Souls that have died a violent death, committed suicide, or whose rituals were performed incorrectly turn into ghosts.
In Tokyo, there is a company that inspects homes with a reputation for being "cursed" and issues certificates confirming the absence of paranormal activity. Its services are becoming increasingly in demand against the backdrop of rising real estate prices and legislative requirements to disclose information about tragedies that have occurred in the housing, reports the South China Morning Post.
The company Kachimode was founded in 2022 by real estate agent Kazutoshi Kodama. As of September, his firm has already inspected 196 properties. Specialists use thermal imaging cameras, recorders, and electromagnetic field meters. They analyze temperature, humidity, pressure, and air movement. After the inspection, a certificate is issued.
The cost of the service has already risen from $340 to $1,000. By law, sellers are required to disclose tragedies, and due to a bad reputation, property prices can drop by 10–20%. However, the growth of the real estate market makes even such properties attractive for purchase.
Traditional rituals by Buddhist monks are also popular in Japan, costing up to $1,000. These rituals are intended to calm the souls of the deceased and eliminate spiritual impurity, which, according to believers, makes the home livable again.
Mysticism in Japan encompasses a wide range of beliefs, from yurei (restless spirits), such as the famous Sadako, to mystical beings known as yokai (for example, oni — horned demons) and urban legends about monsters like Kuchisake-onna (the Slit-Mouthed Woman). This mystical aspect is also manifested in ommyodo (traditional occult teachings) and rituals, such as drawing an eye on a Daruma doll to fulfill wishes.
Spirits and Ghosts (Yurei)
Causes of Appearance: Souls that have died a violent death, committed suicide, or whose rituals were performed incorrectly become yurei.
Characteristics: Often depicted in white funeral kimonos with long black hair and without legs, they may also manifest at the places of their death.
Examples: Sadako from the movie "The Ring" and Kayako from "The Grudge" are among the most famous yurei.
Mystical Beings (Yokai)
Oni: Malevolent, tusked, and horned demons possessing immense strength and living in the Japanese equivalent of hell (Jigoku).
Kama-itachi: A yokai resembling a weasel with sickles that can instantly sever a person's legs but then bandages the wound to avoid blood loss.
Yamauba: A mountain witch or sorceress living in the mountains.
Others: There are other yokai, such as Bake-zori (the ghost of an old sandal) and Karakasa-obake (a pesky paper umbrella).
Urban Legends
Kuchisake-onna: A woman who wears a mask and asks if you think she is beautiful. If the answer is "no," she will kill you. If "yes," she removes the mask, revealing a slit from ear to ear, and asks again. To avoid death, you must say she looks "ordinary."
Hanako-san: The ghost of a girl who resides in the third stall of the girls' bathroom on the third floor of a school. It is said that she can drown those who disturb her in the toilet.
Tanuki: Raccoons that, according to legend, possess magical shapeshifting abilities and enjoy deceiving people.
Occult Practices and Beliefs
Ommyodo: A Japanese occult teaching that includes divination, protection from curses, and exorcism of spirits. Its practitioners, known as "ommyoji," appeared in the 7th century.
Daruma: A figurine used for making wishes. When a wish is made, one eye is drawn. After the wish is fulfilled, the second eye is drawn, and the figurine is either kept or burned at a temple.
Mystical Places
Okunoin on Mount Koya: The largest cemetery in Japan, where, according to beliefs, not only ordinary people are buried but also the great Buddhist teacher Kobo Daishi, who is said to still meditate.
