Kuchisake-onna
Videos
Kuchisake-onna is a malevolent figure in Japanese urban legends and folklore. Described as the malicious spirit, or onryō, of a woman, she partially covers her face with a mask or other item to hide h
A Kuchisake-onna in a scene from Ehon Sayoshigure by Hayami Shungyōsai, 1801
Yōkai
Videos
Yōkai are a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folklore. Yōkai are a vast range of beings, including shapeshifters, ghosts, demons, and tricksters. They can be mischievous, helpful
Kuchisake-onna
…straight black hair, white hands, pale skin, and otherwise being considered beautiful (except for her scar). She has been described as a contemporary yōkai. According to popular legend, she asks potential victims if they think she is beautiful. If they respond with "no," she will either kill them with her…
A yōkai print by Kawanabe Kyōsai
Chōchin-oiwa by Katsushika Hokusai
Kidōmaru by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Nekomata from the Hyakkai Zukan by Sawaki Suushi