Yôkaï !

The Japanese are surrounded by spirits, the Yôkai, did you know that? They know that!

Young Shigu grew up in the 1930s in Japan. Leaving the adults of the village to their financial troubles, the boys sometimes divide into two clans and play war games. Little does Shigu know, his greatest and most courageous fights ahead are those he will lead against the Yôkai. Shigu’s unusual gifts make him particularly sensitive to these spirits. As he is able to perceive them, he learns to recognize their names, their functions and to interact with them with wariness and precaution.

With the help of four musicians, two dancers/actors, three young actors and an illustrator, discover the fascinating world of the Yôkai. Thanks to Shigeru Mizuki, a manga artist, the Yôkai spirits are once again a part of contemporary Japanese culture. Modern neon lights were almost fatal to the spirits, the bright lights making it harder and harder for them to hide in the shadowy corners since the lamps don’t allow shadows in the corners of the room. The tradition of the Yôkai almost disappeared, as if it were nothing more than a silly old folk tale for the naive and the elderly. But the Japanese need to be confronted with their inner realms of mystery and subconscious... just like us!

Flagey, Festival Musiq'3