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.
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Weekly
- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces- Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa- Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
- Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Monthly
- Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
Welcome to Japan’s smallest natural mountain, where you get a climbing certificate at the summit
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Yoshinoya invites you to give the gift of beef bowls this Mother’s Day
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Slayers cafe opening in Tokyo and Osaka brings food of the fantasy anime to real life【Photos】
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
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