Yasuda Kyokosha Freak Show

Freak shows are known to have existed in Japan even in the Edo period, but they reached peak popularity with the growth explosion of the entertainment industry in the early 1950s. Yasuda Kyokosha is one of the longest-running companies in the biz, having operated shows and obake yashiki (haunted houses) for almost nine decades now. However, the display of biological rarities at festivals all across the country is hardly blooming business these days, so the Yasuda folks had plenty of time to dig through their storage facilities and archives for old adverts, signboards, obscure exhibit items and the like, the best of which will be displayed at this unique exhibition. Prepare to witness mermaids, 'electric men', 'squid girls' and snake charmers, in addition to an installation by the Gokiburi Combinato art unit. A talk with sociologist Masaki Ukai and Kyoichi Tsuzuki will take place on August 30 – see the official website for details.