The exhibition of Japanese art work, titled “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan,” was inaugurated formally at the Alhamra Art Centre on The Mall, Lahore. The event was jointly organized by The Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, the Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, and the Lahore Arts Council. The ceremony was presided over by Wada Mitsuhiro, who is the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan.
The exhibition is supposed
To offer unique insight into the rich and vibrant world of ancient Japanese folklore, focusing more on the mysterious Yokai, described as folkloric creatures such as demons and ghosts that have been fascinating viewers for centuries. Ambassadors were accompanied by notable guests, including Sarah Rasheed, Executive Director of LAC, and Razi Ahmed, Chairman of the LAC Board of Governors.
The name of the exhibition is “Popularizing Yokai”,
And it has been curated by Yumoto Koichi, Emeritus Director, Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum. It comprises 84 Yokai artworks, although it strongly focuses on the “popularization” of these creatures, inviting viewers to enter this mystical world. Representations of Yokai have been diverse throughout history and are shown in numerous mediums from traditional woodblock prints to contemporary art forms, and even toys and films.
In the old days, Yokai represented something fearful and mysterious; however, via the evolution of technology, their meaning changed to being somehow lovable and endearing, among what was created in the modern versions of manga, movies, and video games such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Pokémon.
Speaking at the opening remarks,
Ambassador Wada said he was really enthusiastic about the spiritual aspects of Japanese culture as expressed through the exhibition. He added that many identify Japan with automobiles and electronics, but that the exhibition reveals different sensibilities of the people of Japan.
Wada was also able to draw comparison between the Japanese and Pakistani folklore on the appearance of fairies and ghosts in the two countries. He encouraged the Pakistani visitors to look out for the different comparisons between their folklore supernatural beings and those found within Japan, thus enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
Yokai Parade could be viewed until October 3, which means people in Pakistan might get a chance to observe this fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.