My annual pass had expired, so I headed to Kyoto National Museum to renew it. It was the first few days of the New Year. I thought it might be quiet, but there were more people than expected. Still, it was nothing like a real crowd. Another wonderful day, as always.
Meeting the Real Tiger Behind Torarin
This was the New Year’s Feature Exhibition “Pony Tales: Celebrating the Year of the Horse,” tied to 2026’s zodiac animal, the horse. It is a regular New Year show in which art featuring horses gathers all in one place.
What made me happy, though, was something else: I got to see Ogata Korin’s Chikuko-zu, a tiger painting that inspired the museum’s official character Torarin. Apparently it is a piece you do not often get to see. A tiger sitting snugly, glaring off to the side with a mischievous little face. Just like Torarin, charming, isn’t he? Maybe the resemblance goes the other way round.
Sadly, I did not get to meet Torarin himself this time. It is a little confusing, but this one is Torarin the costumed mascot, who greets visitors. He apparently shows up at set times on weekends, but I only met him once, ages ago, and have not crossed paths with him lately. Next time I would love to come just to see him.
At the shop I picked up a Torarin clear folder, plus a few New Year money envelopes. I could not resist. I wanted the tote bag and keychain too, but going on a spending spree at the very start of the year felt unwise, so I held back.
Under a clear blue winter sky, I gazed at the glass-walled Heisei Chishinkan, then ambled all the way back to Kyoto Station on foot. A nice, unhurried sort of day. Torarin really is adorable.
