,640 yen.

Emblem-free cups are available for 1,320 yen. Individual character pins can be purchased for 880 yen. Finally, artistic postcards are offered at 165 yen.

High-end collectors can also enter a lottery system for a chance to purchase original pieces produced directly by the exhibiting artists.

Pokémon × Kogei: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft — Hiroshima Exhibition

Dates: July 10 – September 23, 2026 (Open daily throughout the exhibition period)
Venue: Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, 3rd Floor Exhibition Room
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Fridays open until 20:00; opening day July 10 starts at 10:00)

Admission: Adults 1,800 yen, High School/University Students 1,100 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 800 yen.
Notes:
- Tickets must be purchased in advance via official online channels or convenience stores.
- No ticket sales will be available at the museum box office.
- Date‑and‑time specific reservations are mandatory for weekends and holidays.

Ticket info and official details: https://www.e-tix.jp/pokemon-kogei-hiroshima/en/

Information and photo source: atpress

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