“Konjaku-AR Doubutsu Shakkei(Borrowed Scenery of Animals from Past and Present)” is a project that mainly uses AR (Augmented Reality) experiences on smartphones. Set at Chiba Zoological Park, the project uses XR technology to exhibit animals thought to have lived in the past and imaginary creatures. For this exhibition, the artist will create special cards featuring imaginary animals depicted in ancient paintings and extinct animals.

Utilizing digital data from the collection of the Chiba City Museum of Art, visitors use their smartphones to read cards of “invisible animals” that are usually unseen, phantom beasts depicted in Ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period. The animals then appear on the display, creating an experience that makes visitors feel as if they exist in the real world.

Chiba Zoological Park’s Animal Science Museum currently exhibits endangered species, and this project will link up with this existing exhibit to provide an opportunity to think about life in the past, present, and future. This project connects past and present, imagination and reality, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of life and the potential of art from a new perspective. Utilizing Chiba City’s cultural assets, the project aims to combine historical art materials, animal exhibits, and the latest digital technology.

About special cards

At Animal Science Museum in the zoological park, you can have a special experience with card-type products based on themes such as imaginary animals drawn on ancient paintings and extinct animals. The special cards can be purchased (*) from a card vending machine in the museum, and when you scan cards with a smart phone, AR animals appear. The cards come in 2 different sets, “extinct animals” and “imaginary animals” and a total of 8 different cards.

※200 yen for a set of 4 cards. Part of the sales is donated for the activities of Chiba Zoological Park.

You can see CG and AR images provided by the zoological park in front of the territories of cheetahs, Malayan tapirs, shoebills and Western gorillas. (added in the future for Western gorillas)

Event Overview

• Dates: September 19 (Fri) – November 24 (Mon, substitute holiday), 2025
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Zoo admission ends at 4:00 PM)
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Venue：Chiba Zoological Park (Animal Science Pavilion)（280 Gencho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City, 264-0037）
  ［Parking available (fee required) / Elevator available / Restrooms available / Accessible restrooms available］
• Admission：Free ※Admission fees and card purchase costs for Chiba City Zoo are charged separately.
• Support：Chiba City Museum of Art、Chiba Zoological Park、PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD.

Other

Since the exhibition is located inside Chiba Zoological Park, a separate admission fee to the zoo is required to view the exhibition.

Heatstroke Prevention Measures

Please take measures to prevent heatstroke by staying hydrated and wearing a hat, etc., according to the environment. If you feel unwell, please notify a nearby staff member.

Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording will be conducted on the day for promotional and record-keeping purposes. Media outlets may also conduct interviews and filming. Photographs and videos taken may be published on the Chiba International Art Festival website, social media, brochures, and other promotional materials, as well as on television, magazines, and other media. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.