LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles announces Pokémon-related programs to complement the current exhibition “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft.” On view through January 7, 2024, the exhibition allows visitors to experience the world of Pokémon through traditional and contemporary Japanese craft 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. Related programming includes an Artist Talk Series, new artwork on display, exclusive merchandise, and a film screening of the 2019 live-action “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” movie.

Artist Talk Series
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles launches an Artist Talk Series, webinars that allow attendees to immerse themselves in the creative brilliance of the artists who have contributed to the exhibition’s showcase of Japanese craftwork. The series offers the opportunity to see the exhibition artwork from new perspectives and reveal deep insights into the craft techniques of the talented practitioners who are taking Japanese craft to new heights and into the future.

Following is the series schedule:

• “Exploring Pokémon in Japanese Craft” with Keiko Masumoto x Toru Fukuda
  • Tuesday, September 12 from 5 – 6:15 p.m. (PDT)
  • This first installment of artist talks invites two artists whose work is notable for the deft and detailed manner with which they use their craft techniques to explore the form and appearance of Pokémon.
    
    
• “POKÉMON x KOGEI Artistic Journey” with Taiichiro Yoshida x Terumasa Ikeda
  
  
  • Wednesday, October 11 from 5 - 6:15 p.m. (PDT)
  • The second installation features two artists whose innovative assimilation of science and technology delivered incredible results in their craft interpretation of Pokémon.
    
    
• “Pokémon and Japanese Craftsmanship - From Inspiration to Creation” with Haruo Mitsuta x Yuki Tsuboshima
  
  
  • Wednesday, November 15 from 5 – 6:15 p.m. (PST)
  • The final installment features two artists who closely studied the physical structure of Pokémon to create intricate, often movable creatures.
    

Artwork Rotation

As previously announced, due to the delicacy of certain artworks – but also as a special bonus for Pokémon superfans – certain artworks will be rotated during the exhibition’s run, giving attendees an opportunity to view new artwork on return visits. The first artwork switch will take place on Tuesday, September 19 when artwork from Toru Fukuda, Terumasa Ikeda, Eiichi Shiroma, Yasuyoshi Komiya, and Saori Mizuhashi will be alternated and then switched back to the original artwork displayed at launch on Tuesday, November 14. For more details, please visit the “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft” website.

Exclusive Merchandise

Due to popular demand, additional limited edition Official Exhibition Books (published by Tokyo Bijutsu) are 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, a sweetly adorable Pikachu plush dressed in a kimono – created in collaboration with the original exhibition – is available for the first time outside of Japan at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” Screening

Guests are invited to a special free movie night on Friday, August 25 featuring snacks, prizes, and the hit film “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.” The film (rated PG) was selected to complement the exhibition as a fun, free summer activity for families to enjoy. Reserve a ticket here and enjoy the film and exhibition in one day.

Complimentary exhibition tickets to the exhibition can be reserved through JAPAN HOUSE’s online reservation system. 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.).

For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE
JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs – London, Los Angeles and São Paulo – conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. Occupying two floors at Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.

Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com

ABOUT POKÉMON
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit https://www.pokemon.com/.

Media Contacts:
Nerissa Silao | 310-874-9230 | nerissas@ca.rr.com
Lisa Nakanouchi | 323-904-9298 | lnakanouchi@japanhousela.com
The Pokémon Company International | PublicRelations@pokemon.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46776b7d-97b9-4b92-a788-0e2e13e837c9