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Noppera-bō
Japanese faceless ghosts that appear normal at first, then turn to reveal smooth, featureless skin where a face should be. They delight in terrifying people but rarely cause harm. The original jump scare.
Ancient - Present
Japan
5000+ witnesses
The Noppera-bō is Japan’s famous faceless ghost.
The Legend
According to Japanese folklore:
Noppera-bō are:
- Faceless spirits
- Appear normal at first
- Face vanishes when looked at
- Smooth skin remains
- Terrify but don’t kill
The Encounter
Classic story pattern:
- Person meets stranger
- Seems normal initially
- Turns around
- Face is blank
- Victim flees in terror
The Famous Tale
Most well-known story:
- Fisherman meets weeping woman
- She turns around
- No face
- He flees to noodle vendor
- Vendor has no face either
Appearance
Described as:
- Normal body
- Normal clothing
- But face completely smooth
- No eyes, nose, mouth
- Sometimes glow
Purpose
Their motivation:
- Love to frighten
- Test human courage
- Punish the rude
- Entertainment
- Rarely harmful
Kitsune Connection
Some believe:
- Noppera-bō are kitsune (foxes)
- Shape-shifted
- Playing tricks
- Testing humans
- For amusement
Cultural Impact
Influence:
- Horror stories
- Films and anime
- Halloween masks
- Video games
- Iconic figure