One sure way to get kids interested in an art exhibit: make it all about Pokemon.

Japan House debuts an exhibit featuring artist interpretations of Pokemon characters by way of kogei - Japanese crafts.

The exhibition is arranged in three main sections presenting ways in which Pokémon and the craft artists challenge each other in a playful encounter, or in Pokémon terms, “in battle.” In Appearance, the craft artists challenge the Pokémon depicting their forms as well as their skin or fur, gestures, and expressions. In Stories, the artists again challenge the Pokémon, imagining their world, their adventurous journeys, lives, evolutions, and inherent special qualities. In Life, the Pokémon in turn challenge the artists to enrich our lives and play an active role in our world by incorporating Pokémon into crafts used in contemporary life.

The exhibit runs from July 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

Image: Jolteon (Detail), 2022 / Taiichiro Yoshida / Photo by Taku Saiki