USM PENANG, 10 October 2023 - Come and explore the realm of the supernatural with 'Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan' at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Museum and Gallery Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF) in cooperation with The Japan Foundation, Malaysia Institute of Art, Sabah Art Gallery and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

This travelling exhibition features creative works of Japan’s Yokai culture that has been illustrated in ancient picture scrolls and Nishiki-e (“brocade picture,” a type of Japanese multi-coloured woodblock print) since ancient times, curated by Yumoto Koichi, the Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial JAPAN YOKAI MUSEUM (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum).

MGTF USM has been chosen as the first gallery/institution to house the three-week exhibition, which will then move on to a different avenue.

 

   

As the medium evolved from picture scrolls to Nishiki-e, books, and toys, the exhibition chronicles the transformation of Yokai from a source of fear to a more endearing and approachable presence, gradually gaining familiarity among the masses. The collection also showcases the charm of Yokai culture that continues to live within the people’s imagination until today.

This captivating exhibition has caught the attention of the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu and Consul of Japan in Penang, Kobayashi Masamori.

Kawaguchi expressed his admiration, describing the exhibition as a marvelous display and extended his sincere appreciation to MGTF for their invaluable support in bringing this Japanese cultural treasure to life.

“It is hoped that this exhibition will draw in more viewers, inviting them to delve into the essence of yokai culture that has been cultivated in Japan over countless generations,” said Kawaguchi.

The exhibition is open to the public at no charge, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, on Monday till Saturday from 9 October to 28 October 2023, and featuring 84 collections of Yokai Parade works.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/ Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa