Nothing quite says “healthy attitude towards women” like a centuries-old folktale about ordinary ladies turning into Kijo. Today, we will explore these grotesque, horned female oni simply because they had the audacity to feel emotions. What exactly is Kijo (Meaning in Japanese)? In Japanese folklore, a Kijo is an “oni woman/female oni” — that is, […]
Kijo: The Terrifying Female Oni Women of Japanese Yokai Folklore Read More »
If you’ve ever thought your ex was clingy, you clearly haven’t met Oiwa, Japan’s most famous ghost. Her story is the beating, disfigured heart of Yotsuya Kaidan, the most-performed kabuki ghost play in history. Let’s unpack why Oiwa’s terrifying face and eternal grudge still haunt the Japanese imagination — and a few unlucky actors, too.
Oiwa san: Japan’s Most Vengeful Ghost with the Yotsuya Kaidan Curse Read More »
Ah, Okiku. Japan’s most dedicated servant girl turned supernatural icon. You know you’ve made it in life—or death—when people centuries later still associate you with broken crockery and obsessive counting. Today, let’s dive into the story of this woman who tragically lost one plate and somehow gained a permanent place in Japan’s ghostly hall of
Okiku: Japan’s Most Famous Ghost Who Dwells in a Well Read More »
When it comes to Japanese spirits with a grudge, nobody does it better than Sutoku Tenno – the ex-emperor who went from divine ruler to full-blown supernatural menace. Today, we will explore this former emperor / political failure / Japan’s top-tier Onryo. Who is Sutoku Tenno? Sutoku Tenno (Emperor Sutoku / 崇徳天皇) was the 75th
Sutoku Tenno: The Tragically-Fated Emperor Who Became The Vengeful Spirit Read More »
You know how most people are terrified of ghosts, demons, or the occasional cursed doll? Well, Japan decided that wasn’t quite unsettling enough and gave us Sagari—a lovely little yokai that manifests as a floating, severed horse head dangling from a tree. Today, we will explore this horse head yokai that’s been terrifying people until
Sagari: The Dangling Horse Head Yokai You Never Asked For Read More »
In the middle of Tokyo’s glittering financial district, which stands a modest little shrine, there is Kubizuka, the final resting place of a severed samurai head belonging to Taira no Masakado — rebel, warlord, and currently: full-time ghost. Today, we delve into this vengeful samurai, its origin, and its legends. Who is Taira no Masakado?
Taira no Masakado: The Vengeful Samurai in a Haunted Grave Read More »
Among the most powerful and feared yokai in Japanese folklore stands Otakemaru (大嶽丸). Today, we will explore this legendary oni known for his immense strength, magical powers, and long-standing enmity with humanity. Who Is Otakemaru/Ootakemaru? Otakemaru (大獄丸), also written as Ootakemaru, is a mythical creature who appears in Japanese folklore as a powerful oni (demon
Otakemaru (Ootakemaru): The Demon-God of Mount Suzuka Read More »
“That woman must be just a pervert?” But is she really? Today, I will introduce a spooky experience in a love hotel shared by Issei Kunisawa. Red in a Love Hotel (Japan Makes Me Scared Podcast) Red in a Love Hotel Scary & Horror Story of the Kaidan (transcription) Introduction This story is originally from
Red in a Love Hotel Read More »
“I’m glad I worked so hard to come to the Goukon because I met such a nice guy!”But wait, is it really the first time we’ve met? Today, we will discover one of the best Hitokowa Kaidan from Shuhei Shimada. A Guy From Goukon (Japan Makes Me Scared Podcast) #12 A Guy From Goukon -#podcast
You guys go to the mountains and feel liberated, don’t you? That’s because you’re about to cross a kind of borderline. The borderline of “Agaribito” between the human side and beyond… Today, we will dive into the mysterious creepypasta (urban legend) of “Agaribito” that was posted on 2chan. What is “Agaribito” in Japanese urban legends Agaribito