Hidden from the West for centuries, Japanese culture and their belief in ghosts, demonic, or benevolent beings has made its way into American popular culture. From films, manga stories, video games, or your favorite anime, these supernatural beings have an origin in ancient beliefs- many a product of Shinto tradition. The word Yokai refers to any paranormal embodiment- from elemental beings, animal spirits, haunted objects, demons and even ghosts. We plan to provide an overview into this fascinating and mysterious topic. Part 1: Introduction: What is a Yokai? How do they differ from paranormal beliefs in Western culture? Discussion of the origins and folkloric tradition. Part 2: Overview of well-known Yokai by region with traditional woodcuts and images: Oni, Tengu, Kappa, Amabie, Kyubi No Kitsune, etc. with an introduction into Yurei - Japanese ghosts. Part 3: Types of Yurei (Japanese ghosts). Legendary Yurei: Yuki-onna- snow woman, Gashadokuro- skeleton of battlefield ghosts, Yamauba- mountain witch, Kuchisake-onna- slit mouth woman, Chochin Obake- paper lantern ghost, Tsukumogami- object turned into spirit. Modern ghosts: Aokigahara (Suicide Forest) and the haunting of Fukushima Daiichi, the city of ghosts- where on March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake resulted in a tsunami that took 19,729 souls-with ghostly video & images. Part 4: Pop Culture- the Yokai invasion in films, games, books and anime (slides traditional vs film). Interested in Yokai? Here is how to learn more

Before purchasing tickets for Classes, Evening Events, Investigtions or Ghost Tours, we highly recommend that you make a plan by looking at the 2024 Schedule so you can decide how you want to spend your time and to make sure you don’t purchase tickets for classes or events that overlap or cause scheduling conflicts. Please plan carefully because there are NO CASH REFUNDS. Individual tickets for classes, tours, investigations and events are available from each class or event page and can also be found through the 2024 Schedule or the Online Box Office. 

In addition to purchasing individual tickets to classes, tours or events, you will also need to purchase a General Admission Ticket.

General Admission Tickets are $20 and are good for the entire weekend. General Admission Passes can be purchased through our Online Box Office or at the Oregon Ghost Conference Box Office at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center, Friday, March 22nd-Sunday, March 24th. General Admission tickets are good for admission to the Vendors Area and all Main Stage Speaker presentations for all three days of the Oregon Ghost Conference.

Sunday Only General Admission Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased in person at the  Oregon Ghost Conference Box Office at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center, Sunday, March 24th ONLY.