Skip to Content

Kuchisake-onna

Kuchisake-onna is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore that has been the subject of many urban legends and horror stories. The name Kuchisake-onna translates to “slit-mouthed woman,” and the creature is often depicted as a vengeful spirit seeking revenge on those who have wronged her in life. According to legend, Kuchisake-onna was once a beautiful woman who was disfigured by her husband, who slit her mouth from ear to ear.

Kuchisake-onna is known for her distinctive appearance, which includes a surgical mask covering her mouth and a pair of scissors or a knife in her hand. She is said to roam the streets at night, asking people if she is beautiful. If they answer yes, she removes her mask to reveal her disfigured face and asks again. If they answer no, she attacks them with her sharp object. This urban legend has been the basis for many horror movies and TV shows in Japan and around the world.

Despite the fact that Kuchisake-onna is a fictional character, many people in Japan still believe in her existence and are afraid to walk alone at night. Some even claim to have seen her or heard her voice, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this mythical creature. While there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of Kuchisake-onna, her legend continues to fascinate and terrify people to this day.

Origin and Legend

Historical Context

Kuchisake-onna, also known as the “Slit-Mouthed Woman,” is a Japanese urban legend that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The legend tells the story of a beautiful woman who was mutilated by her jealous husband or lover, resulting in her mouth being slit from ear to ear. Some versions of the story suggest that Kuchisake-onna was a samurai’s concubine who betrayed him.

Folklore Evolution

Over time, the legend of Kuchisake-onna evolved into a cautionary tale for children. According to the legend, Kuchisake-onna would appear to children walking alone at night, wearing a surgical mask to cover her disfigured mouth. She would ask the child if they thought she was beautiful. If the child answered “yes,” she would remove her mask, revealing her slit mouth, and ask again. If the child answered “no,” she would kill them with a pair of scissors.

The legend of Kuchisake-onna has been the subject of numerous books, films, and TV shows in Japan and around the world. While some people believe that the legend is based on a real person, there is no evidence to support this claim. Nevertheless, the legend of Kuchisake-onna continues to fascinate and frighten people around the world.

Appearance and Characteristics

Physical Description

Kuchisake-onna is a mythical creature from Japan that is often described as a beautiful woman with long, straight, black hair and pale skin. However, her most distinctive feature is the large, gruesome scar that runs from ear to ear across her mouth. She is often depicted wearing a surgical mask or cloth over her face to hide the scar.

Supernatural Abilities

According to popular legend, Kuchisake-onna has supernatural abilities that allow her to appear and disappear at will, as well as the ability to move at incredible speeds. She is also said to have the power to control the minds of her victims, making them unable to move or speak. Additionally, Kuchisake-onna is known for her sharp claws and her ability to slice through flesh with ease. It is said that she preys on children and young women, often appearing at night in deserted areas.

Despite her supernatural abilities, Kuchisake-onna is not invincible. It is said that she can be defeated by confusing her with a non-committal response when she asks if she is beautiful. Additionally, throwing money or hard candies at her can distract her long enough for someone to escape.

Cultural Impact

Literature and Arts

Kuchisake-onna has been a popular subject in Japanese literature and arts for many years. She has been featured in numerous novels, manga, and films, including the horror movie “Carved: The Slit-Mouthed Woman” (2007). The character has also made appearances in popular anime shows such as “Hell Girl” and “Inuyasha”. Her striking appearance and terrifying legend have made her a popular figure in Japanese pop culture.

Modern Media Representation

In recent years, Kuchisake-onna has become a well-known figure outside of Japan. She has been featured in American horror movies such as “The Grudge 2” (2006) and “Sadako vs. Kayako” (2016). Additionally, she has made appearances in popular television shows such as “Supernatural” and “Grimm”. Her popularity has even extended to video games, with her being a playable character in “Dead by Daylight”.

Festivals and Urban Legends

Kuchisake-onna has also had a significant impact on Japanese culture. She has become a popular figure during Halloween and other horror-themed festivals. Some Japanese schools have even banned the telling of her legend due to its frightening nature. In addition, her legend has become a popular urban legend among children, with many claiming to have seen her on dark and lonely streets. Despite her terrifying nature, Kuchisake-onna has become an important part of Japanese folklore and culture.

Encounters and Safety

Encountering Kuchisake-onna can be a terrifying experience, but there are some methods that may help protect against her attacks.

Protection Methods

One common method is to carry hard candy or other sweets to offer to the spirit. It is believed that Kuchisake-onna has a sweet tooth and may be distracted by the offering, allowing the person to escape. Another method is to avoid answering her question directly and instead respond with a non-committal answer or a question of their own. This may confuse the spirit and give the person a chance to flee.

Reported Sightings

There have been numerous reported sightings of Kuchisake-onna, particularly in Japan. In some cases, witnesses have reported seeing a woman with a surgical mask covering her face, carrying a pair of scissors or a knife. Other witnesses have reported seeing a woman with a large, gruesome mouth slit from ear to ear.

While encounters with Kuchisake-onna may be rare, it is important to take precautions and be aware of the potential danger. By following protection methods and being vigilant, individuals can increase their chances of staying safe in the face of this mythical creature.

Comparative Mythology

Similar Entities in Other Cultures

Kuchisake-onna is a unique figure in Japanese folklore, but there are other entities in different cultures that share some similarities with her. In Korean folklore, there is a similar figure known as the “Hapjungshin,” which is a ghostly woman who wears a veil to cover her face. She is said to appear to travelers and ask them if she is beautiful, much like Kuchisake-onna. If the traveler answers yes, she removes her veil to reveal a hideous face and attacks them.

In Mexican folklore, there is a similar figure known as “La Llorona,” which is a ghostly woman who is said to have drowned her children in a river. She is said to appear to children near bodies of water and ask them if they have seen her children. If they answer no, she disappears, but if they answer yes, she attacks them.

In European folklore, there is a similar figure known as the “Morrigan,” which is a goddess of war and death in Irish mythology. She is said to appear to warriors before battle and offer them a choice between a peaceful life or a glorious death in battle. If they choose the latter, she blesses them with strength and skill in battle.

Overall, there are many different entities in different cultures that share some similarities with Kuchisake-onna, but each one has its unique characteristics and mythology.