Kuchisake-onna/The Slit-Mouthed Woman

12 1 0
                                    


The Slit-Mouthed Woman (or Kuchisake-onna) is a prominent Japanese urban legend. Rumors of alleged sightings of the Slit-Mouthed Woman began spreading around in 1979  around the Nagasaki Prefecture, causing panic in many Japanese towns. Reports also indicate that children were dismissed from school in groups escorted by a teacher for safety, and of police officers increasing their patrols.

The legend has it that a beautiful woman lived in Japan years ago. She was cheating on her husband. One day when he was deployed he came home early and saw her with another man. In a fit of rage he slit her mouth from ear to ear and she died of blood loss. As doing so he screamed, " Who will think your beautiful now?"

The Slit-Mouthed woman later returned as a vengeful spirit wearing a surgical mask (which isn't uncommon in Japan as many Japanese people wear surgical masks to prevent other people from being infected by their colds and sickness). She will approach a child and ask them "Am I pretty?" If the child answers "Yes", she will take off her surgical mask, revealing her Glasgow smile and ask "How about now?" if the child changes their answer to "No", she cuts them in half. If the child sticks to their answer of "Yes", she will slit their mouth just like hers. Running away from her will not work, as she will simply reappear in front of the victim. The only sure way of escaping The Slit-Mouthed Woman alive and unharmed is to give her an ambigious answer such as "You are average" or "So-so" which will confuse her and give the person enough time to escape. If the victim throws sweets and candies at her, she would be distracted and try to eat them. This gives the victim enough time to run. The slit-mouthed woman would also have a privilege to appear in front of the victim. Another way is to say if the child is pretty. She will get confused and walk away.

The Slit-Mouthed Woman urban legend has appeared prominently in two Japanese films: Carved (2007) and it's prequel Carved 2: The Scissors Massacre (2008).

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Jan 02, 2018 ⏰

Add this story to your Library to get notified about new parts!

Urban Legends Where stories live. Discover now