TLDR;
The video discusses the Japanese urban legend of Kuchisake-onna, the slit-mouthed woman. It explores her origins, the details of her appearances, and the potential outcomes of encountering her. The legend blends historical violence, social anxiety, and urban fear, making her a haunting figure in modern Japanese folklore.
- Kuchisake-onna asks pedestrians if she is pretty.
- A negative answer results in immediate death, while a positive one leads to her revealing her disfigured mouth.
- The legend's origins are traced back to a woman mutilated by her jealous samurai husband.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the Japanese urban legend of Kuchisake-onna, the slit-mouthed woman, who is said to appear on foggy nights. She approaches lone pedestrians, her face hidden by a surgical mask, and asks them a question. This sets the stage for a terrifying encounter rooted in Japanese folklore.
The Encounter [0:12]
The legend details the encounter with Kuchisake-onna. She silently approaches and asks, "Am I pretty?". If the person answers no, she instantly kills them with razor-sharp scissors. If the person answers yes, she removes her mask, revealing a mouth slashed from ear to ear, and repeats the question, "Even now?". Answering no at this point also results in death, while answering yes leads to her carving the victim's face to resemble hers.
Possible Escapes and Origins [0:39]
The video explores potential ways to escape Kuchisake-onna. Some say that giving average answers or distracting her with candy can avert the deadly fate. The origins of the legend are traced back to the Edo period, with stories of a woman mutilated by her jealous samurai husband who suspected her of infidelity.
Historical Context and Modern Myth [0:58]
The video discusses the surge in Kuchisake-onna sightings during the 1970s, which caused widespread panic among schoolchildren and led to increased police patrols. The tale has evolved over time, blending historical violence, social anxiety, and urban fear into a haunting modern myth. Kuchisake-onna serves as a chilling reminder of how old wounds and new fears can lurk in the shadows of city streets.
