In December 2025, the Oxford English Dictionary introduced the word “yokai” in its latest update, an addition that reflects the growing global fascination with these mysterious beings through manga, anime, contemporary art, and many other forms of creative expression.

This fascination is far from new. Long before the modern era, yokai were already captivating people’s imaginations. Born from humanity’s awe of nature and the anxieties of the human mind, yokai in time found their place in everyday life, where they became a familiar presence in Japanese culture.

This exhibition extends beyond pictorial artworks such as picture scrolls and nishiki-e prints. It also features clothing and personal accessories, including kimono, netsuke, and inro; toys and games such as sugoroku; everyday wares including plates and vases; and sword fittings such as tsuba and kozuka. Collectively, these exhibits invite visitors into the vibrant world of yokai, a tradition that has flourished for hundreds of years and continues to capture the imagination of audiences today.