Another is 'Kuchisake - Onna'. She is a woman with a slit - mouthed mask. According to the story, she asks people if they think she is beautiful. If you answer no, she'll kill you. If you answer yes, she'll slit your mouth to match hers. This story plays on the fear of the unknown and the grotesque.
One famous Japanese ghost story is 'Yotsuya Kaidan'. It's about a woman named Oiwa who was betrayed by her husband. After being poisoned and disfigured, she returns as a vengeful ghost. Her terrifying appearance and the sense of betrayal in the story make it very spooky.
Another is 'Teke - Teke'. It tells the story of a girl who was hit by a train and cut in half. Now she moves around on her hands, making a 'teke - teke' sound as she drags her upper body. She hunts for victims at night, especially those in or near train stations.
There's the story of 'Teke Teke'. It's about a girl who was cut in half by a train. Her ghost now haunts the railway tracks, dragging her upper body and making a 'teke teke' sound as she moves. 'Bakeneko' is another. It's a shape - shifting cat - spirit. In some tales, it can transform into a human - like form and cause mischief or worse in households.
Many Japanese ghost stories have their roots in Japanese folklore and superstitions. For example, the Yuki - Onna might have originated from the fear of the harsh winter and the mysteries of the snow - covered mountains. The idea of vengeful spirits like Okiku comes from the belief in karma and the idea that wrongdoings will be punished. People who were wronged in life could come back as ghosts to seek revenge.
One famous Japan school ghost story is about the Hanako - san in the school bathroom. It's said that if you knock on the third stall in the girls' bathroom three times and call 'Hanako - san', a ghost girl will appear. Another is the story of the piano in the old music room that plays by itself at midnight, often accompanied by the apparition of a long - haired female pianist who died a tragic death.
There are stories of a ghost girl in a school uniform seen in the old corridors of certain Japanese schools. This girl was believed to have been bullied to death and now haunts the place. Some students claim to have seen her figure disappearing into thin air. In some cases, they also report feeling a sudden coldness when she is near.
The Kuchisake - Onna is a really terrifying Japanese ghost story. She has a slit mouth from ear to ear. She asks people if they think she's pretty. If you answer 'yes', she'll slit your face to make it like hers. If you answer 'no', she'll kill you. There's also the Teke Teke, a ghost of a girl who was cut in half by a train. She crawls around on her hands, making a 'teke teke' sound as she drags her upper body along.
One famous Japanese ghost story is 'Yotsuya Kaidan'. It's about a woman named Oiwa who was poisoned by her husband. Her vengeful spirit then haunts those around her. Another is 'Banchō Sarayashiki', which tells the tale of Okiku, a maid who was thrown into a well and her ghost now lingers near the well, making eerie noises at night.
One well - known Russian ghost story is about the 'Domovoi'. It's a household spirit. According to the story, it can be either helpful or mischievous. If a family treats it well, it will protect the house from evil spirits and misfortune. For example, it might help with small chores around the house. However, if offended, it can cause chaos, like making things disappear or creating strange noises at night.
They are popular because they often have deep cultural roots. For example, many are based on historical events or traditional beliefs. This gives them an authenticity that draws people in.
The setting plays a crucial role. Take 'The Amityville Horror' for example. A large, old, and isolated house provides the perfect backdrop for a scary story. The creaking floors, dark hallways, and the feeling of being alone in such a place add to the fear.