Kuchisake onna facts for kids

The Kuchisake Onna is a famous character from Japanese folklore. She is often called the "Slit-Mouthed Woman." Her story is a popular urban legend in Japan. People say she appears at night, especially to children.

Kuchisake Onna: The Slit-Mouthed Woman

The Kuchisake Onna is a well-known figure in Japanese scary stories. Her legend has been told for many years. It is a tale that has scared and fascinated people across Japan. She is a spirit or ghost who is said to be very dangerous.

What Does She Look Like?

The Kuchisake Onna is usually described as a woman with long, dark hair. She often wears a trench coat. She also wears a surgical mask over her mouth. This mask is common in Japan to prevent spreading germs. But for her, it hides a scary secret. When she takes off the mask, her mouth is cut from ear to ear. This gives her a very frightening smile.

Her Scary Question

The legend says that the Kuchisake Onna will approach people. She often appears to children or young adults. She will ask them a question while wearing her mask. The question is usually, "Am I pretty?" or "Do you think I am beautiful?"

If the person says "No," she might get angry. She could then harm them with a sharp object, like scissors. If the person says "Yes," she will then take off her mask. She will show her wide, cut mouth. Then she will ask the question again. "How about now?" or "Am I still pretty?"

How to Escape Her

It is very tricky to escape the Kuchisake Onna. If you say "No" after she shows her mouth, she might attack you. If you say "Yes," she might cut your mouth to match hers. People have come up with different ways to try and get away from her.

One way is to give her a confusing answer. You could say something like, "You are average" or "You are so-so." This might confuse her. It could give you enough time to run away. Another trick is to throw candy or money at her. She might stop to pick it up. This also gives you a chance to escape. Some stories say that if you ask her if you are pretty, she will get confused and leave.

Kuchisake Onna in Pop Culture

The story of the Kuchisake Onna is very popular. It is not just an old folktale. She appears in many modern forms of entertainment. You can find her in Japanese horror movies. She is also in TV shows and manga comics. Her story is often shared as a scary urban legend among friends. This keeps her legend alive and well in Japan today.