Occupation: Yokai. ——My first experience working as a "yokai master"

"Can you work as a yokai?"

I've been asked that question more and more recently.
It's true that if you live a normal life, the option of becoming a monster isn't something that comes up very often.

But now I'm trying to make it my profession.
Occupation: Yokai. Qualification: "Yogyoushi".
Today I would like to write about this kind of job, which is a little strange, but very human.

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What is a "Yokai Master"?

In one word, what is a "Yokai Master"?Professional Yokai Castis.
They appear as "real yokai" at festivals, events, and photo sessions, performing, having their pictures taken, and sometimes even surprising the audience.

The important thing is,It's not just a costumeThat is it.
Rather than just putting on a costume and saying, "Yes, I'm a monster," you are expected to truly "exist" by taking on the atmosphere of the situation and the context of the story.

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The magician finally makes his debut

And finally, Golden Week.
On May 3rd, the three "yokai masters" who were selected through multiple auditions for our project finally made their on-stage debut.

The venue is Azabudai Hills, Tokyo.Ogaki Bookstore.
They participated in a courage event held there as "guides to another world."

(Left: Welsh onion (mask, Shinpo Naoko), center: Japanese iris, right: Chameleol)

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A space where children can become "adventurers"

This time, it was my first time on a full-scale site.So that the children don't get too scaredI came up with some ideas.
The yokai are intentionally placed with a gentle presence, restrained in their movements, as if watching over you from the shadows.

As a result, rather than being scared, the children
"Maybe it's here too!" "Let's look behind this shelf!"My sense of adventure and curiosity took over and I wandered freely around the darkened bookstore..
The children's steps were light as they walked among the dimly lit bookshelves, and it felt like they were on a little adventure.

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Visible issues and clear results

Of course, there are things to reflect on.
All three had different levels of understanding of the movements and characters of the yokai, and there was still room for improvement in how they conveyed their positions and the intentions of the performance.
I feel that we need to improve our skills, including setting guarantees, by gaining more experience in the field.

But still.
There was a great atmosphere on set.
Both visitors and staff were smiling throughout the event, and a mysterious and gentle time passed while surrounded by the yokai.

Organized byYokai Art MuseumAnd they provided a place for us.Ogaki BookstoreI also received kind words from
I truly felt that it was good to do it.

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The way of life of "becoming a monster"

The work of a "yokai master" has only just begun.
The system, compensation, and training methods are all yet to be decided.

However, if someone doesn't do it, this kind of work will not continue to exist in society.
I think I'm in the process of creating that right now.

For example, if there was a world in the future where a child could say, "My dream is to become a monster," and not be laughed at,
Isn't that kind of good?

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So that's it for today's blog.
Why not try incorporating the option of becoming a yokai into your life?