Aug. 1-Sept. 13
"Bakemono" is a Japanese term to describe imaginary monsters, which in Japan have a long history in religion and culture. Traditional festivals, for example, feature creatures such as namahage demons, as well as rituals, including shishi-mai lion dancing, and the love of monsters continues today with entertainment such as "Yokai Watch," a TV series of ghouls and goblins that is becoming increasingly popular with kids.
This exhibition explores not just Japan's bakemono, but also those in other countries. Illustrations, sculptures, masks and more offer some insight into bizarre creatures across the world. Highlights include a number of original copies of bakemono ukiyo-e prints by Kyosai Kawanabe and Yoshifuji Utagawa, who created the images with a juvenile audience in mind.
Aomori Museum of Art; 185 Chikano, Yasuta, Aomori. Shin-Aomori Stn. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,100. Closed Aug. 24. 017-783-3000; www.aomori-museum.jp/en
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