Top 10 Japanese Creepypasta

No. 8

口裂け女 (Kuchisake Onna)—The Slit-Mouthed Woman

This story is particularly scary due to the fact that there are actual police reports of Kuchisake Onna terrorizing children in Japan, Korea, and China as far back as the 1970s.

The Kuchisake Onna sports a Glasgow smile hidden beneath an inconspicuous surgical mask (wearing surgical masks in most Asian countries is seen as normal). The story behind her terrifying grin has been hotly debated. Some legends say that her face was mutilated as a result of botched plastic surgery. Some claim that the earliest rendition of the story, however, appeared in the Hein period—which said that a samurai slit his wife's lips because she had been vain and subsequently unfaithful.

Regardless of the Kuchisake Onna's origin, she is said to approach young people at dusk.

She will walk up and ask: "Am I pretty?"

If you say "yes," she will take off her mask to reveal her slit mouth. Then she will ask, "Am I pretty now?"

If you reply "yes," the Kuchisake Onna will take a pair of scissors and cut your mouth to look like hers.

If you reply "no," she will cut you in half.

If you try to run, she will appear in every direction that you turn.

Legend says that the only way to escape the Kuchisake Onna is to reply, "You are average." Others claim that the Kuchisake Onna can be confused if you throw candy or fruit at her feet. Another report suggests that she will become confused and walk away if you ask, "Is the child pretty?" or "Am I pretty?

Regardless, perhaps it is safest to be home by dusk.