Aug. 1-Sept. 13

¡±Bakemono¡± is a Japanese term to describe imaginary monsters, which in Japan have a long history in religion and culture. Traditional festivals, for example, feature creatures such as namahage demons, as well as rituals, including shishi-mai lion dancing, and the love of monsters continues today with entertainment such as ¡°Yokai Watch,¡± a TV series of ghouls and goblins that is becoming increasingly popular with kids.

This exhibition explores not just Japan¡¯s bakemono, but also those in other countries. Illustrations, sculptures, masks and more offer some insight into bizarre creatures across the world. Highlights include a number of original copies of bakemono ukiyo-e prints by Kyosai Kawanabe and Yoshifuji Utagawa, who created the images with a juvenile audience in mind.

Aomori Museum of Art; 185 Chikano, Yasuta, Aomori. Shin-Aomori Stn. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ?1,100. Closed Aug. 24. 017-783-3000;