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Hanako-san (Toilet Hanako)
A ghost girl haunts the third stall of school bathrooms. Knock three times and ask 'Are you there, Hanako-san?' A voice answers 'Yes.' If you open the door, a girl in red skirt appears. Then she drags you in.
1950s - Present
Japan
1000+ witnesses
Hanako-san hides in every Japanese school bathroom.
The Ritual
To summon her:
- Third floor bathroom
- Third stall from end
- Knock three times
- “Hanako-san, are you there?”
- Wait for answer
The Response
She answers:
- “Yes, I am here”
- Small girl’s voice
- Inside the stall
- Door may open
- Or she pulls you in
The Appearance
If you see her:
- Bobbed black hair
- Red skirt
- White shirt
- School uniform
- 1950s style
Origins
Who was Hanako:
- WWII bombing victim
- Hiding in bathroom
- During air raid
- Killed by bomb
- Trapped forever
Protection
To banish her:
- Show perfect grades
- Wave a good report card
- She was a good student
- Respects academics
- Will leave you alone
Cultural Icon
Impact:
- Every school knows
- Movies made
- Anime appearances
- Video games
- Generational legend