Pokémon and Iittala Commemorate 30 Years Through Origo’s Design Legacy

The collaboration between Iittala and Pokémon lands with a sense of inevitability. Established in different disciplines, both have shaped how a generation connects with objects, whether through the emotional pull of character or the enduring presence of design. As Pokémon reaches its 30th anniversary, this capsule is a convergence of shared cultural memory, where Finnish design principles meet the expansive storytelling traditions of Japanese culture.

The collection revisits Origo, the iconic line by Alfredo Häberli, transforming its familiar striped ceramics into something more expressive. Pikachu-inspired tones and delicate illustrative details bring a new dimension to the pieces, shifting them from purely functional objects into carriers of narrative. In this context, ceramics become vessels of Japanese identity, aligning with the country's long-standing appreciation for craft, as form and meaning exist in harmony.

The collaboration reflects a deeper cultural dialogue. Japanese design has always embraced the idea that everyday objects can hold emotional and symbolic weight, and Pokémon has extended that philosophy on a global scale. Its influence goes far beyond entertainment, shaping how people interact with imagery, nostalgia and collectability. Translating that into ceramic form speaks to a growing desire for tangible, character-led pieces in the home, objects that invite touch, memory and a sense of personal connection in an increasingly digital world.

As noted by Janni Vepsäläinen, it feels like a rediscovery. Both Origo and Pokémon emerged from the same cultural moment, and here they reconnect with a renewed purpose. In thiz body of work, craftsmanship and playfulness coexist, and design once again becomes something to live with, not just look at.

The collection will officially launch on 1 May 2026, available at the iittala website alongside selected Iittala stores across Finland and Japan.