What are the common elements in Japan ghost stories?

One common element is the presence of vengeful spirits. These are often students or teachers who met with some sort of injustice or tragic end in the school, like being bullied or having an accident.

One common element is the presence of a tragic past event. For example, someone dying in an accident or a murder at the station. Another is the appearance of a figure, often in traditional Japanese clothing like a kimono. And the time of appearance is usually at night when the station is less crowded.

Revenge is a common theme. Many ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them in life, like in 'Yotsuya Kaidan'. Another theme is unrequited love, where a spirit may be bound to the earthly realm due to love that was not fulfilled.

The sense of the unknown is really scary. In Japanese ghost stories like those about the Teke Teke, which is a spirit that crawls around on its hands and elbows making a 'teke teke' sound. You don't know when or where it will show up. It creates a feeling of constant unease.

Most Japanese short ghost stories are deeply influenced by Japanese culture and traditions. For example, the settings are often traditional Japanese houses, temples or forests. The ghosts themselves may be based on Japanese superstitions such as spirits of the dead not being at peace. They also tend to be quite atmospheric, using descriptions of the environment to create a spooky mood. For instance, a dark and stormy night in an old, dilapidated mansion can be a common setting. These stories also sometimes carry moral lessons, like the consequences of greed or betrayal.

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.

There are stories of apparitions seen near the areas that were most devastated by the tsunami. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures wandering among the ruins, perhaps the spirits of those who perished in the disaster.

Many of the ghosts are vengeful. For example, ghosts of wronged women often come back to seek revenge on those who wronged them.

In Japan, people often have a strong fascination with ghost stories. They are a significant part of Japanese culture. Many Japanese are intrigued by the spooky and mysterious elements in ghost stories. For example, during summer, there are 'hyakumonogatari kaidankai' which is a gathering to tell one hundred ghost stories. People get a thrill out of sharing and listening to these tales, and it has become a traditional activity that reflects their acceptance and interest in the supernatural aspects of ghost stories.

One common Japan tsunami ghost story is about the spirits of those who perished in the tsunami being seen along the shorelines. Some say they can be glimpsed at twilight, still in the clothes they wore when the disaster struck, wandering aimlessly as if looking for something or someone they lost.