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.
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.
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.
Okinawa's ghost stories often incorporate elements of local history and culture. For example, many involve the spirits of ancient warriors or the victims of historical events.
One common element is the presence of vengeful spirits. In many Japanese ghost stories, like 'Yotsuya Kaidan', the spirits come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lives. Another element is the use of specific locations. For example, old wells, abandoned houses, or lonely forests are often the settings for these ghostly tales, as in 'Banchō Sarayashiki' where the well is a central part of the story.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this collection. But generally, they might be about traditional Japanese ghosts like yurei, with themes of revenge, lost love, and unfinished business.
It depends on how you define success. In terms of popularity, ghost stories have a significant fan base in Japan. Many traditional and modern ghost stories have captured people's imaginations and become part of the cultural fabric. However, success can also be measured in terms of critical acclaim or commercial success, and that might vary depending on specific works.
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.
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.