10 Creepy Japanese Urban Legends That Might Be True[Part 1 of 2]

1.Hitobashira:

In Japan many years ago 'Hitobashira' was a common practice of ensuring a sturdy construction of important buildings,bridges,dams and tunnels. The practice continued steadily in the 16th century but there are some proofs which show its practice even in the 20th century.This seems common as we all know prayers are offered for a sturdy construction all around the world,until you realize 'Hitobashira' translates to 'Human Pillar' and its practice involves burying live human beings into the foundation of the building as a sacrifice.It was believed that this practice created a magical ward that protected the building as it appeased the nature spirits of the area.

2.Snake Woman:

Known as Nune-Orra in Japan,this urban legend involves a beautiful woman with long hair seen drowning in a river. As someone like a passerby or a fisherman dives in to save her.Once they approach her , they become paralyzed by her gaze,its that moment they realize the terrible truth,the beautiful woman is actually a monster with the body of a giant snake. Once the prey is close enough she reveals her long scaly arms along with razor sharp claws and fangs.Once in her clutches she drags the victim beneath the water surface and uses her snake like tongue to suck out her victim's blood. Even walking on the beach is considered dangerous at night as she might spring up from the water and drag  the innocent victim from the shore.

3.Hanako San:

Hanako San is said to be the little girl from the World War 2 era. It is believed that she committed suicide and now haunts the third stall of the girls' bathroom if they inhabit the they inhabit the third floor of elementary school.If someone knocks three times on the door and asks before entering 'Are you in there,Hanako San?',the voice of a young girl will answer 'I m here',entering the stall after this conversation will cause a young girl with bobbed hair and a red skirt to appear.Different variations of this legend describe the ghost as mischievous, harmless and malevolent.

4.Teke Teke:

Like many other Japanese legends this begins with a tragedy. The story begins with a young woman who was pushed of had willingly jumped in front of a train and was cut in half.She returned as a mutilated vengeful spirit dragging herself along the ground with her elbows making a 'Teke Teke' or 'scratching sound'.She wanders the night dragging her torso behind with claw like hands and a scythe.Legend says she moves at incredible speeds to catch her victims and if her victims are not fast enough she cuts them in half with her scythe and those victims are doomed to become just like Teke Teke.

5.Aka Manto:

Aka Manto or the Red Cape, is believed to be a very handsome man in life who was hounded by admirers and in death wears a mask to hide his face.He is said to haunt the last stalls of public and school bathrooms.When someone enters the stall and sits down to do their business, they may hear a voice asking if they want a red or a blue toilet paper. Asking for the red one will leave you slashed and drenched in your own blood and asking for blue will result in the victim's suffocation leaving the victim blue. Another variation states that people are asked if they want a red vest which will result in their back skin torn off.Asking for any other color i.e. trying to outsmart Aka Manto will result in Aka Manto dragging the victim to hell. The only way to escape is to refuse the choice altogether.

[Part 1 of 2]
Stay tuned for the second part!