The State Bank of Pakistan Museum & Art Gallery has unveiled the Yokai Parade – Supernatural Monsters from Japan exhibition, a traveling showcase of Japanese folklore monsters, or Yokai, curated by the Japan Foundation. Organized in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, the State Bank Museum, and the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), Sindh, the exhibit highlights a unique cultural exchange between Japan and Pakistan. Curated by Yumoto Kōichi, Director Emeritus of the Yumoto Kōichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum, the exhibition presents over 80 captivating works depicting Yokai, from ancient scrolls to modern interpretations, covering four themed chapters. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts, including picture scrolls, multi-colored Nishiki-e woodblock prints, statues, and books, tracing the evolution of Yokai depictions from Japan’s Edo period to the present day. The exhibit will run until October 30, 2024. Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, emphasized Pakistan’s deep interest in Japanese culture, noting the exhibition as an enriching experience for local audiences. Consul General of Japan, Hattori Masaru, expressed his delight at the warm reception, describing the exhibit as a journey into Japan’s supernatural heritage, highlighting Yokai’s influence in both ancient and contemporary Japanese media.
