MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS News) - Japanese folklore is taking center stage at Middle Tennessee State University as the Department of Art and Design prepares to open “Yokai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan” at the Todd Art Gallery. The exhibition runs Jan. 20 through Feb. 24 and offers a vivid look at the mysterious supernatural beings that have shaped Japanese storytelling, art, and pop culture for centuries.

A public opening reception is set for 2:00PM this coming Thursday (1/22/2026) inside the gallery in Andrew L. Todd Hall. The event is free, and visitors are encouraged to explore the artwork, meet the team behind the exhibition, and learn more about the cultural traditions that inspired it.

The exhibition comes to Murfreesboro through The Japan Foundation, known for its work in global cultural exchange, and is presented in partnership with MTSU’s Department of Art and Design, the Office of International Affairs, and the Consulate‑General of Japan in Nashville. College of Liberal Arts Dean Leah Tolbert Lyons said hosting the exhibition reflects the university’s commitment to global engagement and the value of bringing international scholarship directly to campus. She noted that opportunities like this broaden perspectives and enrich the educational experience for students and the wider community.

Curated by Yumoto Koichi, one of Japan’s leading yokai scholars and director emeritus of the Yōkai Museum in Hiroshima Prefecture, the exhibition traces the evolution of yokai from feared spirits to beloved cultural icons. Visitors will see Edo‑period prints, children’s play materials, illustrated manuscripts, three‑dimensional artifacts, and modern references to yokai in animation and media. More than 600 square feet of artwork and objects will fill the gallery, making it one of the largest exhibitions MTSU has hosted.

“Yokai Parade” is part of The Japan Foundation’s international traveling exhibition program, launched in 2021 and continuing through 2030. As a regional host site, MTSU will help bring the exhibition to audiences across the Southeastern United States during the spring 2026 tour.

The university hopes the exhibition will spark curiosity and deepen cultural understanding, connecting Japanese heritage with contemporary viewers and engaging students, educators, and community members alike.

Todd Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitor parking information is available at bit.ly/MTSUparking, with a campus map at bit.ly/2026MTSUparkingmap. For questions, the gallery can be reached at 615‑898‑5532 or ToddArtGallery@mtsu.edu.