'Yokai parade' at Sabah Art Gallery (Dec 16, 2023 - February 4, 2024)

"Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan" exhibition is concluding its final leg of show at Sabah Art Gallery after successful events in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. 

In collaboration with the Japan Foundation and curated by Yumoto Koichi, the Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Koichi Memorial JAPAN YOKAI MUSEUM (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum), this captivating exhibition unveils the rich Yokai culture deeply ingrained in Japanese history. From its earliest depictions in picture scrolls to the intricate Nishiki-e ("brocade picture") woodblock prints, the showcase explores the evolution of Yokai imagery.

As the Yokai transitioned across various media, including books and toys, the exhibition traces its transformation from a source of fear to an endearing and approachable presence, eventually gaining widespread popularity.

Through a diverse collection, the exhibition not only highlights the historical journey of Yokai but also emphasizes its enduring charm in contemporary culture, where it continues to captivate and stimulate the imagination of audiences. Dive into the world of Yokai and discover how this cultural phenomenon has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of Japanese heritage.

      AMABIE- CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

Amabie, which is a legendary Japanese mermaid or merman with a bird-beak like mouth and three-legged, has become a popular topic on X in Japan during Covid-19 pandemic. The creature is said to be "a new coronavirus countermeasure" in late February 2020. 

According to Wikipedia, as the creature emerged from the sea, it is either a symbolic of an abundant harvest or an epidemic and instructed people to make copies of its likeness to defend against illness.