#Japan #Tokyo #Azabudai Hills #Yokai Museum #POP YOKAI

A Yokai Takeover at Azabudai Hills' Ogaki Bookstore

In an enchanting celebration of Japanese folklore, the Yokai Museum from Shodoshima, Kagawa, is taking over the entire Ogaki Bookstore at Azabudai Hills from May 3 to June 1, 2025. This event coincides with the launch of their art book, POP YOKAI: Contemporary Character Art of Japan, which aims to introduce the rich Yokai culture of Japan to the world.

The event aims to create an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to engage with Yokai in a fascinating and interactive way. The entire floor of the bookstore will become a vibrant display of Yokai-themed art, literature, and activities.

Evening Adventures: Nighttime Yokai Hunting

One of the most thrilling highlights of the event is the nighttime haunted experience called 'Yokai Hunt at the Night Bookstore', which will take place every weekend during the event, including the Golden Week holidays. Participants are invited to explore the darkened bookstore equipped with headlamps, searching for mischievous Yokai that have leaped from the pages of books. Each discovery will lead to an enchantment process to seal them away. Families are encouraged to join for a delightful adventure that promises to stir excitement in both children and adults.

In addition, from May 3 to May 6, actual Yokai cosplayers will be present in the bookstore to greet and take pictures with visitors, further bringing the folklore to life. This engaging interaction with these whimsical characters is sure to captivate the imagination.

Special Events and Appearances

The event will also host a range of special activities, including a talk show featuring Goichi Yumoto, an esteemed scholar and the honorary curator of the Michi no Hito Monster Museum. This exciting discussion, set for May 18, is anticipated to delve deeply into the themes of Yokai collection and culture. Furthermore, a special art exhibit, Tadakazu Yagyu's 'Hyakki Mamimami', will showcase original artworks featured in the POP YOKAI book, with a chance to purchase exclusive pieces.

From live paint sessions to a special Yokai Bar event where visitors can request drawings of their favorite Yokai, there are numerous opportunities to engage with this captivating culture. Each session will include illustrative storytelling related to these mythical beings.

As Yokai enthusiasts and newcomers alike gather at Ogaki Bookstore during this event, the aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can discover the contemporary relevance of Yokai. The bookstore itself, defined by its concept of connecting people with books, provides a lovely backdrop, complete with a café and art zone, enhancing the overall experience.

The POP YOKAI book serves as a central piece of this celebration. Described as a well-rounded exploration of Yokai history and modern interpretations, it contains a wealth of illustrations and narratives designed to captivate a global audience. The book will launch officially in Japan on September 18, 2024, with international editions to follow later.

The Yokai Museum, with its collection of over 900 Yokai figures, plays a pivotal role in nurturing this fascinating piece of Japanese culture. Hosting events like these is essential in continuing to share Yokai art and stories with both local and international communities, highlighting its significance in modern culture.

As summer approaches, embrace this opportunity to dive deep into Japan's spiritual and artistic heritage; join us at Azabudai Hills as the Yokai come alive in this transformative bookstore event!