Hachishakusama is a mythical creature that originates from Japanese folklore. It is said to be an eight-feet-tall woman who preys on children, waiting in the darkness to abduct them. Despite its height, Hachishakusama is known for its stealth and ability to move undetected.
According to legend, Hachishakusama can take on different appearances, ranging from a withered hag to an attractive woman. However, its inhuman height remains a constant feature. The creature is known for making a terrifying sound that can be heard from far away, which adds to its ominous reputation. While the origins of the Hachishakusama legend are unclear, it has become a popular topic in Japanese horror stories and urban legends.
Origins and Folklore
Historical Background
Hachishakusama is a Japanese urban legend that has been around for several years. The creature is said to be an eight-foot-tall woman who wears a long white dress and has long black hair. According to the legend, Hachishakusama was first imprisoned by monks using four small “Jizo” statues, placed in four directions surrounding a ruined building, on the outskirts, hidden from everyone else so it cannot be released.
The legend of Hachishakusama has been passed down through generations as a cautionary tale for children to stay indoors at night and avoid going out alone. It is said that the creature preys on children who are outside without adult supervision. The creature’s name translates to “eight-feet-tall person,” which is a reference to her height.
Regional Variations
The legend of Hachishakusama varies slightly depending on the region in which it is told. In some versions of the legend, the creature is said to have a pale face and glowing eyes. In other versions, she is said to be able to change her appearance to look like a beautiful woman in order to lure in her victims.
Despite the regional variations, the core of the legend remains the same. Hachishakusama is a terrifying creature that preys on children who are outside alone at night. The legend has become a staple of Japanese folklore and continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Physical Description
Height and Appearance
Hachishakusama is a mythical creature that is said to be 8 feet tall. It is believed to have a feminine appearance, but its features can vary greatly. Some legends describe Hachishakusama as a withered old hag, while others portray her as an attractive woman. However, regardless of her appearance, she is always inhuman in terms of her height.
Distinguishing Features
One of the most distinguishing features of Hachishakusama is her voice. She is known to make a terrifying sound that is said to strike fear into the hearts of anyone who hears it. It is often described as a deep, masculine voice, but some legends claim that it can also sound feminine. Additionally, Hachishakusama is known for preying on children, often abducting them without being detected. It is said that she waits in the darkness, making her presence known through her eerie voice until she finds the perfect prey.
Overall, Hachishakusama is a mysterious and terrifying creature that has captured the imaginations of people for generations. Her unique appearance and haunting voice make her one of the most feared creatures in Japanese folklore.
Encounters and Stories
Firsthand Accounts
There have been many reports of encounters with Hachishakusama, the 8-feet-tall Japanese urban legend. According to some witnesses, she appears as a tall, thin woman with long black hair and a white dress. She is said to emit a strange, high-pitched noise that can be heard from a distance.
One person claimed to have seen Hachishakusama while walking home late at night. They reported feeling a sudden chill and hearing the eerie noise before seeing the tall figure in the distance. The witness stated that they were frozen with fear and could not move until the creature disappeared.
Another account comes from a group of teenagers who were exploring an abandoned building. They reported hearing the strange noise and seeing the tall figure in the distance. They quickly left the building and never returned.
Famous Legends
Hachishakusama is a well-known figure in Japanese folklore, and her legend has been passed down for generations. One popular legend tells of a young boy who was walking home from school when he encountered the creature. She asked him if he had seen her eight children and warned him not to tell anyone about their encounter. The boy, terrified, ran home and told his mother. The next day, the boy disappeared, and it is said that Hachishakusama took him as one of her own.
Another legend tells of a man who encountered the creature while walking home from work. She asked him if he had seen her children and offered to show him a shortcut home. The man, sensing danger, declined the offer and ran away. He reported the encounter to the police, but they dismissed it as a hallucination.
These legends and encounters have contributed to the fear and fascination surrounding Hachishakusama, making her one of the most terrifying figures in Japanese folklore.
Cultural Impact
Media Portrayals
Hachishakusama has been featured in various forms of media, including horror movies, anime, and manga. One notable example is the 2018 Japanese horror film, “Hachishakusama,” which tells the story of a young girl who is haunted by the eight-foot-tall woman after visiting her grandmother’s house in the countryside. The creature has also made appearances in anime series such as “Monogatari” and “Junji Ito Collection,” as well as in manga such as “Uzumaki” and “Tomie.”
Festivals and Celebrations
Hachishakusama has become a popular figure in Japanese folklore and has been incorporated into various festivals and celebrations. In some areas of Japan, there are annual events that honor the creature, including the Hachishakusama Festival held in the city of Nanao in Ishikawa Prefecture. During this festival, participants dress up as Hachishakusama and parade through the streets, scaring children and adults alike.
In addition, Hachishakusama has also been incorporated into traditional Japanese ghost stories and is a popular subject for horror-themed attractions at amusement parks and haunted houses. Overall, Hachishakusama’s unique appearance and terrifying legend have made her a beloved and enduring figure in Japanese folklore.
Protective Measures
Traditional Methods
In Japanese folklore, there are several traditional methods to protect oneself from supernatural creatures like Hachishakusama. One of the most common methods is to hang a shimenawa, a sacred rope made of rice straw, in front of the entrance of one’s house. This is believed to create a barrier that prevents evil spirits from entering.
Another traditional method is to place a small bowl of salt near the entrance of one’s house. Salt is believed to have purifying properties and is used to ward off evil spirits. It is also believed that sprinkling salt around the perimeter of one’s property can create a protective barrier.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, there are several interpretations of how to protect oneself from Hachishakusama. One modern interpretation is to use technology. Some people believe that using electronic devices like cameras and recording devices can capture evidence of supernatural activity and deter Hachishakusama from attacking.
Another modern interpretation is to use psychological methods. Some people believe that Hachishakusama is a manifestation of fear and anxiety. Therefore, practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reduce anxiety and fear, making one less susceptible to Hachishakusama’s attacks.
Overall, while there is no definitive way to protect oneself from Hachishakusama, these traditional and modern methods can provide some comfort and help individuals feel more secure in their homes.
Similar Entities
Comparison to Other Yokai
Hachishakusama is a type of Japanese spirit known as a Yokai. Yokai are supernatural creatures that are often depicted in Japanese folklore and mythology. While Hachishakusama is unique in its appearance and behavior, it shares some similarities with other Yokai.
One Yokai that shares similarities with Hachishakusama is Rokurokubi. Rokurokubi are female Yokai that have the ability to stretch their necks to incredible lengths. Like Hachishakusama, Rokurokubi are known for their ability to prey on humans, and they are often depicted as malevolent creatures.
Another Yokai that shares some similarities with Hachishakusama is Kuchisake-onna. Kuchisake-onna is a female Yokai that is known for its disfigured face, which is often covered by a surgical mask. Like Hachishakusama, Kuchisake-onna is known for its ability to abduct children and is often depicted as a malevolent creature.
Global Mythological Parallels
While Hachishakusama is a unique creature in Japanese folklore, there are other mythological creatures from around the world that share some similarities with it. One such creature is the Slender Man, a malevolent entity that originated in internet folklore. Like Hachishakusama, the Slender Man is depicted as an impossibly tall creature that preys on humans, often children.
Another creature that shares some similarities with Hachishakusama is the Banshee, a female spirit from Irish mythology. Like Hachishakusama, the Banshee is known for its ability to make eerie sounds that can be heard from a distance. The Banshee is also associated with death and is often depicted as a harbinger of doom.
Overall, while Hachishakusama is a unique creature in Japanese folklore, it shares some similarities with other mythological creatures from around the world. These similarities suggest that the concept of malevolent entities that prey on humans is a universal theme in mythology and folklore.