Saturday July 29, 2023 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm

This panel would explore yurei (Japanese ghosts) in a presentation format. We'd kick off with an explanation of what yurei are and their defining characteristics (long unbound hair, white clothing, a lack of feet, etc) as popularized by the art of Maruyama Okyo. The panel would then explore how yurei are connected to Shintoism, Buddhism, and traditional Japanese funerary customs. After which the audience would learn about the different types of yurei and how they factored into culture during the Edo period. The next section of the panel would revolve around readings of ghost stories including Oiwa of "Yotsuya Kaidan" and Lady Rokujo from "The Tale of Genji." The historical context surrounding these legends will also be provided in depth. We'd end the panel by looking into the usage of yurei in more modern media (i.e. Sadako from "Ring" and the works of Junji Ito). TLDR: This panel would have a strong basis in the historical and cultural context of yurei (Japanese ghosts) while encouraging engagement through the dramatic readings of ghost stories. PLEASE NOTE: I would be happy to explain the panel in even further detail, as well as share the PowerPoint presentation. Guide Description: Do you like ghost stories? Come learn about Japan's ghosts, the legendary yurei. Don’t worry, we’ll leave the light on.

Panel 5