“Learning x Smiles” Latest Science and Laughter Combine in Experiential Exhibition Event, First in Chushikoku Region! What is This!? Professor Sugihara's Laughing Illusions Exhibition ~Learning in the Mysterious Laboratory with Yoshimoto Comedians~

Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that the experiential illusion artwork exhibition event "What is This!? Professor Sugihara's Laughing Illusions Exhibition ~Learning in the Mysterious Laboratory with Yoshimoto Comedians~," a collaboration between Professor Kokichi Sugihara, a world-leading authority on stereoscopic optical illusions (visual illusions), and "Yoshimoto Comedians," will be held from July 18, 2026 (Sat) at the comprehensive leisure facility "Miroku no Sato" (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture / Organizer: Miroku no Sato, Chugoku Broadcasting).

This exhibition is a major event, the first of its kind in the Chushikoku region, that adds the humorous essence of Yoshimoto Comedians to mysterious illusion artworks born from advanced calculations. We have created a special entertainment space filled with wonder and smiles that allows everyone from small children to adults to intuitively enjoy the world of illusions, which can often be perceived as difficult. It is perfect not only for a special bonding experience for parents and children but also as a theme for summer vacation outings, independent research, or picture diaries.

Highlight 1 Exciting for Parents and Children! Stereoscopic Illusion Art Where Play Turns into Intellectual Curiosity

From award-winning works in international illusion contests to the latest creations... Professor Kokichi Sugihara's illusion artworks are gathered in one place!

A collection of artworks that allow you to directly experience the wonders of human perception, such as stereoscopic objects that look completely different when reflected in a mirror, or balls that roll uphill. Children's eyes will sparkle with "Why?" and "It's mysterious!" as they engage with the fun of science while sparking conversations with their parents. As intellectual curiosity is naturally stimulated through play, it is ideal as a trigger for children's learning and as a theme for summer vacation independent research and picture diaries.

Professor Sugihara's Latest Work! "Two-Sword Style" Ball Expressing Pitching and Hitting with a Single Object - Is the Ball Rolling Up from Below? "Everything-Attracting 4-Way Slide"

Highlight 2 Over 60 Yoshimoto Comedians Appear in Illusion Artworks! A Friendly Space That Makes You Chuckle

Popular comedians familiar from television will liven up the venue, appearing in illusion artworks and displays, utilizing their unique talents without any mischief! We deliver a comfortable entertainment space where everyone, from small children to adults, can relax and intuitively enjoy themselves, dispelling the image that science and illusions might be a bit difficult.

Feeling like it's shaking when it's not - "Black Hole" by Cookie! (Wild Bomb) Two poses appear when you press the button - Silhouette Stereotype by Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura

Highlight 3 Photo and Video Shooting OK! Immerse Yourself in the World of Mysterious Illusions

All exhibits in the venue can be photographed and video recorded. By shooting from specific angles, you can create surprising effects such as making your body appear larger or entering the artwork. You can capture many special memory photos that can only be taken here, laughing together with family and friends while holding up cameras, perhaps with your favorite comedian.

Does your face look different in size!? Nakagawak Reiji's Mysterious Photo Spot Become TT Brothers (Chocolate Planet)! Trick Art Photo Spot

Exhibition Works (Examples)

International Illusion Contest Winning Work "Landscape with a Flag" Eyes Follow You No Matter Where You Look!? "Staring Masters"

Professor Sugihara's Latest Work That Changes Orientation When Reflected in a Mirror "Wandering Lizard" Collaboration with Joyman "Which is Longer? Nana Na Na Nana Na Na?"

Laboratory Director (Artwork Supervision) Kokichi Sugihara

This exhibition is supervised by Professor Kokichi Sugihara, the world's only researcher of "stereoscopic optical illusions" and an illusion artist.

He boasts 4 wins in the "Best Illusion Contest World Championship," recognized globally as an authority on illusions, and his works are highly acclaimed worldwide.

Media Appearances: Has appeared in numerous media outlets, including TBS series "Crazy Journey," introducing the surprising world of illusions.

Career: Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Distinguished Professor at Meiji University, where he established the new field of "Computational Illusions" and continues to create numerous mysterious works that fuse science and art.

Chief Researcher (Ambassador) Hakata Hanamaru, Hakata Daikichi Comment

"Eh, no way! How does that happen!?

This special exhibition, where Yoshimoto comedians collaborate with illusion artworks that make you exclaim this, is definitely a fun event. We look forward to seeing you at Miroku no Sato.

Exhibition Overview

• Dates: July 18, 2026 (Sat) - September 23, 2026 (Wed, Holiday) *Closed on select days during the period

• Venue: Tsuneyia Arena (within Miroku no Sato) 638-1 Fujie-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture

• Hours: Subject to Miroku no Sato's operating hours (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

• Admission Fee: Adults (Junior High School Students and Older) ¥900 / Children (3 years old - Elementary School Students) ¥700

*Miroku no Sato park admission fee is required separately.

*Free for children under 3 years old.

*Children in elementary school or younger cannot enter alone. Please be accompanied by a guardian.

• Organizer: Miroku no Sato, Chugoku Broadcasting

• Planning: Yoshimoto Illusion Laboratory Executive Committee

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