Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, there are few events...
However, since it's summer vacation, I want to enjoy something nearby.
At such times, I noticed the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History is holding the 31st Special Exhibition "Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History."
Can you see the talked-about "Mermaid Mummy" in person?
Thinking that such an opportunity is rare, I decided to visit.
Overview of the 31st Special Exhibition "Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History"
The 31st Special Exhibition "Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History" is being held at the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History from July 16 to September 25, 2022.
Exhibits include yokai related to Okayama, such as Oni, Kappa, and Sunekosuri.
It is organized by the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History and the Satosho Town Library.
The admission fees are as follows:
- General: 150 yen
- University students: 50 yen
- High school students and younger / 65 years and older: Free
High school and university students should remember to bring their student ID.
On September 11, 2022, a "Yokai Exhibition Explanation Meeting" will also be held.
I visited the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History
Upon arriving at the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History, I purchased a ticket and entered to be greeted by a Naumann Elephant.
It starts moving when you pass in front of the sensor.
Additionally, you can also hear its sounds, allowing you to feel the power of the Naumann Elephant.
The Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition is located in the special exhibition room on the third floor, so I detoured to the fossil, animal, and insect corner on the second floor, as well as the plant corner on the third floor.
There were many exhibits, including taxidermy of animals collected in Okayama and specimens of insects from around the world.
You can also take photos in these corners.
And finally, I arrived at the venue of the Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition on the third floor.
The following items were on display:
- Books and taxidermy related to yokai
- Introduction posters for yokai related to Okayama, such as Kudan, Oni, and Suiton
Photography is prohibited inside the venue, so I couldn't take any pictures, but books featuring the displayed posters are available for sale at the reception for 920 yen (tax included).
If you want to keep a record, please consider it.
Mermaid Mummy (owned by Enjuin)
Many families with children visited the Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition, but especially many people gathered around the "Mermaid Mummy."
The "Mermaid Mummy" is owned by Enjuin located in Kamogata, Asakuchi City, and is currently being researched by Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.
Research has revealed that the surface of the mermaid's body hair has cuticles and that there are scales on the upper body.
In addition to the one displayed this time, there are reportedly two other mermaid mummies, making a total of three preserved in Okayama Prefecture.
Why not take this opportunity to see the real thing?
A game to find 16 types of yokai hidden in the museum
A mini-event was also held to find 16 types of yokai hidden within the Museum of Natural History.
The yokai are scattered on the walls from the first to the third floor.
They are hidden in places that are easy to overlook, such as gaps between shelves and walls, making it surprisingly difficult.
In fact, I wandered around the museum without being able to find the last one, and eventually gave up and went home (laughs).
When you find them, they tell you their names, leading to new discoveries, which was fun.
It's also nice that the yokai speak Okayama dialect.
For those who will visit in the future, please aim to complete the collection!
Conclusion
At the "Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History," you can feel closer to yokai by introducing places in Okayama Prefecture where yokai sightings have been reported, as well as mountains and stones that appear in legends.
Additionally, you can take a close look at the mermaid mummy, including details like body hair and scales.
Furthermore, the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History has various exhibits, including fossils, taxidermy of animals, and specimens of insects from around the world.
There are many interactive exhibits where you can press buttons to hear insect sounds or take photos while riding dinosaurs, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
How about visiting the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History at least once during the summer vacation?
Data on the Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History
| Name | Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History |
|---|---|
| Dates | Exhibition period: July 16 to September 25, 2022 Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM) Closed: Mondays (except when a public holiday or substitute holiday falls on a Monday, in which case it will be closed the following day) |
| Location | 2-6-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission fees (tax included) | General: 150 yen University students: 50 yen High school students and younger / 65 years and older: Free (high school and university students must present a student ID or equivalent; those 65 and older must present proof of age) *Cash only *Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are free |
| Website | 31st Special Exhibition "Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History" |
