Japanese urban legends are rife with spine-chilling tales that have been passed down through generations. Among the most notorious is Hanako-san, the ghostly presence that haunts the third toilet stall in the girls' restrooms of Japanese schools. 

But Hanako-san is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s delve into the eerie legends of Hanako-san, Kuchisake-Onna, and Teke-Teke.

Hanako-san

Hanako-san is a ghost believed to inhabit the third stall of girls' restrooms in schools across Japan. 

To summon her, one must knock on the stall doors one by one until she answers. While the outcomes vary by region, most tales agree that summoning Hanako-san can result in dire consequences.

In Osaka, the legend takes an unusual twist. When Hanako-san is summoned, she reportedly says, "That's dangerous. 

Stop it," in standard Japanese rather than the local Kansai dialect. This peculiar detail adds another layer of mystery to her already chilling presence JapanTravel.

Regional Variations:

  • Tokyo Version: In Tokyo, it is believed that Hanako-san will appear and drag the summoner into the stall, never to be seen again.
  • Hokkaido Version: In Hokkaido, Hanako-san is said to grab the legs of the summoner and drag them into the toilet.
  • Osaka Version: The Osaka variation offers an unusual twist. When summoned, Hanako-san reportedly says, "That's dangerous. Stop it," in standard Japanese rather than the local Kansai dialect
The legend of Hanako-san has had a significant impact on Japanese schoolchildren. 

The fear of encountering Hanako-san has led to widespread anxiety and fascination. 

Some schools have even taken measures to reassure students, such as holding cleansing rituals or providing psychological support.