1. Parallels between the Neko Cup & Ditto

 

A Ditto adorably wobbles on the plate. This is the “Ditto Cup,” a mold capable of transforming rice, pudding, gelatin, and more into Ditto’s unique shape. This is the result of a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and H Concept Co., Ltd.

 

The idea for the Ditto Cup originated when one of our staff members came across H Concept Co., Ltd.’s Neko Cup and Koneko Cup on social media. These cups can mold everything from rice and gelatin to sand and snow into the shape of a cat.

*Neko and Koneko are the Japanese words for cat and kitten, respectively.

 

△Neko Cup (left) and Koneko Cup (right)

 

When molded in the Koneko Cup, pudding wobbles in a way that looks just like it’s dancing. Seeing this, the staff member instinctively felt that “this texture would perfectly match Ditto”. The Koneko Cup’s ability to form anything into the shape of a kitten also mirrors the nature of Ditto, the Pokémon known for its power to “transform into anything.”

 

Strongly believing that combining this product with Pokémon would become something exciting, the staff member promptly reached out to H Concept Co., Ltd. to express interest in a collaboration.

 

 

The reason behind the proposal for a collaboration also stemmed from an appreciation for H Concept Co., Ltd.’s corporate philosophy.

 

“They are a company that deeply values bringing the innovative ideas of designers to life. Not just pursuing profit, they make a wide variety of products that make daily life more enjoyable, and we really resonate with that.”

 

2. Collaboration with well-known Pokémon Trading Card Game artist, Yuka Morii

 

H Concept Co., Ltd quickly accepted the proposal to create a “Ditto Cup,” and production began soon after.

 

Another factor that led to the quick decision to proceed with this project was the involvement of sculptor Yuka Morii. Morii is the designer who created the prototype models for the Neko and Koneko Cups. Coincidentally, Morii is also the artist behind numerous 3D sculptures featured in the artwork of the Pokémon TCG. As a creator, Morii has been involved in the Pokémon universe. The staff member who reached out was surprised by the remarkable coincidence.

 

△Examples of Morii’s work on the Pokémon TCG

 

The offer from The Pokémon Company was quite unlike anything Morii had worked on before. Morii shared, “I was very happy when I heard about the offer. The last time I’d worked with Pokémon was in 2005, when I created eight Ditto sculptures for the Pokémon TCG. It’s interesting how once I sculpt a model, my hands never forget how to create it. I was able to recreate the Ditto model as if I’d made it just the day before.”

 

Typically, when creating 3D objects, supervision to maintain both the identity and artistic style of Pokémon is essential. However, this time was different. Given Morii’s extensive experience with Pokémon TCG artwork and deep familiarity with Ditto, we felt completely comfortable entrusting Morii with the work.

 

 

Eventually, the day of the prototype reveal arrived, and H Concept Co., Ltd presented a Ditto Cup filled with gelatin.

 

The staff member excitedly recounted, “The gelatin slid out of the cup and plopped onto the plate. It was exactly the Ditto I had envisioned—a dancing Ditto. The moment I saw the prototype, I knew lots of people would love it.”

 

3. Transforming imaginations

 

“I designed the Ditto Cup with excitement, wondering what unexpected uses people would come up with. I really hope it becomes an item that is cherished for years to come,” Morii shared.

 

When the Ditto Cup was released in May 2025, it sparked a surprisingly large reaction on social media. Beyond the typical pudding and gelatin creations, users began posting photos of creative variations: Ditto-shaped rice balls, ice cubes floating on somen noodles*, and more. Just as Morii had hoped, imaginative new ideas kept emerging one after another.

*A type of Japanese noodle, typically eaten cold during summer

 

The staff member remarked, “It brings me so much joy to see users continuously finding creative ways to embody the ‘become anything’ concept.”

 

 

4. Making Pokémon a part of daily life for everyone

 

During the decision-making process, the Licensing Department asks two key questions before proceeding with an idea: “Is it fun?” and “Will it widen the appeal of Pokémon?”

 

“Another important role of our department is to seek out new ways to connect with potential Pokémon fans,” explained the staff member.

 

“The presence of licensed products in everyday settings like grocery stores and retail shops will open up opportunities for people unfamiliar with Pokémon to become interested. We believe that welcoming new fans will bring us closer to our goal of ensuring that Pokémon continues to live on for many years to come.”

 

 

The Ditto Cup was born out of a fusion of Pokémon and skillful craftsmanship. In turn, Ditto is now being transformed by each person who uses it.

 

We hope that more and more people discover fun, unexpected ways to use the Ditto Cup, and that the joy of creativity continues to spread.