The Slit-Mouthed Woman (Kuchisake-onna)
Japanese Folklore
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In Japanese folklore, few tales are as chilling as that of the Slit-Mouthed Woman, known as Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女). This legend has terrified generations and continues to be a popular subject in modern media.
Kuchisake-onna is often depicted as a malevolent spirit who asks her victims a terrifying question, leading them to a gruesome fate regardless of their answer.
Historical Origins
The legend of Kuchisake-onna dates back to the Heian period (794 to 1185), a time when tales of vengeful spirits were common. It is said that Kuchisake-onna was a beautiful woman who was mutilated by her jealous husband or a malevolent samurai, resulting in a horrific wound that extended from ear to ear. Her spirit, consumed by rage and a desire for revenge, began to haunt the living.
The Modern Legend
Kuchisake-onna gained widespread fame during the late 1970s when numerous reported sightings caused panic throughout Japan. According to the legend, Kuchisake-onna appears wearing a surgical mask, which was not unusual in Japan for people to wear to avoid spreading or catching illnesses. She would approach her victims, often children, and ask them, "Am I pretty?" ("Watashi kirei?"). If they answered "yes," she would remove her mask to reveal her grotesque, mutilated mouth and ask, "Even now?" ("Kore demo?"). If the victim screamed or said "no," she would attack them, often with a pair of scissors, replicating her own mutilation on them.
Defeating the Spirit
Over time, various methods to escape Kuchisake-onna emerged. One popular method was to confuse her with ambiguous answers like "You are average" or "So-so," which would give the potential victim a chance to escape while she pondered the response. Others suggested carrying hard candies, which Kuchisake-onna was said to enjoy, distracting her long enough for the intended victim to run away.
Cultural Impact
The legend of Kuchisake-onna has had a significant impact on Japanese culture, inspiring various films, books, and even urban legends in other countries. Films like "Carved: The Slit-Mouthed Woman" (2007) and "Kuchisake-onna" (1996) have brought this eerie tale to the silver screen, each adding their unique twists to the story. The legend also appears in manga, anime, and video games.
Final thoughts
The tale of the Slit-Mouthed Woman, Kuchisake-onna, remains one of the most enduring and terrifying legends in Japanese folklore. Its ability to evolve and remain relevant in modern culture speaks to the deep-rooted fears and societal concerns it embodies. Whether as a warning against vanity or a symbol of vengeful wrath, Kuchisake-onna continues to haunt the imaginations of those who hear her story.
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I absolutely love the Kuchisake-onna tales, female body horror in fiction has recently become my favorite academic subject and Japanese folklore has the best examples!
If anybody enjoys these kinds of stories, it's a different kind of ghost/spirit featured, but the horror book Nothing But Blackened Teeth may be of interest!