spirits
We set out to dispel rumours about the shrine’s mysterious power…but it ends up biting us in the butt.
“More care than a nuclear weapon” required to restore the burial mound dedicated to Japan’s most vengeful spirit.
What happens after we die? Is it possible to communicate with loved ones after they are gone? And if not, how can we explain the stories of those who claim to have done so? These questions are pertinent to the work of journalist Shuji Okuno, who researches the yūrei banashi, or ghost stories, of relatives bereaved by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Over 18,000 people were killed in the disaster in March 2011, most by drowning; including 2,601 bodies that were never recovered. Okuno has been researching and recording the stories of Tohoku people bereaved by the disaster who say they were visited by the spirits of their deceased family members, often at the exact moment of their passing.
But reporting on ghost sightings in a disaster zone is controversial work. In an interview with Tohoku-area newspaper Kahoku Shimpo this week, Okuno spoke about the stories he has uncovered and the criticism he continues to face.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Sephiroth in real life? How to unsheathe a massive 6.8-foot samurai sword
Neo Shinjuku Atsushi: New cyberpunk restaurant bar serves post-apocalyptic food in Tokyo
Weekly
- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo- Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff- Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary- New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
- Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Sephiroth in real life? How to unsheathe a massive 6.8-foot samurai sword
Neo Shinjuku Atsushi: New cyberpunk restaurant bar serves post-apocalyptic food in Tokyo
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Typhoon destroys real Ghost of Tsushima island shrine torii gate, crowdfunding campaign launched
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
13 surprising Japanese translations of American movie titles
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Sanrio Character Ranking results: Cinnamaroll’s five-year streak broken, poll still goes to dogs
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well
-
