Auckland Council Libraries is delighted to co-host the international touring exhibition ‘Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero Auckland Central City Library from 29 September to 6 November 2022.
Yokai Parade features over 100 works which will be displayed throughout the three public floors of the library, including the Auckland Heritage Collection Gallery.
Curated by Yumoto Koichi, one of Japan’s foremost yokai (Japanese folkloric imaginary monsters) scholars, the exhibition introduces yokai culture to audiences from Tāmaki Makaurau and will include artwork from the Edo period through to the present day in a variety of media showcasing the far-reaching influence of yokai on Japanese culture.
Aucklanders will be able to take in picture scrolls, nishiki-e (multicolored Japanese woodblock print), toys and other forms of contemporary pop culture such as manga and anime. Japanese yokai have appeared in a variety of tales as characters that express supernatural powers, serving to instill surprise and fear in people. As the development of new technology brought changes to people’s lives, yokai have become less of a subject of fear, to now being viewed as a more charming and friendly presence.
The exhibition focuses on the ‘popularisation’ of these yokai, inviting viewers to explore a world of mystery. Alongside the exhibition, an exciting range of family activities, performances and events will also be on offer to make this fully interactive celebration of the diverse cultures of Tāmaki Makaurau.
‘Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan’ is organised by Auckland Council Libraries in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland and the Japan Foundation.
Supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
Part of Art in the City.
$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more.