The Face Behind the Scarf
The Legend of Kuchisake Onna: Japan’s Slit-Mouthed Woman In the dark alleys of urban Japan, whispers of a terrifying figure have haunted children and adults alike for decades. She is known as Kuchisake Onna (口裂け女), or the "Slit-Mouthed Woman," a ghostly entity with a terrifying appearance and a story that has evolved into one of Japan's most famous urban legends. In this blog post, we will delve into the chilling legend of Kuchisake Onna, exploring her origins, how she became a part of modern folklore, and the deeper cultural meanings behind her eerie presence. The Origins of Kuchisake Onna Kuchisake Onna's tale is said to date back to the Heian period (794–1185), though her contemporary resurgence began in the 1970s and 1980s. The earliest accounts tell of a woman who was disfigured by a violent act, often attributed to a jealous lover or a vengeful husband. Some versions claim that her mouth was slit from ear to ear as punishment for her perceived beauty or