Abstract We have constructed the hyperon-nucleus optical potential based on the complex G -matrix folding model. The complex G -matrix interactions are derived from the extended-soft core (ESC) model interactions, ESC04a and ESC08. The elastic cross sections and analyzing powers are calculated using the folding-model potentials (FMPs) based on the complex G -matrix interactions. The strength functions for the ( π − , K + ) reaction are also obtained using the FMPs and are compared with the result calculated with a phenomenological repulsive optical potential. The ESC08 interaction gives a better result than does ESC04a.