Japanese lacquerware brand Yamada Heiando, founded more than a century ago, has expanded its Pokemon Zodiac Small Bowls collection with new Raikou and Yamper designs. Released on November 10, 2026, the series pairs character artwork with natural wood and traditional Japanese lacquering techniques to create tableware designed for children. The bowls are now available through the official online store, with prices starting at ¥22,000.
The new Raikou bowl depicts the Legendary Pokemon charging across the land, symbolizing wishes for children to grow up healthy and boldly carve out their own future. The Yamper design captures the energetic Pokemon racing along in a flash of electricity, expressing the hope that each day will be filled with vitality. Both designs are available with black or vermilion bowls, giving the character artwork a different visual impact on each color.
Yamada Heiando says every bowl is handmade by experienced artisans. The entire process—from shaping the natural wood and repeatedly applying and polishing layers of lacquer to illustrating the Pokemon with maki-e—is completed by hand. Maki-e, one of Japan's signature lacquerware decoration techniques, creates intricate designs by sprinkling gold powder onto wet lacquer.
Each bowl measures 10 centimeters in diameter and 6.3 centimeters tall. The natural wood provides thermal insulation, helping the exterior remain comfortable to hold even when the bowl contains hot soup. Its low foot also improves stability during meals, making the bowl suitable for babies and young children.
Each bowl comes with a lacquered spoon made from natural wood. Buyers can also add a personalized name of up to six characters using the same maki-e technique. According to the official website, names of up to three characters cost an additional ¥3,300, while names of four or more characters cost an additional ¥4,400.
Alongside Raikou and Yamper, the existing lineup includes Pikachu, Ekans, Dragonite, Torchic, Swinub, and Ponyta, bringing the collection to eight designs in total.
Founded in 1919, Yamada Heiando has spent more than a century producing traditional lacquerware. The company has created items for Japan's Imperial Household and overseas diplomatic missions, while also contributing lacquerware to temples and shrines across Japan. More Pokemon designs are planned for future releases.
via： 漆器 山田平安堂 WEB本店