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In Japan, there are even darker, more menacing versions of famous American urban legends, and Hachishakusama is a prime example. Often referred to as the 'Japanese Slender Man' by those who encounter her, Hachishakusama brings with her a terrifying tale that might keep you up all night.
The Slender Man has gone beyond its original creation to inspire real-life stories and a cult-like following. So how does Hachishakusama measure up in terms of fear? Here are 10 reasons why she’s just as frightening as the Slender Man.
10. She Stands at a Height of 244 Centimeters (8'0")
Imagine being a young child gazing out your bedroom window on the second floor, only to spot a 244-centimeter-tall (8’0”) woman staring back at you. There's something deeply unsettling about human features that are vastly out of proportion with what we're accustomed to, and Hachishakusama embodies that fear with her unnaturally tall stature.
No question about it, if you encountered a 244-centimeter-tall (8’0”) woman at night, the sheer scale of her presence would leave you trembling in fear.
Slender Man has similar characteristics. Their impossible heights and unnervingly thin limbs make them appear grotesque and frightening, especially when near children.
9. She Emits a Terrifying Sound When Near
As Hachishakusama closes in on her victims, a chilling, deep, masculine voice emits a strange noise in threes: 'Po... Po... Po.' This eerie sound serves as a warning that she’s approaching, and there's little hope for escape.
Hachishakusama takes her time with her victims, allowing you to hear her eerie noise at various locations—outside your window, at the playground, your parents' house, or anywhere else she chooses to make her presence known.
This resembles the 'slender effect' caused by Slender Man's proximity. While the slender effect is far more intense (leading to disorientation and nausea in its victims), both malevolent entities issue a warning when they’re near.
8. She Targets Children
While Slender Man is said to target both children and young adults, Hachishakusama preys exclusively on young children. The exact reason for this is unclear, but it's believed that she feeds on their youthful essence, which may explain why she sometimes appears as a young woman.
Furthermore, she may target young children because they are more impressionable and easier to manipulate into doing what she desires. This could be Hachishakusama’s most powerful weapon against her victims.
7. She Can Imitate Loved Ones
One story tells of a young boy who encountered Hachishakusama. When he told his grandparents about the experience, they panicked and took immediate steps to rid their grandson of her evil presence.
During the ritual the family performed to expel her, Hachishakusama attempted to deceive the boy by imitating the voices of his grandparents. If the boy had responded to the voices, he would have been abducted and lost forever.
The following day, the boy informed his grandparents that he had heard their voices outside his door. They insisted they had not spoken to him.
6. You Are Doomed After Encountering Her
Slender Man reveals himself once you start delving into his existence. A simple online search can lead you down a dark path of images and videos that engrave his image in your mind. This is how he selects his victims and marks them as his own.
On the other hand, Hachishakusama selects her victims at random, as long as they’re children. If you're a child in Japan, you're a potential target. Once she has you in her sights, there’s no escaping her grasp. Say your goodbyes, because she’s coming for you.
It may take a while for her to draw you in, but once you’re alone, she’ll be watching you. Be alert for her signature sound: “Po . . . Po . . . Po.” There is a way to stop her, but you’ll have to discover it for yourself.
5. She Dresses In A Long White Gown
The long white gown has become the go-to attire for many spectral figures. Typically, this is what the character was wearing when they met an untimely end, often symbolizing a tragic death at a time that should have been joyful, such as during a wedding.
Both Slender Man and Hachishakusama are seen dressed in formal wear. What is it about a well-dressed ghost that captures our attention so deeply?
Perhaps it's a mirror of how we perceive ourselves, but that perception shatters when we face the grotesque and unnerving figure wearing these clothes. It adds an extra layer of shock to an already terrifying entity as we struggle to comprehend what we're witnessing.
4. You Must Perform A Ritual To Escape Her
Once you encounter Hachishakusama, escaping her is nearly impossible. She will track her victims for months, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. However, there is a faint glimmer of hope.
A ritual performed by the victim's family may stop Hachishakusama’s relentless pursuit. The victim is confined to a secluded room, where newspapers marked with ritual symbols cover all windows to block outside view.
Four bowls of salt are placed in each corner of the room, with a Buddha statue positioned in the center. The victim must remain in the room all night and offer prayers throughout.
By dawn, the four bowls of salt will have turned black, a clear sign that Hachishakusama had been just beyond the window. The final step is for the victim to leave Japan forever, unless they wish to fall prey to Hachishakusama's enduring malevolence.
3. She’s An Onryo
Onryo are a popular figure in horror films. These vengeful spirits return from the afterlife seeking revenge for the wrongs done to them by loved ones. Upon their return, they are far more powerful and malicious than they ever were in life. They use this newfound power to inflict harm and death upon others.
While many onryo stories exist, most feature a female spirit rather than a male one. Though Hachishakusama’s exact origin remains a mystery, she embodies all the traits of an onryo, with long black hair, a flowing white dress, and a deceptive ability to manipulate those around her.
2. She Can Be Attractive
One of the most frightening aspects of Hachishakusama is her ability to appear attractive. This alluring appearance can make her seem less threatening to children, thereby making it easier for her to deceive them into following her.
Some reports claim that she can also assume the appearance of an older woman. However, her focus on young children may explain why she maintains an attractive, youthful look—the essence of childhood keeps her looking young.
The exact origin and purpose of Hachishakusama remain unclear, with no definitive source for her tale. However, this idea seems to explain why she targets children for abduction.
1. She Has Long Black Hair And A Straw Hat
There’s something inherently sinister about long black hair that amplifies the menace of certain haunted characters. Horror films like The Grudge and The Ring have showcased this unsettling feature, where the dark, flowing hair seems to obscure the monster’s face, adding to the tension.
This culminates in a terrifying revelation when the hair is finally swept aside, exposing the demonic features beneath. The combination of the long, wavy hair with a white dress creates a chilling yet graceful image as it drifts past, both sinister and elegant.
