The use of psychological horror is also a strong point. Instead of relying solely on gore and jump scares, it plays with the characters' and the readers' or viewers' minds. It makes people question their own perception of reality, like in stories where the line between dreams and reality is blurred, leaving the audience in a state of constant unease and dread.
The way it builds suspense is quite different. It usually starts with a seemingly normal situation and then gradually reveals the horror. For example, a character might notice a small, strange detail in an ordinary day, and as the story progresses, this small detail becomes the key to a terrifying mystery.
The unique cultural elements in Japanese horror make it special. It often incorporates traditional Japanese beliefs like the existence of yokai (supernatural creatures).
The cultural elements play a big role. Concepts like the importance of family, honor, and the afterlife are often distorted in these stories. In 'Ju - on: The Grudge', the family's past sins are related to the appearance of the grudge. Also, Japanese horror is not about just jump scares. It's more about psychological horror. It makes you feel a sense of dread and unease long after you've finished reading or watching. For instance, 'Tomie' makes you constantly question the nature of beauty and horror, and it lingers in your mind.
Japanese horror novels are often special because of their unique cultural elements. For example, in many of them, there are concepts rooted in Japanese folklore and superstitions. These add an extra layer of spookiness as they are often not well - known in Western cultures.
Maybe the '17 horror stories' are special because they have unique characters. Characters that are not your typical horror story characters can really set them apart. They could also have settings that are very different from the usual horror settings, which would make them stand out.
The psychological aspect is crucial. Japanese horror stories often play on our deepest fears, like the fear of the unknown, the fear of being alone, and the fear of something that seems normal but is actually very wrong. They slowly build up the tension, making you feel more and more uncomfortable until the final, often very disturbing, reveal.
Japanese horror stories are unique because of their use of psychological horror. They often play on deep - seated fears like the fear of the unknown, isolation, and the breakdown of family or social structures. For example, in 'The Ring', the slow - building dread as the days count down to your supposed death is all in your mind at first.
Their ability to tap into our deepest fears. They know what scares people - be it the fear of the unknown, death, or the dark. For example, Stephen King often creates ordinary settings that turn into nightmares, which makes it very relatable.
The cultural context. In Japanese horror stories, they often involve things like vengeful spirits which are deeply rooted in Japanese beliefs. For example, the idea of a spirit coming back to avenge a wrong is very common and plays on people's fear of the unknown and the afterlife.
The mystery surrounding the holes in Japanese horror stories is a big factor. We don't know what lies in those holes, which creates a sense of fear. For example, in some stories, the holes could be a connection to the spirit world, and we are afraid of the unknown spirits that might lurk there.
The visual elements are also key. The pale and ghostly appearances of the spirits, like in 'Ju - on', with their disheveled hair and dark eyes. These visuals are often paired with eerie sounds such as creaking floors and strange moans, which create a very tense atmosphere.
The best Japanese horror stories are often scary because of their use of the unknown. For example, in 'Ringu', the origin of the cursed videotape is never fully explained. This mystery creates a sense of unease in the viewer.