Most yokai originates from the Edo period. And, today’s yokai is no different. However, in contemporary urban legends, this female yokai as popular as teke-teke. In fact, the city occurences were so serious that it involved the japanese police. Undoubtedly, today’s yokai is kuchisake-onna and she gives you a big smile.

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As legend goes, kuchisake-onna is a female onryō with a mutilated mouth. Her mouth was slit open from ear to ear. Usually, she hunts around town nightly and carries a sharp object. For example, a kitchen knife, a pair of scissors and, even, a razor blade. In days of old, she wields a tantō.

During the Edo period, kuchisake-onna wore a furisode and frequented the streets of yūkaku. Consequently, she used her long sleeves to hide her identity from the horny men. Sometimes, a fan or handkerchief was used instead. However, in contemporary times, kuchisake-onna hunts along quiet alleyways. The onryō wears a face mask to conceal her slit-mouth. Also, now, she preys on anyone. Certainly, she has evolved her methods. She became a more opportunistic predator.

Modus Operandi

Nonetheless, kuchisake-onna‘s method has not changed over the centuries. In fact, she stayed true to her vengeful nature. Firstly, kuchisake-onna roams the streets searching for prey. When she encounters one, the onryō appraoches her unsuspecting victim.

Then, with her mouth covered, kuchisake-onna asks her prey, “Watashi, kirei?” (“Am I pretty?”) If he/she answers no, the onryō draws her weapon and kills her victim immediately. However, if her prey says yes, kuchisake-onna advances to phase two.

Subsequently, she reveals her mutilated mouth to her prey. Then, kuchisake-onna repeats her question. “Kore demo?” (“Even now?”) If her victim replies no (or screams), she kills him/her instantly. If her prey answers yes, kuchisake-onna moves to phase three.

In this last phase, kuchisake-onna hugs her victim close and grins. Slowly, and deliberately, she removes her tool and slices her victim. Kuchisake-onna cuts him/her a fresh new mouth. One with a mutilated smile, just like her.

Survival Guide

First and foremost, avoid solitary woman in dark quiet streets. In this way, you also avoid other warai-onago yokai such as nure-onago and ohaguro-bettari. Of course, if you do have the “need” to chat up with these “beautiful” women, there are ways to escape the clutches of kuchisake-onna.

For instance, you may throw bekkoame or other forms of hard candy on the ground. Kuchisake-onna loves sweets. Escpecially caramalised hard candy. And they prefer these tributes to slicing your face up. Alternatively, some experts suggest throwing money. Especially, ¥500 coins. Although, these claims have yet to be substantiated. Good luck trying.

If you have none of these, or prefer to keep your money instead of your life, there are other exit strategies. These strategies revolve around providing an unconventional answer. For instance, instead of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, answer “mā-mā…” (meaning “so-so”). Or even, “heikin teki na” (meaning “looks average/normal”). Such answers will leave kuchisake-onna confused. Therefore, you have enough time to take flight. But, of course, kuchisake-onna can still catch up and then she gives you a big smile.

Yokai Details

• name: kuchisake-onna ( koo-chi-sah-kay-on-nah )
• kanji: 口裂け女  (くちさけおんな)
• meaning: slit-mouth woman
• abilities:
  1. paralysis inducement — ability to partially immobilize others
  2. tracking evasion — hide from followers or pursuers