Buzz
When it comes to urban legends stemming from literary works, Tomino’s Curse is considered the most controversial legend, sparking intense debates.
Japanese urban legends always capture attention, not just for their spine-chilling narratives but also for their close connection to modern life in the country. Even in literature and art, seemingly elusive urban legends don't elude them. Tomino’s Curse is perhaps one of the most renowned urban legends in Japan.
The Origins of Tomino’s Curse
Tomino’s Curse is a famous poem by the author Yaso Saijo. The work was crafted in 1919, following Saijo's heart-wrenching experiences, losing family in World War I. This pain became the inspiration for Saijo to pen eerie verses about life and death. The poem narrates a child descending into hell with disturbing imagery that can leave readers uneasy.
The opening lines of the poem continue to stir controversy, open to various interpretations even today:
The elder sister spews blood, the younger sister exhales fire, and the charming Tomino vomits glass beads. Tomino descends alone into the abyss.
Despite Saijo leaving annotations for readers, it is believed that the poem begins with a scene of a child causing harm to their family. In the poem, Tomino descends to the bottom layer of hell according to Buddhist beliefs. However, there are other opinions suggesting that the poem carries hidden meanings about war or the issue of child abuse.
Curiosities Surrounding the Mysterious Poem
To this day, Tomino's Hell continues to stir controversy regarding its true meaning. Regardless of its actual significance, there remains suspicion that reading the entire work can cause headaches, illness, and even danger.
A notable example supporting this rumor is the death of director Terama Shuji after releasing a film based on the poem in 1974. Although the director died of liver disease, the coincidental timing of his death was convincing enough for the public to spread rumors about the misfortune caused by the poem.
However, what propelled the urban legend about the poem to global fame is a work titled 'My Heart is Like a Stone Rolling Around' by author Yomota Inuhiko. The piece was composed and released in 2004. Yomota Inuhiko created this piece based on the poem Tomino’s Hell. In this book, the author writes: 'If you happen to read this poem aloud, you will bear an awful fate that you cannot escape.'
