[Obuse Hokusai Museum] Enjoy Hokusai's Scary Paintings! Special Exhibition "Ukiyo-e Hyaku Monogatari: Spine-Chilling Hokusai" Runs from June 17 (Wed) to July 26 (Sun)

Katsushika Hokusai "Severed Head"

Hokusai depicted various ghosts and yokai, primarily in book illustrations. This exhibition recreates the atmosphere of a "Hyaku Monogatari" (a gathering to tell ghost stories), a popular pastime in the Edo period when Hokusai was active. It introduces many works related to ghosts, yokai, mysterious tales, and stories of karmic retribution. Furthermore, it focuses on "fear," an essential element of ghost stories, and presents works that evoke a sense of terror. Please come and enjoy Hokusai's spine-chilling paintings to cool down.

Ukiyo-e Hyaku Monogatari: Spine-Chilling Hokusai

[Period] Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Sunday, July 26, 2026

[Hours] 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)

[Venue] Hokusai Museum (485 Obuse, Obuse-machi, Kamitakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture)

[Admission] Adults: 1,200 yen, High School/University Students: 500 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students: 300 yen

[Closed] Open every day during the exhibition period

Special website here

Highlights

1. Various Ghost Stories Depicted by Hokusai

Many of the books Hokusai illustrated actually contained ghost stories. The exhibition introduces a variety of tales, from stories centered on ghost stories like "Kinsei Kaidan Shimo-yo no Hoshi," where a woman named Osa who died a violent death becomes a curse, to essay collections like "Hokuetsu Kitan," which gather local mysterious tales and ghost stories.

Written by Ryutei Tanehiko, Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai "Kinsei Kaidan Shimo-yo no Hoshi, Vol. 4: Osa's Curse and the Frightened Villagers"

Written by Kyokutei Bakin, Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai "Shinrui Gedatsu Monogatari, Vol. 5: The Insect Living in the Moss"

2. A Wide Variety of Ghosts

Hokusai also painted many ghosts, who often play leading roles in ghost stories.

The exhibition displays works depicting various ghosts, such as vengeful spirits and sorrowful apparitions.

Written by Koeda Shigeru, Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai "Keishima Rireki Matsuo Monogatari, Vol. 2: Yokobue's Vengeful Spirit Yearns for Her Husband"

Written by Koeda Shigeru, Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai "Kanto Yawa Oguri Gaiden, Vol. 10: A Couple Sees a Ghost in Their Bedroom"

3. Terrifying yet Humorous Yokai

Yokai, which frequently appear in ghost stories, range from the amusing ones depicted in "Hokusai Manga" to terrifying ones like the man-eating baboon. This exhibition showcases various yokai drawn by Hokusai, including kappa, kamaitachi, tengu, nue, rokurokubi, and oni.

Katsushika Hokusai "Hokusai Manga, Vol. 12: Rokurokubi"

Written by Shinroku-tei, Illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai "In-yo Sedaizan, Vol. 4: Prince Yoshino Tests the Courage of Shark Seven"

Events

Gallery Talk by Curator

Dates: 1st session: Saturday, July 4 / 2nd session: Sunday, July 19

Venue: Inside the Hokusai Museum exhibition hall (meeting point: hallway in front of the video hall)

Time: From 2:00 PM

Fee: Free (admission fee required)

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Hokusai Museum Official Website

https://hokusai-kan.com/

Hokusai Museum 50th Anniversary Special Website

https://50th.hokusai-kan.com/

Contact

Hokusai Museum (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) TEL. 026-247-5206