'The Summer of Mononoke (Specters): Ghosts and Yokai in Edo Culture'

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF JAPANESE HISTORY

Utagawa Kuniyoshi's "Ghost of Executed Asakura Togo Tormenting Lord Orikoshi Masatomo" from the kabuki play "Higashiyama Sakura Soshi" (1851) | NATIONAL MUSEUM OF JAPANESE HISTORY

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), stories of the supernatural boomed in the entertainment industry. Ghosts often appeared in kabuki plays, while yōkai (spirits and monsters) became popular subjects in artworks and prints.

This exhibition showcases eerie masterpieces selected from the National Museum of Japanese History, which houses one of the largest collections of of historical ghost, yokai and other folklore-related artworks in Japan. Highlights include “Night Procession of One Hundred Demons” (ca. 1684) by Kano Toun Masunobu; Kitagawa Utamaro’s “Napping Boy Dreaming of Monsters” (ca. 1800); and “The Earth Spider Conjuring-up Monsters in the Residence of Minamoto no Yorimitsu” (1843) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

National Museum of Japanese History; 117 Jonai-cho, Sakura, Chiba. Keisei-Sakura Stn. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥600. Closed Mon. 03-5777-8600; www.rekihaku.ac.jp

Ticket Giveaway: We have five pairs of tickets to “The Summer of Mononoke (Specters): Ghosts and Yokai in Edo Culture” at the National Museum of Japanese History to give to readers. The ticket giveaway is now online only. To apply, visit http://jtimes.jp/tickets. Deadline: July 30.