Daily Times

The Japan Foundation’s highly anticipated exhibition, “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan,” opened on Wednesday at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra.

From September 23 to October 3, this remarkable showcase offers the public an immersive experience of Japan’s folklore, highlighting the enigmatic creatures known as Yokai-mysterious supernatural beings that have captivated imaginations for centuries.

In welcoming the esteemed guests, Executive Director Alhamra, Sarah Rashid, expressed her pride in hosting the exhibition, emphasising the unique opportunity for cultural exchange. “We are pleased to welcome the esteemed Ambassador of Japan and our distinguished guests. Alhamra stands as a beacon of cultural exchange and today’s exhibition offers the Pakistani audience a privileged chance to explore the rich and fantastical world of Japanese folklore.

Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, officially inaugurated the exhibition. In attendance were Shazia Rizwan, Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Culture and other notable figures, including Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed, Chairperson of Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, Saba Hussain and others.

Ambassador WADA thanked Alhamra for their support and noted that this exhibition deepens the connection between Pakistan and Japan through a shared cultural dialogue. He invited visitors to discover similarities in folklore, such as the existence of spirits and ghosts in both cultures.

The exhibition, curated by Yumoto Koichi, features 84 Yokai artworks, from traditional Japanese woodblock prints to modern interpretations through multimedia such as films and toys. Once viewed as fearsome spirits, Yokai has transformed into charming characters, now seen in popular culture like manga and anime, including “Demon Slayer” and “Pokémon.” This evolution is sure to intrigue the audience.