Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition
January 21 @ 11:30 am - 4:30 pm EST
An event every week that begins at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until March 6th, 2025
An event every week that begins at 11:30 am on Thursday, repeating until March 6th, 2025
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Transformation from Historical Flat Images to Contemporary 3-Dimensional Figures by Kaiyōdō
Transformation from Historical Flat Images to Contemporary 3-Dimensional Figures by KaiyōdōNetsuke: Miniature sculpted figures / Toggles to hang personal items on an obi sash.
Yōkai: Monsters, spirits, deities, demons, goblins, ghosts, imaginative animals, and all manner of mysterious occurrences.
In 2001, the images from Hyakkiyagyō (Demon Horde’s Night Parade) pictorial book series, published from 1776 to 1784, were transformed to the Yōkai Netskue resin figures by Kaiyōdō Co. Ltd. which came to the public in boxes of sweets. Consisting of 25 species each, in three different styles (multi-coloured, red-lacquer, and jade), these 75 figures in total are central to this exhibition, demonstrating soaring imagination from flat to 3D, and from monochrome to colour.
The Yōkai theme of Kaiyōdō expanded into multiple series of Yōkai in their Gashapon vending-machine miniature figures, such as Hokusai and Ge-Ge-Ge no Kitarō.
Exquisite techniques and imagination of the 3-dimensionalization of flat images have been developed at Kaiyōdō through their main business of figures from comics and animation, together with their various collaborations with museums in creating miniature 3D figures for their special events.
Come and experience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions.
Admission: FREE
Advanced, time-specific reservations are recommended.
Hand-sanitization at the entry and wearing face-coverings on our premises are recommended.
Gallery Hours: Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM (4:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Thursdays)
Closed on select days: November 9 (Remembrance Day weekend), December 22- January 06 (End of Year and New Year Closure), February 15-17 (Family Day weekend)
Exhibition Period: October 17, 2024 – March 6, 2025
This exhibition includes images of violence and cruelty. Viewer discretion is advised.
Library & Gallery Opening Hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11:30am to 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 11:30am to 6:30pm |
| Friday | 11:30am to 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 11:30am to 4:30pm *Closed on select Saturdays |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Related Programming:
A Letter to Momo (film screening)
Tuesday, November 12, 6:00 PM
Join us at the JFT Event Hall on November 12 for a screening of the stunning film, A Letter to Momo. Presented in conjunction with our Yōkai Netuke Exhibition, currently running in the JFT Gallery.
After the death of her father, Momo moves with her mother to a small island town. There, she encounters three mischievous yōkai, invisible to others, who try to help her cope with her loss.
Unveil the Mysteries of Yōkai and the Craftsmanship of Netsuke Figures with JFT Library’s Curated Collection!
Are you planning to visit or have already been fascinated by the JFT Gallery’s Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition? To enrich your cultural journey, we have curated library item lists on yōkai and netsuke/figures, including physical and electronic books, manga/anime, films, and more!
Whether you enjoy manga/anime featuring yōkai characters, seek engaging reads for young readers, or are curious to learn about the rich history and artistry behind these enigmatic figures, our collection has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Japanese monsters, and explore the craftsmanship behind netsuke or miniature figures that tell fascinating cultural stories. These curated library items are currently on display in our library, located right next to the gallery.
Apply for a new library card or renew your expired card here.
JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Yōkai
Thursday, November 21 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EST
Inspired by the JFT Gallery’s current exhibition, our upcoming book club meeting will explore the mysterious realm of yōkai!
Join us in person or virtually to enjoy yōkai-related books in any languages and engage in optional discussion to share your discoveries with fellow participants. Whether you are fascinated by the yōkai-inspired artworks, love yōkai characters in manga/anime, or are curious to learn about the traditional folklore, uncover the hidden stories behind these enigmatic beings!
