In today’s world overflowing with collaboration projects, only a few can genuinely excite Hypebeast readers. But here’s some great news for you—Pokémon Trading Card Game is teaming up with Natsuko Shoji of été.

As of March 2024, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has manufactured over 64.8 billion cards and remains a globally recognized trading card game beloved by children and adults alike. Meanwhile, Natsuko Shoji has been partnering with world-renowned artists and brands such as Takashi Murakami, Girls Don’t Cry, and Tomo Koizumi. As the first Japanese woman to win the “Best Female Chef Award” in the 2022 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, she is a culinary pioneer shaping the next generation of the industry.

For the next Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions, releasing around the world beginning Jan. 17, 2025, Shoji has designed a unique Eevee card appearing as a Stellar Tera Pokémon ex. In the Pokémon world, the Terastal phenomenon allows Pokémon to shine like jewels, gaining special powers (in the Trading Card Game, Stellar Tera Pokémon ex cannot take damage from attacks while on the Bench). The card features a tart Shoji created, inspired by the dazzling “Stellar Terra” theme. This marks the first time a chef has contributed artwork for the globally adored Pokémon cards. To commemorate this historic moment, Hypebeast conducted an exclusive interview with Shoji to uncover the story behind the collaboration.

Hypebeast: How did this collaboration with the Pokémon Trading Card Game come about?

Mr. Tsunekazu Ishihara, the President of The Pokémon Company, became a fan of été and visited several times with important guests. I believe it was in 2022 when he came with members of Creatures Inc., the developers of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. They were deeply moved by the dishes, which sparked the idea of wanting to create something meaningful together. That was the starting point of this collaboration.

Why was Eevee chosen out of over 1,000 Pokémon, and what led to it being featured in a Pokémon TCG expansion?

Initially, I thought Pikachu would be a good choice since its color palette matched été’s signature Fleur de été mango rose tart. However, the development team proposed a very special card—a Stellar Tera Eevee ex card, to be featured in the highly anticipated Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions expansion—and I instantly knew this was the perfect choice.

What were your inspirations and approach to creating the tart based on the “Terastal” theme?

The tart was inspired by the sparkling gem-like “Terastal Jewel” on Eevee’s head. I’ve always seen fruits as jewels, making this theme an ideal match for me. I selected seven types of fruits to reflect the brilliance of Terastal jewels, carving them with a diamond-cut style to pay homage to the concept. Balancing the design while preserving each fruit’s natural flavor and texture was essential. Interestingly, the tart I created for this collaboration became something entirely new, even for me.

Were there any memorable requests from the team at Creatures Inc.?

The phrase “something unprecedented” left a strong impression on me. Although it was challenging, their dedication to maintaining top-notch quality inspired me to push myself further.

In your culinary work, when do you experience moments of brilliance or inspiration, similar to “the Terastal phenomenon”?

I see Japanese ingredients themselves as jewels. While I shape them into my creations, I hold deep respect for Japan’s natural resources and producers. This collaboration further highlighted that brilliance for me.

Do you have personal memories of Pokémon?

I vividly remember being completely immersed in the original Pokémon Red and Green games, playing them non-stop. Pokémon is embedded in the DNA of all humankind. As an adult, I was amazed to learn that the early games expressed everything—from forests to Poké Balls—using only four colors. It’s an extraordinary feat, and it made me even more appreciative of Pokémon’s creativity.

Were you a Pokémon card collector as well?

Absolutely! I collected Pokémon cards not so much to play the game, but as pieces of art. They incorporate cutting-edge techniques of their era and are truly beautiful. I’d admire my card holder and smile to myself, thinking these were the first pieces of art that children could own.

How did you feel about collaborating with Pokémon Trading Card Game?

What makes Pokémon so incredible is how it naturally captivates children from the moment they can comprehend it. On the other hand, chefs and producers are facing challenges such as a shortage of successors. Through this collaboration, I saw an opportunity to show the potential of the chef’s profession. Seeing my name on a Pokémon card is a chance to inspire children and younger generations about the joys of being a chef. That’s the real meaning behind this collaboration.

You’ve collaborated with fashion brands and artists in the past. What is essential to you in these projects?

Mutual understanding is crucial. It’s not about simply placing été’s logo on something. To resonate with sophisticated audiences, I must create works that combine my passion and respect for my collaborators into a single piece of art. I never take on projects where I cannot fully understand the subject. The Pokémon team is filled with people who’ve grown up alongside Pokémon and evolved with it, much like the Pokémon themselves. This motivated me to learn as much as I could about Pokémon to meet their expectations.

Do you think about your own “evolution”?

Yes, constantly. However, in culinary creation, it’s not about imposing my values but about considering how to provide a comfortable experience for guests from all over the world. Creating an unpleasant experience on someone’s special day is unthinkable. While challenging, this effort drives my growth. I must continue evolving. Someday, I’d like to be like Mewtwo—the strongest in my mind (laughs).

About Natsuko Shoji
Born in Tokyo in 1989, Shoji graduated from Komaba Gakuen High School’s Culinary Department before training at renowned restaurants such as Le Jeu de l’Assiette and Florilège. She opened été as a patisserie in 2014 at the age of 24, gaining fame for her jewel-box-like mango tart. The following year, été transitioned into an exclusive one-table restaurant. Shoji was awarded the Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award in 2020 and the Best Female Chef Award in 2022.

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions
Release Date: Jan. 17, 2025
Special Website: Pokemon.com/TCG