[photo credit: University of Southern California]
The program begins at 6 p.m. at USC PAM, featuring Michael Dylan Foster, Professor of Japanese Folklore at UC Davis; Virginia Kuhn, Ph.D., Professor of the Practice of Cinematic Arts at USC; and moderator Meher McArthur, Curator and Scholar of Japanese Art. The event is presented with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and USC Trojan Anime Culture.
According to the event description, the panel will “explore the spiritual and historical legacies of yokai with experts in Japanese folklore, art history, and pop culture.” Yōkai are defined as “a class of supernatural entities and spirits” that encompass “monsters, ghosts, gods, and possessed humans” often depicted as mischievous or indifferent.
The event title references the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons” (Hyakki Yagyō), a specific yokai motif from classical Japanese sources. Following the discussion, attendees can stay for a costume contest, music and Japanese-inspired treats. Cosplay is encouraged—guests are invited to come dressed as their favorite yōkai, anime character or mythical creature.
The Night Parade event previews “Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry,” running February 14 through September 6. The exhibition spans 12 rooms and draws approximately 100 objects from USC PAM’s collection, blended with works by over 20 contemporary artists, curated by Los Angeles–based Korean American artist Dave Young Kim.
Night Parade: Yokai Unleashed will run on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 787-2680 or visit https://calendar.usc.edu/event/night-parade-yokai-unleashed?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Event+Calendar. Ticket prices: $15 for general admission; free for USC PAM members and USC students with RSVP at pamrsvp@usc.edu
