KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Stories can be told in many ways — through the lens of a camera, the rhythm of music, or the strokes of a brush that bring legends and imagination to life.
Japanese folklore takes centre stage in Kuala Lumpur through Yokai Tales: Japan’s 47 Prefectures, an art exhibition exploring the mysterious supernatural beings known as yōkai, which will run from September 4 to 30 at Sky Garden, Kuala Lumpur Tower.
The exhibition is organised by Trading Card Game Kuala Lumpur (TCGKL), with official support from Visit Malaysia 2026 and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.
It aims to encourage cultural exchange between Japan and Malaysia by introducing audiences to Japanese folklore through art and storytelling.
Scroll artworks on display featuring Japanese folklore related to yōkai. — Picture by Ian Jeremiah
According to TCGKL director Ikmal Hazlan Ikmal Hisham, the idea for the exhibition began last year as the team sought to create an initiative that could encourage greater cultural exchange between Japan and Malaysia.
Yōkai was eventually chosen as the central theme, referring to supernatural beings from Japanese folklore that range from fearsome monsters and spirits to magical animals and playful tricksters.
“Yōkai Tales is more than just an art exhibition,” said Ikmal at today’s opening ceremony at Sky Garden, Kuala Lumpur Tower.
“It represents a bridge between Malaysia and Japan, between our cultures and creativity, our stories and, most importantly, our people.
“Through Yōkai Tales, I hope we can continue to build these cultural bridges, create new friendships, and allow more people in Malaysia to experience and appreciate the incredible creativity of this heritage.”
58 total pieces of yōkai art on display
The exhibition features 58 artworks centred on Japanese folklore and yōkai from all 47 prefectures of Japan, presented through original drawings and sculptures.
It showcases works by Japanese illustrators Yuka Morii, Kouki Saitou and Kagemaru Himeno, who have worked professionally on the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Japanese illustrators Yuka Morii, Kouki Saitou and Kagemaru Himeno, who previously worked on the Pokémon Trading Card Game, will showcase their yōkai‑related artwork at the Yokai Tales: Japan’s 47 Prefectures exhibition. — Picture by Ian Jeremiah
Known for his expressive character compositions and distinctive illustration style, Kouki brings energy and personality to his interpretations of fantastical creatures and folklore.
Kagemaru, recognised for her elegant artistic style and character-focused illustrations, brings a delicate and imaginative perspective to Japanese mythology and fantasy.
Yuka is known for her handcrafted clay art and playful three-dimensional interpretations of characters and yōkai.
“In Japan, yōkai are like mirrors that reflect the human heart and mind,” said Yuka at the opening ceremony.
She said stories about yōkai had been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years, often conveying moral values and lessons unique to each region.
These stories can range from encouraging people to do good to warning them against entering certain dangerous places.
“In this exhibition, the three of us each present our own interpretation and way of expressing these traditional yōkai stories.
“I hope you will take your time and enjoy the exhibition,” she added.
Yōkai sculptures on display. — Picture by Ian Jeremiah
Exhibition highlights cultural ties
The opening ceremony was officiated by former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the exhibition could serve as a cultural bridge between Malaysia and Japan by allowing people to appreciate Japanese folklore, mythology and artistic heritage through contemporary art.
“Today we are not simply attending an art exhibition. We are bringing together the cultures of two countries, Japan and Malaysia, through a bridge that allows us to appreciate and explore different art forms, folklore, mythology, imagination and artistic heritage,” he said.
Beyond the exhibition, Yokai Tales will also feature public programmes which include sketch and autograph sessions, live drawing and sculpting, exclusive event merchandise, an artwork showcase and a live artwork auction.
The programmes are aimed at art lovers, families, students, collectors, Japanese culture enthusiasts and anyone interested in discovering the stories behind Japan’s mythical creatures.
Yokai Tales: Japan’s 47 Prefectures also forms part of the wider Visit Malaysia 2026 agenda by promoting cultural exchange and tourism through art and storytelling.
The exhibition has now opened its doors and for more information, visit TCGKL’s social media pages.