There's also 'Yomawari: Night Alone'. While it may be more of a game with virtual novel - like elements, it still creates a scary experience. You play as a young girl exploring a spooky town at night, with the threat of unseen and malevolent spirits lurking around every corner.
One famous Japanese scary story is 'Kuchisake - Onna'. It's about a woman with a slit mouth. Legend has it that she asks people if they think she's beautiful. If you say no, she'll kill you. If you say yes, she'll slit your mouth like hers. Another is 'Teke - Teke', a story of a schoolgirl who was cut in half by a train. Her spirit now haunts railways, dragging herself around with her hands and making a 'teke - teke' sound as she moves.
One well - known Kaidan Japanese scary story is 'Yotsuya Kaidan'. It's about a vengeful spirit. The story is set in Edo period and involves themes of betrayal and murder. The main character, O - iwa, is wronged and her spirit returns to haunt those who wronged her.
The 'Teke - Teke' is also well - known. It's about a girl who was hit by a train and cut in half. Now she haunts railway tracks, dragging her upper body with her hands, making a 'teke - teke' sound as she moves. People who encounter her are said to be in great danger.
They often use disturbing settings. For example, in many of these novels, abandoned places like old hospitals or haunted houses are used. The desolate and dilapidated nature of these settings immediately sets an uneasy mood.
A famous one is 'The Silent Cry' by Kenzaburo Oe. It deals with complex family and social issues. Another is 'Naoko' by Junichiro Tanizaki, which is known for its exploration of female characters. 'Paradise Lost' by Miyuki Miyabe is also well - regarded.
The story of 'Bakemono no Ko' is quite famous. It's about a child who is actually a shape - shifting monster. It can take on different forms and often plays tricks on people, leading them into dangerous situations. This story plays on the fear of the unknown and things not being what they seem.
Many stories involve some form of tragedy or injustice as a starting point. In 'Kuchisake - Onna', her disfigurement was the result of a cruel punishment. This initial act of violence or wrong - doing sets the stage for the vengeful spirit to emerge and haunt people. Another aspect is the element of mystery. The stories usually don't fully explain the nature of these spirits, leaving a sense of unease and the unknown.
The Bakeneko is a scary Japanese legend too. Bakeneko are supernatural cats. They are often associated with bad omens and can possess people. In some tales, they can transform into larger, more menacing forms. They are known to cause fires, scratch people, and generally bring misfortune to households. Their behavior is often unpredictable and they are feared in many Japanese communities.
One famous Japanese scary story is 'The Ring'. It's about a cursed videotape. If you watch it, you'll receive a phone call saying you'll die in seven days. Another is 'Tomie'. Tomie is a beautiful yet extremely creepy woman who has the ability to regenerate and drive men to madness. There's also 'Ju - On: The Grudge', where a vengeful spirit haunts a house and those who enter it, bringing death and misfortune.
One of the famous Japanese first novels is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It is considered a classic and is often regarded as the world's first novel. It offers a detailed look into the Heian period court life in Japan, with complex characters and relationships.