Lahore, (TDI): The Japan Foundation’s travelling exhibition, “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan,” opened at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra.
The captivating display, which runs until October 3, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient and vibrant folklore of Japan.
The exhibition showcases the mysterious world of Yokai—supernatural creatures from Japanese mythology—fascinating viewers with their rich history and cultural significance.
Inaugurated on Tuesday by WADA Mitsuhiro, the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, the opening ceremony was attended by prominent guests, art aficionados, and culture enthusiasts.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, the Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, and the Lahore Arts Council.
The Yokai Parade exhibition, curated by Yumoto Koichi, Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial in Japan Yokai Museum, features 84 artworks that explore the evolution of Yokai across centuries.
From traditional woodblock prints to contemporary interpretations, visitors can immerse themselves in a wide array of media including picture scrolls, toys, and films.
Once feared for their supernatural powers, Yokai have transformed over time, becoming charming figures in popular culture, appearing in manga, anime, and video games like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Pokémon.
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Ambassador WADA, while addressing the gathering, expressed his delight at presenting the spiritual dimension of Japanese culture in Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan.
“When people in Pakistan think of Japan, they often associate it with automobiles, electronics, and animation. This exhibition provides a deeper understanding of Japanese sensibilities through our folklore and its artistic representations,” he said.
Pakistan-Japan Cultural Parallels
The ambassador also drew attention to cultural parallels between Japan and Pakistan, particularly the presence of supernatural beings in both societies’ folklore.
He invited Pakistani visitors to compare these elements across cultures, emphasizing that shared folklore could foster mutual understanding between the two nations.
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Ambassador WADA extended his gratitude to Sara Rashid, Executive Director of the Lahore Arts Council, and Saba Hussain, Chairperson of the Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, for their support in hosting the exhibition at Alhamra.
