There are few events because of the impact of COVID-19…
But it’s summer vacation, after all, and you want to have fun, even if it’s somewhere nearby.
That’s when I spotted the 31st Special Exhibition, “Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History,” being held at the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History.
Can you see the much-talked-about “mermaid mummy” in person?
I thought it was a rare opportunity, so I went to check it out.
The information provided was current when this article was published in August 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
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.
The exhibition features yokai associated with Okayama, including oni, kappa, and sunekosuri.
It is organized by the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History and Satosho Town Library.
Admission fees are as follows:
- Adults: 150 yen
- University students: 50 yen
- High school students and younger, and people aged 65 and over: Free
High school and university students should remember to bring their student ID.
A “Yokai Exhibition Guided Tour” is also scheduled to be held on September 11, 2022.
A visit to the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History
After arriving at the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History, buying a ticket, and going inside, I was greeted by a Naumann elephant.
It starts moving when you pass in front of the sensor.
It also makes a roaring sound, so you can feel the power of the Naumann elephant.
The Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition is in the special exhibition room on the third floor, so I took a detour to the fossils, animals, and insects section on the second floor and the plants section on the third floor.
There were many exhibits, including taxidermied animals collected in Okayama Prefecture and specimens of insects from around the world.
You can also take photos in these sections.
Then, at last, I arrived at the Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition on the third floor.
The exhibits included the following:
- Books about yokai and taxidermied specimens
- Posters introducing yokai associated with Okayama, such as kudan, oni, and Suiton
Photography was prohibited inside the exhibition, so I couldn’t take any pictures. However, a book featuring the exhibition posters is available for 920 yen (tax included) at the reception desk.
If you’d like to keep a copy of the materials, do consider buying one.
Mermaid mummy (owned by Enjuin Temple)
Many families with children visited the Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition, but the “mermaid mummy” in particular drew a large crowd.
The “mermaid mummy” is owned by Enjuin Temple in Kamogata, Asakuchi City, and Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts is currently conducting research on it.
Research has reportedly found that the hair on the mermaid’s body has a cuticle and that it also has scales on its upper body.
In addition to the one on display, two other mermaid mummies are said to be preserved in Okayama Prefecture, making three in total.
Why not take this opportunity to see one in person?
A game to find 16 types of yokai hidden around the museum
A small event was also being held, in which visitors searched for 16 types of yokai hidden around the Museum of Natural History.
The yokai are scattered across the walls on the first through third floors.
They were hiding in places that were easy to overlook, such as gaps between shelves and walls, and the game was surprisingly difficult.
In fact, I couldn’t find the last one and wandered around the museum, but eventually gave up and went home without finding it (laughs).
When you find one, it tells you its name, so it was fun and I learned something new.
It’s also nice that the yokai speak Okayama dialect.
If you’re planning to visit, try your best to find them all!
From the Writer
The “Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History” introduces places in Okayama Prefecture where yokai have reportedly been sighted, as well as mountains, stones, and other things mentioned in local legends, making yokai feel closer to home.
I was also able to take a close look at the mermaid mummy, including details such as its hair and scales.
The Kurashiki Museum of Natural History also has a variety of other exhibits, including fossils, taxidermied animals, and insect specimens from around the world.
There are also many interactive exhibits, such as pressing a button to hear the sounds of insects and sitting astride a dinosaur to take a photo, so I thought visitors of all ages could enjoy it.
Why not visit the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History during summer vacation?
Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History Information
| Name | Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History |
|---|---|
| Dates | Exhibition period: July 16–September 25, 2022 Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m. (last admission at 4:45 p.m.) Closed: Mondays (if a Monday is a public holiday or substitute holiday, closed the following day) |
| Location | 2-6-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Adults: 150 yen University students: 50 yen High school students and younger, and people aged 65 and over: Free (high school and university students must present a student ID or equivalent; visitors aged 65 and over must present proof of age) ※Cash only ※Free for people with disabilities and one accompanying person |
| Website | 31st Special Exhibition, “Kurashiki Animal Yokai Exhibition at the Museum of Natural History” |
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