Japanese Urban Legends: Kuchisake-onna or the Slit-Mouthed Woman
The japanese folklore is rich with captivating and sometimes eerie urban legends, each carrying its own unique narrative. Among them, the tale of Kuchisake-onna, or the Slit-Mouthed Woman, stands out as a haunting and enigmatic legend that has permeated the cultural fabric of Japan.
This urban myth has taken various forms over the years, with different accounts attempting to explain the origins of Kuchisake-onna’s disfigurement and her vengeful existence as an onryō, or vengeful spirit.
The Origins of the Slit-Mouthed Woman: Numerous versions attempt to unravel the mystery behind Kuchisake-onna’s mutilation. The most well-known iteration suggests that her disfigurement was the consequence of her husband or lover punishing her for infidelity, slicing her face from ear to ear. This narrative paints a tragic picture of betrayal and retribution, laying the groundwork for the spectral presence that would haunt the imagination of generations.
In alternate renditions of the legend, Kuchisake-onna’s facial mutilation is attributed to a medical accident during surgery or a dental procedure. Consequently, she is sometimes depicted wearing a surgical mask, adding an unsettling layer to her ghostly appearance. Another intriguing variation suggests that a woman, consumed by jealousy over…
