Japanese ghost stories
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Japanese ghost stories
I'm already planning for my 2012 novel, which will be a Japanese ghost story. I know nothing about Japanese ghost stories, however, beyond what I read in a Wikipedia article. Can anyone suggest books or movies to aid me in my research? Thanks!
Re: Japanese ghost stories
That depends on whether you want modern stories or older ones.
I know next to nothing about classic Japanese ghost stories, but for modern ones, you could try Koji Suzuki, the guy who wrote the Ring books. I'd say that's pretty much a ghost story...
Then Wikipedia suggests, in a referenced article, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. He seems to have specialised in Japanese folklore and ghost stories; he has apparently written some nonfiction books on the subject.
Re: Japanese ghost stories
I can help! I have a Master's Degree in Japanese Folklore, and I actually wrote most of that wikipedia article. I also run a website where I translate Japanese ghost stories and write essays on Japanese ghosts. You can probably find some answers there:
Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai
http://hyakumonogatari.com/
If you are looking for films or books, well, there are many! "Ugetsu" is one of the most classic Japanese ghost stories. "Kuroneko" is also good, and you should definitely see one of the versions of "Yotsuya Kaidan." Like the Red Queen said, a lot depends on if you are looking for classice Edo period ghost stories or more modern stuff.
Re: Japanese ghost stories
I think you are my new hero. At least for this week.
To the OP, I know more stories about things like Tanuki or Snow Maidens, etc. But those stories can be very ghost story-like.
Re: Japanese ghost stories
Okiku's Well is a nice, old Japanese ghost story. Beyond that I'm lost.
Re: Japanese ghost stories
There's a book, "Tales of Old Japan" by A. B. Mitford, that has some ghost stories as well as other mythology. It was written in 1876, so most are them are older. It's available on Amazon.