Yokai Exhibition NAGOYA: A Journey into Japan's Supernatural
From July 19 to September 23, 2025,
Nagoya will host the
Yokai Exhibition NAGOYA, a thrilling art event designed to captivate both adults and children. This immersive digital art museum will showcase the rich tradition of Japanese Yokai (supernatural creatures) through cutting-edge visual technology and three-dimensional sculptures.
Produced by
Hitohata, Inc., this exhibition will be held at the Kanayama South Building Museum (formerly the Nagoya Boston Museum of Fine Arts) in Aichi Prefecture. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can purchase special ticket packages in collaboration with
Nagoya Railroad, which will include round-trip train tickets, entry passes, exclusive coupons, and original merchandise. This initiative allows attendees to conveniently enjoy the exhibition experience with added benefits.
The exhibition takes inspiration from various artworks created during the Edo and Meiji periods, featuring iconic works such as the
Hyakki Yagyō and
Hundred Tales. As visitors step into this immersive environment, they will not just witness Yokai; they will interact with them through dynamic 3D computer graphics, projection mapping, and holographic displays. This multi-sensory experience aims to breathe life into these creatures, making them a tangible part of the visitor's experience.
In collaboration with significant institutions such as the
Iwakura Library and the Yokai Museum in Shodoshima, the exhibition also provides insightful commentary on Yokai culture, exploring how these mythical figures have influenced modern pop culture. By bridging the historical with the contemporary, the exhibition reveals the enduring appeal of these fascinating creatures.
Key Features of the Exhibition:
1. Immersive Three-Dimensional Experiences
Visitors can engage in an interactive, dynamic environment where
Yokai come alive. With the use of advanced technologies, attendees will find themselves in a space that feels both whimsical and eerie, as they participate in activities like taking photos with their favorite creatures and becoming part of a living artwork.
2. Encounter Realistic Sculptures
Not just limited to screens, the exhibition displays life-like sculptures of notorious Yokai characters, including
Oni,
Tengu, and
Kappa. The attention to detail in these sculptures ensures that visitors can experience their unique traits and stories up close.
3. Educational Insights into Yokai Culture
Museum-goers will have the opportunity to explore the narratives of Yokai, enriched by displays of rare prints from the Edo and Meiji periods. Experts will present their knowledge of the cultural significance of each artwork, furthering the narrative around how Yokai have transitioned into modern-day art and culture.
4. A Fun Experience for Everyone
The exhibition is designed to be inclusive, with activities suitable for individuals of all ages, including interactive digital art experiences that will engage young children. There will also be designated areas for seniors to comfortably enjoy the displays, with content provided in both Japanese and English to cater to international visitors.
Special Collaborative Tours
In addition to the exhibition, there will be exclusive tours organized in partnership with
Dai Nagoya Tours. These two special events offer unique experiences:
1.
Nagoya Ghost Stories and Oddities Walking Tour
- Date: August 9
- Duration: 16:30 – 18:30
- Fee: 3,000 yen
2.
Night Museum with a Yokai Teacher
- Date: August 16
- Duration: 20:00 – 21:30
- Fee: 3,000 yen
- This tour gives access to exclusive parts of the exhibition after-hours, providing deeper discussions about Yokai with experts.
Ticket Information
Pre-sale tickets will be available from May 23, 2025, through July 18, 2025, with pricing set at:
- - Adults: 2,000 yen (3,500 yen ticket on the day)
- - Students: 1,300 yen (1,500 yen on the day)
- - Children (4-12): 600 yen (700 yen on the day)
- - Seniors (65+): 1,700 yen (1,900 yen on the day)
For more details, check the official website
Yokai Exhibition. This summer, delve into a world of wonder and learn about the mystical Yokai like never before! Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, the
Yokai Exhibition NAGOYA promises a memorable blend of culture, technology, and fun.