Exhibition Exploring the Mysteries of Local Shodoshima Yokai "Kaboso" to be Held at Yokai Art Museum from May 23
The Yokai Art Museum will hold a special exhibition themed around "Kaboso," a yokai from Shodoshima folklore, from May 23 to August 31, 2026. The exhibition will introduce a Kaboso appearance map, folklore episodes, and the ecology of the Japanese river otter, believed to be its true identity, exploring the connection between local nature and culture. A stamp rally will also be held for visitors to enjoy.
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The Yokai Art Museum (Director: Chubei Yagyu) will hold a special exhibition titled "I don't know about Yokai, but I know about Kaboso" from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, August 31, 2026, focusing on the Shodoshima yokai, "Kaboso."
This exhibition will delve into the mysteries of the Kaboso by introducing a map of its appearances on Shodoshima, folklore episodes from various locations, and the ecology of the Japanese river otter, which is considered to be its true form. A "Trace the Kaboso's Footprints Stamp Rally" will also be held inside the museum, providing an enjoyable learning experience for visitors.
The exhibition shines a light on fading local yokai legends. On Shodoshima, the Kaboso has been passed down not as a yokai, but as a "familiar being that can shapeshift." This is thought to be deeply connected to the island's natural environment and the lives of its people. The exhibition will feature a map organizing Kaboso appearance information and seven legends, such as "The Kaboso that Wants Bota Mochi" and "The Kaboso that Transforms into a Beautiful Girl," presented with current photos of the locations.
Focusing on the Kaboso's shapeshifting ability, the exhibition will also display sculptures of other transforming creatures like foxes and tanuki (raccoon dogs). A panel featuring a painting of the Kaboso by director Chubei Yagyu will also be on display. By examining the ecology and habits of the Japanese river otter, said to be the Kaboso's true form, the exhibition explores how people's interpretations shaped the being known as Kaboso.
Timed to coincide with World Otter Day (May 27 in 2026), the event offers a chance to consider biodiversity and the coexistence of humans and nature through the accessible lens of yokai. Through the Kaboso, modeled on the extinct Japanese river otter, the exhibition poses the question, "What is a society where yokai can also live?" from a "Nature Positive" perspective, re-examining the connection between Shodoshima's nature and culture.
This exhibition will delve into the mysteries of the Kaboso by introducing a map of its appearances on Shodoshima, folklore episodes from various locations, and the ecology of the Japanese river otter, which is considered to be its true form. A "Trace the Kaboso's Footprints Stamp Rally" will also be held inside the museum, providing an enjoyable learning experience for visitors.
The exhibition shines a light on fading local yokai legends. On Shodoshima, the Kaboso has been passed down not as a yokai, but as a "familiar being that can shapeshift." This is thought to be deeply connected to the island's natural environment and the lives of its people. The exhibition will feature a map organizing Kaboso appearance information and seven legends, such as "The Kaboso that Wants Bota Mochi" and "The Kaboso that Transforms into a Beautiful Girl," presented with current photos of the locations.
Focusing on the Kaboso's shapeshifting ability, the exhibition will also display sculptures of other transforming creatures like foxes and tanuki (raccoon dogs). A panel featuring a painting of the Kaboso by director Chubei Yagyu will also be on display. By examining the ecology and habits of the Japanese river otter, said to be the Kaboso's true form, the exhibition explores how people's interpretations shaped the being known as Kaboso.
Timed to coincide with World Otter Day (May 27 in 2026), the event offers a chance to consider biodiversity and the coexistence of humans and nature through the accessible lens of yokai. Through the Kaboso, modeled on the extinct Japanese river otter, the exhibition poses the question, "What is a society where yokai can also live?" from a "Nature Positive" perspective, re-examining the connection between Shodoshima's nature and culture.
FAQ
Where is the Kaboso exhibition on Shodoshima?
It's held at the 'Yokai Art Museum' in Tonosho Town, Kagawa Prefecture. The museum is located in an area called the 'Maze Town'.
Is this exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, it is. There's a stamp rally to trace the footsteps of the Kaboso, and participants who complete it receive an original sticker. It's a fun way to learn about nature through yokai.
Why is there an exhibition about otters?
Because the yokai called 'Kaboso' on Shodoshima is believed to be the now-extinct Japanese river otter. The exhibition explores the relationship between folklore and the actual animal to think about coexistence with nature.