This exhibition gives a comprehensive introduction to Japan’s strange apparitions. At first, viewers are told about a wide variety of specters known to people in the Edo Period (1603-1867) that were drawn as original paintings on scrolls, as well as in multicolor woodblock prints. On display are the origins of specter images: “Night Parade of a Hundred Demons” a designated Important Cultural Property, which is an emaki scroll painting housed in Shinjuan temple in Kyoto, and “Hekija-e Shin-chu,” a national treasure painting housed in the Nara National Museum. There are also various masterpieces painted before the 17th century. The last section turns the spotlight on “Yokai Watch,” a popular TV program for children, along with dogu clay dolls in the Jomon Period, so that viewers can re-examine people’s curiosity that has been captured by unusual forms that transcended their eras..

 

 

■Admission:
Adults: ¥1,350  
College and vocational students: ¥1,080 
Elementary, Junior high, High school students and seniors (65 and over): ¥680

 

■Closed:
Mon (Open on Jul 18, Aug 8, 15), Jul 19 Tue

 

 

 
Important Cultural Property, Night Parade of a Hundred Demons scroll painting (details),
Attributed to Mitsunobu Tosa
Muromachi Period (16th century)
Courtesy of Shinjuan temple, Kyoto
Exhibition period: Aug 2-28

 

Kuniyoshi Utagawa, Soma no furudairi (c. Koka Era, 1844-48)
Private Collection