Scary Stories & Creepy Facts

SS&CF #119

Said to be Japan's safer alternative to Ouija board. Kokkuri-San is pretty popular among students and have gamered public interests through real experiences and media. Despite being more of a divination ritual, this 'game' still calls for the help of minor spirits, it is still recommended no avoid playing or if it can't be helped, just be careful at all times.

Things you need:

A blank piece of paper

A pen to write with

A coin

How to do it:

1. Take a blank sheet of paper and draw a "torii" (a traditional Japanese gate) at the top in red ink.

Write "YES" and "NO" on its either side. Beneath this, write one row of numbers (from 0 to 9) and three rows of letters (from A to Z, but hiragana characters are usually used).

2. Open a window or a door so that Kokkuri-san will be able to enter the room. The torii represents the gateway to a Shinto shrine archway and the spirit will enter and exit through it.

3. Place a coin on the red torii. Each person should put their index finger on the coin.

4. Call the spirit by saying, "Kokkuri-san, Kokkuri-san, if you're here, please move this coin."

5. You can ask Kokkuri-san whatever questions you like. The spirit will spell out the answer by moving the coin.

6. To end the game, you may ask Kokkuri-san to leave by saying, "Kokkuri-san, please return home." If it answers with "yes" and gone back to rest on the archway, say a respectful thank you.

7. When you are certain Kokkuri-san has left, you must destroy the paper by cutting it into forty eight pieces. Some resources day to destroy the pen used too. Also, the players must spend the coin used within three days. Failure to do so brings bad luck or misfortune to the players.

Other things to keep in mind:

Do not play this game alone.

If your health is not stable or you have a weak heart, don't play it.

Never take your finger off the coin during the game

You must not stop or be stopped in the middle of the game.