To introduce the fascinating and rich cultural heritage of Japan, the Japan Foundation’s travelling exhibition “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan” opens at the Lahore Arts Council Art Museum from September 23rd to October 3rd to unveil a unique glimpse into the rich and vibrant ancient Japanese folklore culture to the viewers in Pakistan. Yokai are Japanese folkloric imaginary monsters such as demons, ghosts that have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries and has long been a part of Japanese folklore tales, embodying supernatural powers that invoke senses of mystery, surprise and fear. H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated the exhibition on Tuesday, September 24 in the presence of distinguished guests as well as the art and culture enthusiasts.

The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan has organized this exhibition in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Foundation Trust and the Lahore Arts Council. This remarkable exhibition, curated by Yumoto Koichi, (Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial, JAPAN YOKAI MUSEUM), features 84 Yokai artworks and focuses on the “popularization” of these Yokai and invites the viewers to venture into and explore their profound world of mystery. The exhibition introduces the diverse and imaginative depictions of Yokai (Japanese folkloric imaginary monsters) throughout Japanese history, from traditional woodblock prints to contemporary interpretations through picture scrolls, multi-coloured Japanese woodblock print, books as well as a diverse range of media, including toys and films.

In the past, Yokai invoked a sense of mystery, surprise and fear but as technology developed, Yokai gradually evolved from objects of fear to charming and friendly beings and are found in present-day manga comics, movies, anime and character based games such as "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", Pokémon (pocket monster). In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador WADA expressed his great pleasure to be in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, to share the spiritual world of the Japanese people through the exhibition of Yokai.

“In Pakistan, when people think of Japan, they often imagine automobiles, electrical products, and animation. Our objective in presenting this exhibition is to give visitors a glimpse of the distinctive sensibilities of the Japanese people through the unique exhibits” Said the Ambassador. While mentioning the cultural similarities between the two peoples, Ambassador WADA said that the existence of fairies and ghosts is also mentioned in Pakistani folklore as it is prevalent in Japanese society . He invited the Pakistani viewers to compare such supernatural beings in Pakistan and Japan through this exhibition. The Ambassador expressed his belief that understanding the cultures which flow through each other's folklore will enhance mutual understanding between Pakistan and Japan.

Ambassador WADA expressed his appreciation to Ms. Sara Rashid, Executive Director Lahore Arts Council and Ms. Saba Hussain, Chairman Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, for extending their collaboration in arranging this exhibition at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra. The exhibition is open till October 3rd, 2024 for public viewing .

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)