Ghosts have been a fundamental part of stories and mythologies around the world. In Japan, vengeful spirits known as "yūrei" have played a prominent role in its culture and tradition over the centuries. Often depicted as figures dressed in white kimonos and long hair, these Japanese ghosts have left an indelible mark on literature, film, and the collective psyche.
In this article, we will explore the mysterious history of yūrei, their distinctive characteristics, their influence on popular culture, and the impact they have had on Japanese society and around the world. Discover the disturbing world of Yūrei: Japanese ghosts and their intriguing cultural legacy.
The Yūrei: who are they?
Yūrei are Japanese spirits or ghosts that, unlike some Western depictions of ghosts, are not necessarily considered evil. However, yūrei are often associated with souls who have not found peace after death and often return to the underworld to seek revenge, complete unfinished business, or achieve some sort of resolution.
The yūrei are archetypal figures that are characterized by the following distinctive and unique features:
- white kimono: The yūrei are usually represented dressed in white kimonos, which symbolize purity and death. White is associated with the idea that the spirit has not completely crossed over to the other side.
- Long hair: Yūrei often have long black hair that covers their faces, adding a disturbing aura to their appearance. Long hair is also a symbol of the traditional Japanese woman.
- Night frequency: Encounters with yūrei often occur at night or in dark places, adding to the sense of mystery and fear.
- Goal-focused look- Yūrei often have a goal in mind, such as getting revenge on someone or completing an unfinished task, and their spirit remains focused on achieving this goal.
Historical origins
The figure of the yūrei has deep historical roots in Japanese culture, dating back centuries. The belief in the spirits of the dead returning to seek justice or complete unfinished business is found in ancient Japanese texts and legends. This is closely related to the rich tradition of the Japanese culture which explores the links between the living and the dead.
One of the best known examples is Okiku's tale, a servant who was wrongly accused of breaking one of her master's precious porcelain plates. After her execution, her tormented spirit returned to count the plates aloud, but always stopped at the ninth, thus reminding her of her unjust fate. This story illustrates how yūrei, often associated with revenge, reflect tragedy and injustice.
Influence on literature and art
The image of the yūrei has been a constant source of inspiration in Japanese literature. Authors such as Lafcadio Hearn, an American writer who lived in Japan in the XNUMXth century, contributed to the spread of Japanese ghost stories in the Western world through books , the "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things." Furthermore, one can observe how these stories are deeply rooted in the and their relationship with the yūrei.
In addition to literature, Japanese art, particularly ukiyo-e (woodcut art), has depicted the yūrei vividly. One of the most iconic examples is Utagawa Kuniyoshi's series of prints titled "The 100 Famous Ghost Stories" which depicted various ghost stories and supernatural figures. These works highlight the unique characteristics of yūrei in a wide range of artistic contexts.
Influence on cinema
The Scream
Yūrei have been a recurring theme in Japanese cinema, especially in the horror genre. One of the most influential and well-known films featuring yūrei is "Ringu" (Ring), which became a cult film both in Japan and around the world. This film explored deep themes of revenge and fear of the unknown, which resonates with the cultural history of these japanese ghosts.
The film tells the story of a cursed video that leads to the death of those who watch it within a week. The antagonist, Sadako Yamamura, is a yūrei with long hair who emerges from a television to carry out his revenge. The film "Ringu" It had a huge impact on the horror genre and helped further popularize the figure of yūrei, beings that are part of Japanese folklore. This influence has allowed the concept of yūrei as supernatural creatures to become known to audiences around the world.
This scene of the ghost coming out of the television dragging his long, dark black hair has been the inspiration for such famous films as "“The Ring”, widely known to the public. Another yūrei-inspired film would be "The Scream", also very popular around the world, which explores the terror and anguish of these Japanese ghosts in a contemporary context.
Influence on Japanese society
Obon Festival: the Japanese festival of the dead
