As I delve into the captivating tale of Natsuko Shoji and her extraordinary collaboration with the Pokémon Trading Card Game, I can’t help but be utterly inspired by her journey. Here is a woman who, much like the evolving creatures she admires, has grown, learned, and adapted in a world that demands constant evolution.
In the bustling landscape of modern collaborative endeavors, not many manage to captivate the attention of TopMob’s readers. However, an exciting piece of information has surfaced—the Pokémon Trading Card Game is joining forces with Natsuko Shoji from été.
By March 2024, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has produced more than 64.8 billion cards and continues to be a universally acclaimed trading card game adored by kids and adults everywhere. Simultaneously, Natsuko Shoji collaborates with esteemed artists and brands including Takashi Murakami, Girls Don’t Cry, and Tomo Koizumi. As the inaugural Japanese female recipient of the “Best Female Chef Award” at the 2022 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, she serves as a trailblazer influencing the future of the culinary world.
Starting January 17, 2025, the upcoming expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, titled Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions, will be available worldwide. In this expansion, renowned designer Shoji has created a distinct Eevee card that transforms into a Stellar Tera Pokémon ex. This phenomenon in the Pokémon universe allows Pokémon to glow like gems, gaining extraordinary abilities (in the Trading Card Game, Stellar Tera Pokémon ex are immune to damage from attacks while on the bench). The artwork for this card is a stunning creation by Shoji, inspired by the captivating “Stellar Terra” theme. This is an unprecedented moment in the history of Pokémon cards as it’s the first time a chef has provided artwork for these globally cherished cards. To celebrate this significant event, TopMob recently conducted an exclusive interview with Shoji to delve into the story behind this unique collaboration.
TopMob: How did this collaboration with the Pokémon Trading Card Game come about?
Mr. Tsunekazu Ishihara, President of The Pokémon Company, developed a fondness for été and made numerous visits with prominent companions. It’s thought that in 2022, he visited with employees from Creatures Inc., creators of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The delectable dishes they encountered left a lasting impression and inspired the desire to collaborate on something significant. This encounter marked the beginning of this partnership.
Why did Eevee get selected among more than 1,000 Pokémon, and what factors contributed to its inclusion in a Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) expansion set?
At first, I considered Pikachu as an ideal option because its color scheme aligned well with the signature Flower of Summer Mango Rose Tart by Eté. But then, the development team suggested a unique card—the Stellar Tera Eevee EX card—which is planned for the Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions expansion. This suggestion immediately made me realize that it was the ideal pick instead.
What were your inspirations and approach to creating the tart based on the “Terastal” theme?
The dessert was influenced by the dazzling, gem-like “Terastal Jewel” on Eevee’s head. For me, fruits have always been like precious jewels, making this theme a perfect fit. I chose seven different types of fruits to mirror the radiance of Terastal gems, carefully sculpting them with a diamond-cut design as a tribute to the concept. Striking a balance between the design and preserving each fruit’s unique flavor and texture was crucial. Remarkably, the tart I developed for this partnership turned out to be something completely fresh and innovative – even for me.
Were there any memorable requests from the team at Creatures Inc.?
The unusual occurrence they referred to made quite an impact on me. Despite the difficulty, their unwavering commitment to excellence motivated me to strive for even greater heights.
In the context of your cooking, what instances spark creative flair or insightful ideas, akin to the Terastal phenomenon?
In my view, Japanese ingredients are precious gems. As I transform them into my culinary masterpieces, I harbor profound reverence for Japan’s bountiful nature and its dedicated producers. This partnership served to underscore their brilliance even more vividly for me.
Do you have personal memories of Pokémon?
I have clear memories of being utterly captivated by the first releases of Pokémon Red and Green, playing them endlessly. The influence of Pokémon seems to be woven deep within our collective human spirit. It was astonishing for me as an adult to discover that the early games managed to portray everything from landscapes to Poké Balls using just four colors. This is truly remarkable, and it only heightened my admiration for the ingenuity of Pokémon’s creators.
Were you a Pokémon card collector as well?
Indeed! Instead of primarily using Pokémon cards for the game, I appreciated them more as artistic pieces. With innovative design methods from their time, they’re stunningly beautiful. Glimpsing at my card holder would bring a smile to my face, thinking these were the first artworks that kids could possess.
How did you feel about collaborating with Pokémon Trading Card Game?
The unique charm of Pokémon lies in its ability to instantly captivate kids as soon as they understand it. In contrast, chefs and producers are grappling with difficulties like a lack of future talent. This partnership offered a chance to demonstrate the potential of culinary professions. Having my name on a Pokémon card serves as an inspiration for children and upcoming generations about the joys of being a chef, which is the true essence of this collaboration.
In your previous endeavors, you’ve worked with both fashion brands and artists. Could you tell us what’s most important to you when taking on such projects?
As a dedicated gamer, I know that shared comprehension is key. Sticking a logo on something isn’t enough for discerning gamers; instead, I strive to craft experiences that blend my enthusiasm and admiration for my collaborators into a harmonious whole. I only get involved in projects where I can truly grasp the subject matter. The Pokémon team is made up of individuals who have grown alongside Pokémon, just like the creatures themselves. This inspires me to delve deep into the world of Pokémon to meet their high expectations.
Do you think about your own “evolution”?
Absolutely, I strive for consistency. But when it comes to culinary artistry, it’s not about imposing my personal preferences, rather about catering to a diverse range of guests worldwide. Making someone’s special occasion uncomfortable is inconceivable. This challenge fuels my development and growth, pushing me to adapt further. In the future, I aspire to be as versatile and powerful as Mewtwo—a symbol of strength in my mind (smiles).
Natsuko Shoji, born in Tokyo in 1989, completed her culinary education at Komaba Gakuen High School. Later, she honed her skills at prestigious restaurants like Le Jeu de l’Assiette and Florilège. At just 24 years old, she launched été as a patisserie, earning acclaim for her intricate mango tart resembling a jewel box. In 2015, época transformed into an exclusive one-table restaurant. Natsuko Shoji was recognized as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef in 2020 and the Best Female Chef in 2022.
Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions: Launching on January 17th, 2025
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2024-12-20 17:56