Yamada Heiando – a Japanese brand with over a century of expertise in traditional lacquerware – has collaborated with Pokémon to create a collection that blends Japanese craftsmanship with modern pop culture. The range features bowls in two sizes and colors, designed to be perfect for both children and adults, with exquisitely hand-painted designs of four Pokémon characters.
The bowls are now available on the Yamada Heiando website, and international customers can use a Japanese address from forward2me for easy ordering. Find out more about the techniques, products, and how to order from Japan below.
Japanese lacquerware (urushi) is an artform with a history stretching back thousands of years, admired worldwide for its deep luster, durability, and intricate decoration. In contrast, the Pokémon franchise – though only three decades old – has achieved its own iconic status, with its colorful creatures becoming a symbol of contemporary Japanese pop culture.
By combining these two cultural touchstones, Yamada Heiando has created a product line that is both a nod to heritage and a celebration of the present.
Each piece in the Pokémon lacquerware collection is crafted by hand, using the traditional maki-e technique. This meticulous process involves sprinkling metallic powder - often gold or silver – onto wet lacquer before it dries, requiring both precision and speed from the artisan. The result is a shimmering design that appears to glow from within, ensuring that Pikachu, Dragonite, and Arbok shine with captivating brilliance.
The lineup currently includes kids' wooden bowls in four designs and soup bowls with Pikachu.
The small bowls (Kowan) measure 10 cm in diameter, and are available in black or vermillion, featuring Pikachu, Dragonite, Torchic, or Arbok designs. Each comes with a baby wooden spoon, making them ideal as a child’s first bowl. These bowls are designed with the hope that a child’s first meal will be warm and enjoyable and each Pokémon has been chosen with a special meaning in mind.
Torchic embodies warmth and comfort, like a cozy hug, to make mealtime feel safe and comforting.
Arbok grows longer as it matures, symbolizing the hope that children grow strong and healthy.
Pikachu is depicted with round eyes and cheeks, using the plump, glossy texture that only lacquer can provide, representing the wish to watch over a child’s growth with tenderness.
Dragonite is kind-hearted and capable of flight, reflecting the wish that children grow big in both mind and body and one day spread their wings into the world.
The other design is the Pikachu soup bowl (Shiruwan), which is 11 cm in diameter and perfect for hot miso soup. Made from natural wood and lacquer, the bowls remain cool to touch even when serving piping-hot meals, but they are also versatile enough to enjoy anything from side dishes to ice cream.
Both designs feature additional maki-e artistry on the underside, including the Pokémon logo. Customers can also request personalized name inscriptions in maki-e, creating a truly special keepsake.
The Pokémon lacquerware bowls are available directly from the Yamada Heiando website:
To place an order, select your preferred Pokémon character, bowl color, and any additional options such as gift wrapping or name personalization from the dropdown menus.
Please note: Items may be out of stock, but Yamada Heiando announces the start date of the next sale in advance. Due to the handcrafted nature of the maki-e technique, orders can take up to one month to complete.
For international shipping, enter the Japanese address provided by forward2me as the delivery address. Once your order arrives at the forward2me warehouse, you will receive a notification so you can arrange shipment to your country.
While the current lineup spotlights just four Pokémon, Yamada Heiando has announced plans to expand the series with more fan-favorite creatures in the future.
The Pokémon lacquerware bowls are available now via the Yamada Heiando online store, offering fans a rare chance to bring home a piece that’s as much an art treasure as it is functional tableware.
A perfect gift for collectors, art lovers, or anyone who wants to sip their miso soup in the company of Pikachu.
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