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
Today
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Mos Burger adds Kandy Tea Milk to the menu and Japanese social media is here for it
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
Weekly
- New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations- Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
Monthly
- New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Mos Burger adds Kandy Tea Milk to the menu and Japanese social media is here for it
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
7-Eleven Japan releases new “mix-and-drink” matcha latte… that comes with a risk of choking
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
Pachinko machines get new life and become big hit in Japanese assisted care facility
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Lawson transforms convenience store food with massive katsu burger and an insane curry bread
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
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