Moving Yokai Exhibition Tokyo: Immersive Digital Art in 2026

Starting March 27, 2026, Tennozu’s Terada Soko G1 Building will host the much‑anticipated Moving Yokai Exhibition TOKYO: Imagination of Japan, a first‑of‑its‑kind immersive digital art museum that fuses centuries of yokai imagery with state‑of‑the‑art projection and sculptural work. 

Produced by HITOHATA, INC. and presented by the Moving Yokai Exhibition TOKYO Executive Committee, the show runs through June 28, 2026 and promises playful chills and interactive wonder for visitors of all ages.

The exhibition transforms classical yokai artwork, from Hyakki Yagyō scrolls and Hyaku Monogatari tales to ukiyo‑e prints and caricatures of oni (ogre/demon-like beings), tengu (bird‑like mountain spirits, part trickster/part warrior), kappa (river-dwelling water monsters), and tsukumogami (household objects that become animated spirits after long use), into kinetic, three‑dimensional experiences.

Using 3DCG, projection mapping, holographic screens and meticulously crafted sculptures, the show animates the humor, mischief and mystery of Japan’s most beloved supernatural figures. Curatorial partners include Nishio City Iwase Bunko (a rare‑books museum) and the Shodoshima Yokai Museum, which help provide historical context alongside the high‑tech spectacle.

Immersive Projection Rooms

Large‑scale 3DCG and projection mapping transform classic yokai scenes into moving, enveloping tableaux, walls, floors and ceilings become shifting stages where brushstrokes spring to life.

Expect layered visual effects, synchronized sound design, and moments of surprise as silhouettes and spirits glide around you.

These rooms are ideal for dramatic photos and short video clips; try a slow‑motion clip or a wide‑angle shot to capture the full scale. 

Life‑Size Sculptures

Stand face‑to‑face with meticulously crafted, life‑size renditions of iconic yokai. Each sculpture emphasizes texture and expression, from the rough hide of an oni to the lacquered shell of a sazae‑oni — so you can appreciate how traditional imagery translates into tangible form. 

Many pieces include subtle animatronic or lighting effects, giving sculptures a breath‑like presence. (Note: for preservation and safety, please follow the no‑touch signage; staff photo‑zones will be provided.)

Historical Treasures on Display

Original prints, scrolls and yokai paintings, including rare ukiyo‑e by renowned artists, are exhibited with clear, visitor‑friendly labels and short audio explanations in Japanese and English. 

Curatorial notes place each work in context: the story behind the image, its social or satirical intent, and how the motif evolved into today’s pop culture (anime, games, fashion). These displays balance scholarly insight with accessible storytelling for curious visitors.

Interactive Zones for Families

Hands‑on installations invite children to become part of the yokai story without relying on language: motion sensors that trigger playful projections, touch‑safe tactile panels to explore creature textures, and simple AR stations that let kids place a digital yokai in a photo. 

Meanwhile, seating nooks and simplified exhibit paths let older visitors and caregivers rest and absorb the cultural displays at their own pace. 

Yokai Greetings and Parades

Costumed yokai roam the galleries on scheduled days, serving as the exhibition’s live highlights. On weekends, Golden Week, and Obon, visitors can enjoy photo-friendly encounters with life-size tengu, kappa, and zashiki-warashi.

For those seeking a thrill, Saturdays and Golden Week evenings feature Extra-Scary parades, where the lineup expands to include more menacing creatures such as the sazae-oni and kamanari.

Yokai Exhibition TOKYO: Imagination of Japan

Dates: March 27 – June 28, 2026
Location: Terada Soko G1 Building, Tennozu, Shinagawa, Tokyo.
Hours: 9:30–20:00 (last admission 19:30); final day closes at 17:00 (last admission 16:30).
Tickets
Advance sale period: January 30, 2026 at 10:00 — March 26, 2026
Same‑day sales: March 27, 2026 00:00 — June 28, 2026 16:30 (same‑day tickets also available at the venue ticket machine; cash only).
Prices (advance / same day):
Adult: 2,400 yen / 2,600 yen
Student (high / university / vocational): 1,600 yen / 1,800 yen
Child (4 years–junior high): 700 yen / 800 yen
Senior (65+): 2,300 yen / 2,500 yen
Kimono / yukata discount: 100 yen off same‑day venue ticket for visitors wearing kimono, yukata, or other traditional Japanese dress, purchase at the venue ticket machine; applies to the wearer only and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Official Website: https://www.yokaiimmersive.com/tokyo/en

Whether you’re a folklore fan, digital‑art enthusiast or just looking for a uniquely Japanese cultural outing, Moving Yokai Exhibition TOKYO offers an energetic, occasionally eerie and always entertaining journey into the world of yokai. Don your kimono or yukata for a small discount — and prepare to be followed home by a mischievous memory or two.
Information and photo source: PR Times