Many Japanese ghost stories feature female ghosts. They are often depicted as beautiful yet dangerous. This could be related to the traditional view of femininity having a hidden, powerful side. Also, the element of the supernatural is always there. Ghosts can do things like disappear suddenly, pass through walls, or have an otherworldly appearance. In addition, there is often a sense of mystery. The stories don't always explain everything clearly, leaving the readers or listeners to fill in the gaps and be more scared as a result.
One common element is the setting. Often, it's in old, isolated places like haunted houses, deep forests, or near wells. For example, in the story of Okiku, the well is a key setting. Another element is the presence of vengeful spirits. These spirits usually have a tragic past, like being wronged or killed unjustly. Yuki -onna, though not always vengeful, still has a somewhat menacing nature. Also, there are often moral lessons. For instance, the story of Kuchisake -onna can be seen as a warning about being polite but also about not lying just to please others.
There are several common factors. Firstly, the concept of 'saving face' is important in Japanese culture. Breaking up directly might be seen as causing embarrassment. Secondly, the fast - paced modern life in Japan can make some people feel that it's easier to just move on without explanation. Thirdly, some people might be influenced by the idea that if they don't have strong feelings anymore, it's not necessary to communicate. This leads to the prevalence of ghosting in Japanese dating stories.
A typical ghosting relationship story is in the workplace. Colleagues might start off being friendly, having lunch together regularly and sharing personal stories. But then, for no obvious reason, one colleague just starts acting as if the other doesn't exist. No more greetings, no more conversations. It could be because of office politics or personal issues that the 'ghoster' doesn't want to deal with. In a romantic context, a couple could be dating casually for a while. One day, one of them decides they're not interested anymore but instead of communicating it, they just stop answering texts and calls, leaving the other person confused and hurt.
One common ghosting dating story is when two people meet on a dating app. They start chatting, seem to really hit it off, and then arrange a date. After the date, which might have gone well from one person's perspective, the other just suddenly stops responding to messages and disappears. It's like they vanished into thin air.
One famous Japanese ghost story is about Okiku. Okiku was a maid who worked in a samurai's house. Her master had a set of ten precious plates. One day, one plate went missing. The master was furious and accused Okiku of stealing it. She swore she didn't. In retaliation, the cruel master threw her down a well. After that, every night, people could hear her counting the plates from the well, 'One, two, three... nine...'. Her ghost was said to be seeking justice for her wrongful death.
Well, there's this story about a Japanese couple. They had been dating for a couple of months. The girl was really into the relationship. One day, the guy just vanished. He didn't show up for their planned date. After that, she tried reaching out but he had blocked her on all platforms. It's a typical case of ghosting in Japanese dating. It could be due to cultural reasons like not wanting to face the discomfort of a breakup conversation, or he might have just lost interest and thought this was the easiest way out.
The unknown is another key factor. The characters don't know what's inside the hole, which creates a sense of fear and mystery. It could be anything from a supernatural being to a bottomless abyss. In some stories, when something is dropped into the hole, it never makes a normal sound of hitting the bottom, adding to the mystery.
Ghosts are a common element. Many Japanese short scary stories feature spirits of the dead, like the yurei, which are often depicted as pale figures in white clothing. Another common element is the use of old, spooky settings such as abandoned houses, temples, or wells. These places are believed to be haunted in Japanese folklore.
Unconditional love is also a key element. Japanese moms love their children regardless of any mistakes or setbacks. They are always there to offer a warm hug, kind words, and practical advice, no matter what the situation is. They support their children's dreams, whether it's to become a famous athlete, a respected doctor, or a simple fisherman in the local village.
Unconditional support. Whether it's a child's choice of career or a hobby that might seem a bit odd, Japanese moms tend to support their children wholeheartedly. For example, if a child wants to study a very niche subject, the mom will encourage them and do whatever she can to help them pursue it.
One common element is shared interests. For example, if both like anime, they can have in - depth discussions about it, which strengthens their bond. Another is mutual respect for each other's cultures. This allows for a more open and positive exchange. And of course, regular communication is important.