Have you ever heard the name Kashima Reiko — or Kashima-san as she’s often called in Japan? The ghost of a woman, cut in half, appearing late at night to ask a question that could cost you your life…

Today, we delve into the haunting story of Kashima Reiko — her origin, the terrifying encounter, and most importantly, how to survive if you ever meet her.

Kashima Reiko (カシマレイコ), or Kashima San (カシマさん), is one of the most chilling figures in Japanese urban legends. The name Kashima is rumoured to hold a sinister meaning — ‘Ka (仮)’ for mask, ‘Shi (死)’ for death, and ‘Ma (魔)’ for evil.

According to the legend, Kashima Reiko is a vengeful spirit — a woman who lost her lower body (or one of her legs) in a horrific accident. Now, her ghost is said to haunt toilets, dark streets, and school corridors, dragging her upper half in search of her lost legs.

She appears suddenly and asks: “Where are my legs?”

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While many believe Kashima Reiko’s story emerged as a schoolyard ghost tale in the 1970s, another, darker version ties her origins to Japan’s wartime history.

It’s said that after the war, a woman was attacked and brutalised by U.S. soldiers. They shot her limbs, leaving her maimed. Though she survived, her injuries and trauma drove her to take her own life.

Some claim her spirit — full of rage and sorrow — transformed into Kashima Reiko, forever roaming in search of what she lost. Interestingly, early versions of this legend even described her as the ghost of a male war veteran.

What Happens If You Meet Kashima Reiko?

The terrifying part of this legend is the encounter itself. Kashima san doesn’t simply appear — she tests you.

She’ll ask questions like:

• “Where are my legs?”
• “Do you need legs?”
• Or even “Who told you this story?”

Get it wrong — or fail to answer — and she will kill you instantly, tearing your body apart as she once was.

Luckily, there are answers said to appease Kashima Reiko and save your life. But you need to know them beforehand.

If she asks where her legs are, you should reply:

• “They are at Kashima Station.” — a wordplay linking the story to a real place.

Alternatively, some versions say you should answer:

• “They’re on the Meishin Expressway.”

And if she asks, “Do you need legs?” — you must respond immediately:

• “Yes, I’m using them.” or “Yes, I need them.”

And if she asks, “Who told you this story?” you should say:

• “Kashima san.”
• And immediately after it should follow, “‘Ka (仮)’ is the kanji for ‘mask’, ‘Shi (死)’ is the kanji for ‘death’, ‘Ma (魔)’ is the kanji for ‘evil’, ‘Rei (霊)’ is the kanji for ‘spirit’, and ‘Ko (故)’ is the kanji for ‘accident’.”

According to the legend, only these specific replies will satisfy her — any hesitation or error will be fatal.

Other Variations of Kashima Reiko

The Map Legend: A More Sinister Theory

Over time, a new version of the legend emerged online — the Kashima Map Theory.

In this version, people began plotting reported encounters with Kashima Reiko or accidents linked to her story on a map. Shockingly, when connected, these points supposedly formed the shape of a human torso — as if Kashima-san herself were taking form across Japan.

It’s a chilling thought — that she’s still searching for her body, piece by piece.

Similar Japanese Urban Legends

Kashima Reiko isn’t alone. Japan is full of terrifying female spirits:

• Teke Teke (テケテケ) — another ghost of a woman sliced in half. Some resources suggest Kashima Reiko could be the true identity of Teke Teke.
• Kuchisake Onna (口裂け女) — the slit-mouthed woman who tests strangers with a deadly question, “Am I pretty?”.
• Hanako San (トイレの花子さん) — a ghost girl haunting school toilets.

Each tale blends physical horror with a psychological test — and it’s no wonder these legends endure.

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Kashima Reiko’s terrifying legend has also found its way into modern Japanese pop culture — most notably in the manga Dandadan (ダンダダン).

In this manga/anime series, Kashima Reiko is described as a creepy woman wearing a one-piece dress, with a huge body that must be at least 10 metres long and a huge mouth that sticks out of her face.

While she follows some of the features from the urban legend, as she appears to be a war crime victim as well, she also derives some features from other urban legends. Such as her question “Am I pretty?” from Kuchisake Onna, and her ominous voice of “Po, po, po” from Hasshaku-sama (Hachishakusama).

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If You Ever Meet Kashima Reiko…

Kashima Reiko’s story taps into primal fears — of mutilation, ghosts, and being tested without escape.

So, what should you do if you ever hear that chilling voice whisper: “Where are my legs?” Stay calm. Remember the correct answers, right? And Then, pray that she lets you go…