Demons have taken over the National Cultural Treasure steps at the Hotel Gajoen, where their gallery curators have whipped up a show riffing off the Japanese summertime tradition of telling ghost stories that send a chill up your spine. These playfully scary oni deliver more delight than jump scare, as their artists present a unique perspective on Japanese things that go bump in the night.
From bewitching fox spirits having a drink (at a bar that fits right in with the period splendor of the Hykudan Kaidan’s lushly painted and paneled rooms)…
to diabolically chonky skeleton cats…
to demonic versions of usually-demure kokeshi dolls…
the Gajoen Gallery showcases artists use traditional techniques to deliver a fresh new take on old ghosts. Some of them reimagine children’s toys with a deliciously dark twist…
while others construct truly ingenious pieces like this one, where its shadow is the art and the wire frame sculpture merely the delivery device.
The rooms themselves are a work of art, and even when occupied by a glowing, larger-than-life nebuta float, they still hold their own.
As always, there’s one room showcasing work by artists represented in the store that beckons visitors in at the end, and even though it has little to do with the exhibition theme, it’s always exquisite and worth a look. This inlaid lacquer box, for example, overflowing with plum blossom kanzashi flowers…
and this kimono completely covered in hand beading…
are among the jaw-dropped treasures on display.
Many of the pieces in this show are for sale, and instructions for entering the lottery to bid on them after the show closes are posted in one of the rooms.
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If you’re in Tokyo, go see this show QUICK before it closes on September 23, 2025!
Wanoakari X Hyakudan Kaidanhttps://en.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/exhibition/wanoakari-x-hyakudan-kaidan-2025/ at the Hotel Gajoen
Open: Every day until September 23, 2025
Hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Admission: Adults ¥1800
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You cannot imagine how welcome your posts are. Many of us are mired down
Claudia, you made my day! If I can lift the spirits of one person with a little fun thing about Japan, my work here is done. Thank you for enjoying my posts enough to take the time to make such a thoughtful comment!