Kuchisake-Onna (Slit-Mouthed Woman)

Kuchisake-Onna, the Slit-Mouthed Woman, is one of Japan’s most famous modern yōkai (supernatural beings). In 1979, panic about her caused schools to close and police to increase patrols.

The Legend

According to documented accounts:

Kuchisake-Onna is:

• A beautiful woman wearing a surgical mask
• She approaches people (often children) and asks: “Am I pretty?” (Watashi kirei?)
• If you say no, she kills you with scissors
• If you say yes, she removes her mask revealing a mouth slit ear to ear
• She asks again: “Am I pretty now?”
• If you say no, she cuts you in half
• If you say yes, she cuts your mouth to match hers

The Origin Story

In legend, she was:

• A samurai’s wife or concubine
• Extremely beautiful
• Either unfaithful or her husband was jealous
• He mutilated her face, asking “Who will think you’re pretty now?”
• Her ghost seeks revenge

The 1979 Panic

In 1979, Japan experienced genuine panic:

• Sightings were reported across the country
• Children were afraid to walk to school
• Some schools closed or sent escorts
• Police increased patrols
• The media extensively covered the phenomenon

How to Escape

According to folklore, you can survive by:

• Answering “average” (so-so) when asked if she’s pretty
• Saying you have an appointment and must leave
• Throwing hard candy at her (she stops to pick it up)
• Saying “pomade” three times (she fears the word)

Why “Pomade”?

One origin theory:

• Her disfiguring husband was a surgeon
• He used pomade-based products
• The word triggers traumatic memories
• This version suggests her husband caused the injury

Similar Entities

Japan has related figures:

• Nopperabō: Faceless ghost
• Teke Teke: Legless ghost that chases people
• Various other yōkai who ask questions

Modern Appearances

Kuchisake-Onna remains popular:

• Appears in films, anime, and manga
• Featured in horror video games
• Occasional “sighting” reports in Japan and Korea
• Has spread to other Asian countries

Cultural Analysis

The legend reflects:

• Fear of hidden dangers in ordinary situations
• Anxiety about beauty and disfigurement
• Urban development and stranger danger
• The mask culture in Japan (medical masks are common)

The 2007 Discovery

A 2007 report claimed:

• Records from 1978 showed a woman with a slit mouth
• She was hit by a car while chasing children
• This may be the origin or a corroborating detail
• The accuracy is debated

Sources

• Kuchisake-onna - Wikipedia