Nousaku, a Japanese metalwork company based in Takaoka, has launched an all-new collaboration that blends modern Japanese pop culture with traditional craftsmanship: The Nousaku Pokémon Collection! Putting a cool and cute spin on metal handicrafts, this collaboration is the second pop-culture series Nousaku has made following their Studio Ghibli-themed wind chimes.
The collection includes two elegantly crafted Pokémon-themed items designed for dining or decor. The first item is a 100-percent-tin Poké Ball container, ideal for storing small objects or for use as tableware, featuring a surprise Pikachu silhouette etched at the bottom on the inside. Each container is packaged in a sophisticated red Nousaku box with a Poké Ball icon as well, making even the packaging collectible.
The second item is a 100-percent-tin Ditto tray, which are malleable and can be bent into various shapes just like Ditto itself. Perfect for serving small food items, as coasters, or for displaying accessories, these trays also come in their own stylishly designed box, while being cute on their own as a little Ditto to dine with.
To celebrate the launch of the Nousaku Pokémon Collection, visitors to Nousaku’s main factory shop in Takaoka can participate in a hands-on casting workshop using a sand mold technique that has a 400-year history in the Takaoka area. Participants will create a Pokémon-themed chopsticks rest, also made from tin, with four different Pokemon to choose from.
Advance reservations are required for the casting experience, which can be made via Nousaku’s website here. The collaborative products themselves will be available from July 1st at 18 physical Nousaku stores, the Nousaku online shop, Pokémon Center Kanazawa, and the Pokémon Center Japan online shop. As part of a commemorative campaign, buyers at any of the Nousaku locations, including the online store, will receive a specially crafted mirror aluminum Pokémon sticker while supplies last!