The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
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It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
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Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
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Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
うーらーめーしーやーと聞いてすぐに幽霊と分かる人はかなりの日本ツウ！”うらめしや”とは”恨めしい”つまり恨みを持ったまま亡くなった人が成仏されずに幽霊となって出てきたときの決まり文句なのだ！という訳で、今回は日本の怖ーい夏特集。ほーら、あなたの後ろにも…
日本では夏になると必ずと言っていいほど怪談話や肝試しが行われる。歌舞伎で’東海道四谷怪談’が演目になるのも決まって7、8月だし、落語のネタにも必ず幽霊が登場する。でもちょっと待って！これって海外の人には全く理解できないって知ってた？確かに海外でもホラー映画やドラキュラなど架空の妖精などは存在する。でも「なんで日本は夏に怖い話をするんだ!?」って聞かれたら返事に困ってしまう。そんな時は今回の特集を見せながら、こう答えよう。まず第一に”納涼”。日本の夏は湿気が多くて暑いから怖い話をしてぞーっとする、つまりぞっとしてクールダウン、というのが最大の理由。次にお盆。死者を迎え入れる行事が毎年夏に行われているという日本の特徴的な文化が反映されている。そしてもう一つは、昔から疫病や飢饉が起こりやすかったのが夏だったので、夏になると死の気配がするからという説。怪談話一つとっても各国の文化や歴史が分かって非常に興味深い。ところで、怖い話ついでに迷信の話をすると、これがまた色々な文化や生活の知恵にお国柄が出て面白い。迷信を信じる、信じないは人それぞれだけど、日本人は結構迷信深い人種と思われる。分かりやすいのは”暦の迷信”。迷信なんて信じない、という人も多いだろうが、やっぱりお葬式は仏滅や友引を避けて行うのが一般的。迷信は霊界とも密接な関わりがあるので、今回は日本と世界の迷信をはじめ、福岡の幽霊にまつわるスポットなどを盛りだくさんでご紹介！さあ梅雨が明けたら夏本番。暑い日本の夏を乗り切ろう！
日本の迷信
昔から言い伝えられる日本の迷信の数。その謂われを知ると納得できる場合もあるが、やっぱり祟りや呪いはコワーイ。ちなみに英語の”ジンクス”は不吉なことに限って使われるので要注意！
夜、爪を切ると親の死に目にあえない
昔は小さなハサミで爪を切っていたので”暗闇で爪を切ると危ない”という思いから。
くつは午後おろしてはいけない
新しいくつを履く時は午前中に、と言われるのは、午後は足がむくむから。逆にくつを買うのは午後がよいと言われる。
北枕で寝てはいけない
死体を置く時に、頭部を北の方向に向けるので、縁起が悪いとされる。箸渡しも同様で死人の骨を箸から箸で渡すため。
下駄の鼻緒が切れると縁起が悪い
出鼻をくじかれると、その日の運勢が変わってしまうかもしれない、という恐怖心から。
雷がなると、雷さまにおへそを取られる
雨が降り出すと気温が下がるので”子どもがお腹を冷やさないように”との思いから。
トイレ掃除をすると美しくなる’Aまたは美しい子どもが生まれる
トイレには弁天様（七福神の一つ）がいるので、弁天様の美しさにあやかって、とのことから。
“迷信”ザ・ワールド！
所変われば品変わる!?出てくる出てくる、迷信の数。フクオカ・ナウが厳選した、世界の迷信を紹介しよう。
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ブラジルではベッドから降りる時は必ず右足から降りないと一日が最悪になるんだ。なぜって”左”には悪魔がいるって言われてるからね！ちなみにラテン語の”左”を意味する言葉が英語の”sinister（不吉な）”っていう言葉の語源なんだよ！
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くしゃみをしたら何をしてても止めないといけない。ほとんどの宗教でくしゃみは病気の前触れ、つまり悪いことの前兆を意味するの。だから誰かがくしゃみをすると「ブレスユー」って言うし、言われた方は「サンキュー」って答えるのよ。
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エジプトではスリッパや靴が裏返しになっていたり、はさみが開きっぱなしになっていたりすると悪いことが起こるって言われてる。でも、たとえ迷信じゃなくても、はさみが開きっぱなしになってたら危ないよね（笑）。
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誰かと乾杯をする時は、自分のグラスに触れながらちゃんと相手の目を見ないと大変なことになるよ！だって7年も、最悪な場合は一生(!?)セックスができなくなるからね。他にも鏡が割れると縁起が悪いって言われてる。
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セネガルでは男の子に”ソロモン”っていう名前を付けると不幸な一生になるから絶対に付けないよ。でもこれは伝説のソロモン王に敬意を表して付けないっていうニュアンスの方が近いかな？
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タイでは、女の人がキッチンで歌を歌うとお嫁にいけないって言われてるわ。料理に集中してないってことだし、歌ってる時につばが飛ぶと不衛生でしょ？
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新年にトリ肉を食べると一年の運が逃げていくから、スロバキアでは代わりに豆を食べるんだ。豆はお金のシンボルって言われてるからね。
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中国では男の人が緑の帽子をかぶると、奥さんが浮気をしているっていう意味だから、中国に行く時は気をつけてね。奥さんを寝取られた男の人は”亀”って言われてて、緑は亀の象徴だからね。
肝試しにぴったり？福岡のちょっと”ワケあり”スポット
本当に幽霊を見たことがある、もしくは不思議な体験をしたという人もいる、福岡のちょっと”訳あり”スポット。夏の肝試しに出かけてみてはどうだろう？
米一丸地蔵尊（東区）
供養しても供養しても人身事故が絶えないという噂の踏切があった場所。というのも昔、米一丸の美人妻・八千代姫に一目惚れした京都の一条殿が、博多の質物商に質入れした自分の刀を米一丸に取りに行かせ、博多の奉行配下400人に米一丸を殺すように命じたのだ。米一丸は質物商との取引を終えて宿に引き上げる途中、襲撃を受け、箱崎松原付近で恨みを含んだまま、やむなく自刃。博多まで彼を追ってきた八千代姫は米一丸を供養した後、墓前で自害する。ふたりの怨念かどうかは定かではないが、あまりにも事故が多いので、子どもたちは「あの踏切だけは気をつけなさい」と注意される。数年前には大学生の自殺もあり、福岡では怖ーい場所として有名。
縁切り地蔵（早良区）
縁結びの祈願はよく耳にするけど、ここは縁切りの話。なぜならその昔、糟屋郡長者原の於古能姫が重留（現在の早良区重留）の土生家に嫁ぐ日、嫁入り道具とともに重留に向かう途中、花婿が急死したという知らせを受ける。しかしそれは土生家に恨みを持つ者の嘘だったのだが、於古能姫は突然絶たれた縁を悲しみ自害してしまう。野芥にまつられた地蔵は、削って飲ませると縁切りにご利益があることで有名になり、全国から参詣にくるそうだ。壁には、男女の縁切りをはじめ、悪縁や病気との縁切りを願う絵馬や紙がたくさん掛けられている。ちなみにテレビの取材で霊体験をした関係者は必ずここにきて縁切りを行っていたとか。
濡衣塚（博多区）
“濡れ衣を着せられる”ということわざは”無実なのに自分のせいにされる”、という意味だが、実はこの”濡れ衣”の言葉の発祥は福岡の博多である。筑前の守護職に任命された佐野近世は京都から博多に来る途中、妻を失い後妻をもらう。ところが後妻は先妻の娘である春姫が気に入らず、「春姫は毎夜、漁師と会っている。春姫の部屋に濡れ衣が掛けてあるのが何よりの証拠」と、近世に告げ口する。もちろん濡れ衣は後妻の仕業であるが、逆上した近世は春姫の言い分も聞かずに切り捨ててしまう。春姫は亡霊となって近世の枕元に立ち、自分のせいではないと無実を訴え続けたという。春姫の霊を供養するために建てられた塚が博多区に残されている。
本当に一番、怖いのは？
幽霊だ！迷信だ！と騒いだところで、確かに外国人にとっては痛くもかゆくもないかもしれないが、こいつらだけは気をつけた方がいいぞ！
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百本の足、と書いて「百足（ムカデ）」実際には百本もないが、庭石や落ち葉の下、暗く湿った場所に生息している。アゴに毒があるので、咬まれたら直ちにアゴを引き離し、頭を叩きつぶそう。流水に浸しながら患部から毒を絞り出して早めに病院に行った方がよい。とにかく腫れるし、痛いぞー。
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ムカデよりもっと怖いのがマムシ。クサリヘビ科に属し、全長は45～77cm。日本各地に分布している。マムシに遭遇したら、当たり前のことだが絶対に手を出さないこと。猛毒ではないので死亡例はあまりないが、咬まれてしまったら直ちに病院に行こう。走ると血液循環がよくなって毒がまわるので要注意！
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頭に皿があり、皮膚はぬるぬるしていて亀のような甲羅がありm指と指の間に水かきがついているが誰も見たことはない（笑）。親が子どもたちを川や池に近づかせないように「カッパが出るよ！」と言って聞かせる。ちなみに福岡市大名では、カッパから腕継ぎの秘法を学んだ医者が大繁盛したという民話がある。やっぱり福岡のカッパは人情深い！？
The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
うーらーめーしーやーと聞いてすぐに幽霊と分かる人はかなりの日本ツウ！”うらめしや”とは”恨めしい”つまり恨みを持ったまま亡くなった人が成仏されずに幽霊となって出てきたときの決まり文句なのだ！という訳で、今回は日本の怖ーい夏特集。ほーら、あなたの後ろにも…
日本では夏になると必ずと言っていいほど怪談話や肝試しが行われる。歌舞伎で’東海道四谷怪談’が演目になるのも決まって7、8月だし、落語のネタにも必ず幽霊が登場する。でもちょっと待って！これって海外の人には全く理解できないって知ってた？確かに海外でもホラー映画やドラキュラなど架空の妖精などは存在する。でも「なんで日本は夏に怖い話をするんだ!?」って聞かれたら返事に困ってしまう。そんな時は今回の特集を見せながら、こう答えよう。まず第一に”納涼”。日本の夏は湿気が多くて暑いから怖い話をしてぞーっとする、つまりぞっとしてクールダウン、というのが最大の理由。次にお盆。死者を迎え入れる行事が毎年夏に行われているという日本の特徴的な文化が反映されている。そしてもう一つは、昔から疫病や飢饉が起こりやすかったのが夏だったので、夏になると死の気配がするからという説。怪談話一つとっても各国の文化や歴史が分かって非常に興味深い。ところで、怖い話ついでに迷信の話をすると、これがまた色々な文化や生活の知恵にお国柄が出て面白い。迷信を信じる、信じないは人それぞれだけど、日本人は結構迷信深い人種と思われる。分かりやすいのは”暦の迷信”。迷信なんて信じない、という人も多いだろうが、やっぱりお葬式は仏滅や友引を避けて行うのが一般的。迷信は霊界とも密接な関わりがあるので、今回は日本と世界の迷信をはじめ、福岡の幽霊にまつわるスポットなどを盛りだくさんでご紹介！さあ梅雨が明けたら夏本番。暑い日本の夏を乗り切ろう！
日本の迷信
昔から言い伝えられる日本の迷信の数。その謂われを知ると納得できる場合もあるが、やっぱり祟りや呪いはコワーイ。ちなみに英語の”ジンクス”は不吉なことに限って使われるので要注意！
夜、爪を切ると親の死に目にあえない
昔は小さなハサミで爪を切っていたので”暗闇で爪を切ると危ない”という思いから。
くつは午後おろしてはいけない
新しいくつを履く時は午前中に、と言われるのは、午後は足がむくむから。逆にくつを買うのは午後がよいと言われる。
北枕で寝てはいけない
死体を置く時に、頭部を北の方向に向けるので、縁起が悪いとされる。箸渡しも同様で死人の骨を箸から箸で渡すため。
下駄の鼻緒が切れると縁起が悪い
出鼻をくじかれると、その日の運勢が変わってしまうかもしれない、という恐怖心から。
雷がなると、雷さまにおへそを取られる
雨が降り出すと気温が下がるので”子どもがお腹を冷やさないように”との思いから。
トイレ掃除をすると美しくなる’Aまたは美しい子どもが生まれる
トイレには弁天様（七福神の一つ）がいるので、弁天様の美しさにあやかって、とのことから。
“迷信”ザ・ワールド！
所変われば品変わる!?出てくる出てくる、迷信の数。フクオカ・ナウが厳選した、世界の迷信を紹介しよう。
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ブラジルではベッドから降りる時は必ず右足から降りないと一日が最悪になるんだ。なぜって”左”には悪魔がいるって言われてるからね！ちなみにラテン語の”左”を意味する言葉が英語の”sinister（不吉な）”っていう言葉の語源なんだよ！
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くしゃみをしたら何をしてても止めないといけない。ほとんどの宗教でくしゃみは病気の前触れ、つまり悪いことの前兆を意味するの。だから誰かがくしゃみをすると「ブレスユー」って言うし、言われた方は「サンキュー」って答えるのよ。
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エジプトではスリッパや靴が裏返しになっていたり、はさみが開きっぱなしになっていたりすると悪いことが起こるって言われてる。でも、たとえ迷信じゃなくても、はさみが開きっぱなしになってたら危ないよね（笑）。
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誰かと乾杯をする時は、自分のグラスに触れながらちゃんと相手の目を見ないと大変なことになるよ！だって7年も、最悪な場合は一生(!?)セックスができなくなるからね。他にも鏡が割れると縁起が悪いって言われてる。
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セネガルでは男の子に”ソロモン”っていう名前を付けると不幸な一生になるから絶対に付けないよ。でもこれは伝説のソロモン王に敬意を表して付けないっていうニュアンスの方が近いかな？
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タイでは、女の人がキッチンで歌を歌うとお嫁にいけないって言われてるわ。料理に集中してないってことだし、歌ってる時につばが飛ぶと不衛生でしょ？
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新年にトリ肉を食べると一年の運が逃げていくから、スロバキアでは代わりに豆を食べるんだ。豆はお金のシンボルって言われてるからね。
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中国では男の人が緑の帽子をかぶると、奥さんが浮気をしているっていう意味だから、中国に行く時は気をつけてね。奥さんを寝取られた男の人は”亀”って言われてて、緑は亀の象徴だからね。
肝試しにぴったり？福岡のちょっと”ワケあり”スポット
本当に幽霊を見たことがある、もしくは不思議な体験をしたという人もいる、福岡のちょっと”訳あり”スポット。夏の肝試しに出かけてみてはどうだろう？
米一丸地蔵尊（東区）
供養しても供養しても人身事故が絶えないという噂の踏切があった場所。というのも昔、米一丸の美人妻・八千代姫に一目惚れした京都の一条殿が、博多の質物商に質入れした自分の刀を米一丸に取りに行かせ、博多の奉行配下400人に米一丸を殺すように命じたのだ。米一丸は質物商との取引を終えて宿に引き上げる途中、襲撃を受け、箱崎松原付近で恨みを含んだまま、やむなく自刃。博多まで彼を追ってきた八千代姫は米一丸を供養した後、墓前で自害する。ふたりの怨念かどうかは定かではないが、あまりにも事故が多いので、子どもたちは「あの踏切だけは気をつけなさい」と注意される。数年前には大学生の自殺もあり、福岡では怖ーい場所として有名。
縁切り地蔵（早良区）
縁結びの祈願はよく耳にするけど、ここは縁切りの話。なぜならその昔、糟屋郡長者原の於古能姫が重留（現在の早良区重留）の土生家に嫁ぐ日、嫁入り道具とともに重留に向かう途中、花婿が急死したという知らせを受ける。しかしそれは土生家に恨みを持つ者の嘘だったのだが、於古能姫は突然絶たれた縁を悲しみ自害してしまう。野芥にまつられた地蔵は、削って飲ませると縁切りにご利益があることで有名になり、全国から参詣にくるそうだ。壁には、男女の縁切りをはじめ、悪縁や病気との縁切りを願う絵馬や紙がたくさん掛けられている。ちなみにテレビの取材で霊体験をした関係者は必ずここにきて縁切りを行っていたとか。
濡衣塚（博多区）
“濡れ衣を着せられる”ということわざは”無実なのに自分のせいにされる”、という意味だが、実はこの”濡れ衣”の言葉の発祥は福岡の博多である。筑前の守護職に任命された佐野近世は京都から博多に来る途中、妻を失い後妻をもらう。ところが後妻は先妻の娘である春姫が気に入らず、「春姫は毎夜、漁師と会っている。春姫の部屋に濡れ衣が掛けてあるのが何よりの証拠」と、近世に告げ口する。もちろん濡れ衣は後妻の仕業であるが、逆上した近世は春姫の言い分も聞かずに切り捨ててしまう。春姫は亡霊となって近世の枕元に立ち、自分のせいではないと無実を訴え続けたという。春姫の霊を供養するために建てられた塚が博多区に残されている。
本当に一番、怖いのは？
幽霊だ！迷信だ！と騒いだところで、確かに外国人にとっては痛くもかゆくもないかもしれないが、こいつらだけは気をつけた方がいいぞ！
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百本の足、と書いて「百足（ムカデ）」実際には百本もないが、庭石や落ち葉の下、暗く湿った場所に生息している。アゴに毒があるので、咬まれたら直ちにアゴを引き離し、頭を叩きつぶそう。流水に浸しながら患部から毒を絞り出して早めに病院に行った方がよい。とにかく腫れるし、痛いぞー。
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ムカデよりもっと怖いのがマムシ。クサリヘビ科に属し、全長は45～77cm。日本各地に分布している。マムシに遭遇したら、当たり前のことだが絶対に手を出さないこと。猛毒ではないので死亡例はあまりないが、咬まれてしまったら直ちに病院に行こう。走ると血液循環がよくなって毒がまわるので要注意！
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頭に皿があり、皮膚はぬるぬるしていて亀のような甲羅がありm指と指の間に水かきがついているが誰も見たことはない（笑）。親が子どもたちを川や池に近づかせないように「カッパが出るよ！」と言って聞かせる。ちなみに福岡市大名では、カッパから腕継ぎの秘法を学んだ医者が大繁盛したという民話がある。やっぱり福岡のカッパは人情深い！？
The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
The word urameshiya itself curdles the blood of many Japanese. Roughly meaning ‘reproachful,’ it is the lament of those who have died and become ghosts rather than finding eternal peace because of the deep grudge they bear. And on that cheery note, so begins our scaaaary summer issue. Watch your back!
It’s summer again and in Japan that means it’s time for ghost stories and testing your pluck in the face of fear. In July and August the famous ‘Tokaido Yotsuya Ghost Tale’ is traditionally performed on the kabuki stage, and in rakugo, the one-man narrators seldom miss the chance to spin spooky tales. Just because you’re from overseas don’t tell me you can’t relate. Haven’t you got horror movies, vampires and the boogie man? Booo! Of course you do. But what’s that got to do with summer? Read on, scaredy-cat! Actually it’s all about trying to feel cooler on sweltering summer nights. Ever been chilled-to-the-bone with fright? You have? Well there you go: reason number one. Then, there’s O-bon, the festival of the dead, a ceremony held every August when Japanese families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. And sadly, throughout history there have been many tragic events associated with the season. Summer has also traditionaly been a time of disease and famine, making the season’s eerie connection with ghosts dead easy to understand.
While you might find it stimulating to know just how much ghost tales color culture and history, superstitions keep close company and show themselves in many facets of life and culture. Though not everyone is superstitious, a huge percentage of the Japanese population are apparently believers. The easiest to grasp are the so-called ‘calendar superstitions’ such as ‘Day of the Dog.’ There maybe plenty of people who say they don’t give a hoot about superstitions, but even they would avoid holding funerals or weddings on unlucky days. Since many of these beliefs have close ties with the spiritual world, we’re going to start with superstitions in Japan and the rest of the world, and then introduce a few infamous places in Fukuoka you had better avoid (at night!).
There’s a whole slew of Japanese superstitions from the days of yore. Knowing something about their origins might make sense of them. Bone up on your Japanese superstitions, or be prepared for more bad luck and trouble than a world of black cats and broken mirrors can deliver.
Don’t put new shoes on in the afternoon!
Feet swell during the day, so new shoes will feel too tight if put them on in the afternoon. Try them on in the morning and let them stretch.
Don’t sleep with your pillow pointed north!
The deceased are laid with their heads pointing north, so it’s considered unlucky to lie that way. Incidentally, bones of the dead are passed with chopsticks in funeral rites, so you should never pass food to others with chopsticks, either.
Broken thongs are a bad omen.
There’s a chance your fortunes will head south if your day begins with a broken thong. You girls don’t need to be told this, do ya?
When you hear thunder, lightning has snatched someone`s belly button!
When it rains, the temperature falls and it’s easy for children to catch colds. This myth frightens kids into keeping their bellies covered…
Cleaning toilets help keep your looks or ensures you’ll have pretty offspring.
One of the seven gods of fortune, Bentensama, loiters around toilets, so when you clean them, some of her beauty will rub off on you. A strong incentive for women to clean the loos!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
It’s a Superstitious World!
Hello! Joe from England here. I talked with students from all over the world to find out what THEY worry about. In England, you shouldn’t open umbrellas indoors or plan anything important on Friday the 13th. But be sure to cross your fingers when you make a wish; you might get lucky on a hot date!
Adriano
Brazil
Always get out of bed with your right foot first, or you will have a bad day.
In many cultures, the left side is associated with the Devil. The English word ‘sinister,’ for example, comes from the Latin word for ‘left.’ Spooky, eh?
Roxana
Iran
Stop what you’re doing if you sneeze, or it will bring bad luck.
Sneezing was traditionally regarded as a harbinger of illness in many cultures, and is, therefore, a sign of bad luck. (Incidentally, in Britain we say, ‘bless you’ any time a person sneezes.)
Mohsen
Egypt
Bad luck will follow if you leave a slipper or a shoe turned upside down, or a pair of scissors open.
Even if you are not superstitious, I would heed the advice about the scissors…
Sandrine
France
When you toast a person, look in their eyes as your glasses touch. Otherwise, you will get seven years of bad sex. Or worse, no sex at all!
The number seven has many superstitions attached.
Barassou
Senegal
Naming a male child ‘Solomon’ will bring him a life of misfortune.
King Solomon is a legendary and revered figure in Senegal, so no one should try to imitate him by taking his name.
Tar
Thailand
Women shouldn’t sing in the kitchen, or they will end up unmarried or with an old spouse.
Singing means you aren’t concentrating on the cooking. Besides, you might spit in the food by mistake!
Jan
Slovakia
Don’t eat chicken or other birds on New Year’s Day or your luck for the whole year will fly away.
You should eat lentils, instead. They are a symbol of money and will bring you riches in the following year.
Cho-bi
China
No man should wear a green hat in China. It means his wife is cheating on him.
A cuckold used to be called a ‘turtle,’ probably because turtles hide inside their shell when trouble comes. The color green symbolizes this animal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Scary Spots in Fukuoka
There are a few sites in Fukuoka that generate wary whispers because of rumors surrounding them – places where ghosts have been seen, or where people have had someﾉ well, let’s say supernatural experiences. Drop in on a few this summer to see how tough you are!
Yoneichimaru Shrine
A powerful Kyoto lord fell in love with the beautiful wife of Yoneichimaru, and sent him on a fool’s errand to Hakata where he was ambushed and killed by 400 men. His wife, Yachiyo, journeying all the way to the Hakozaki Matsubaru area to honor his grave, took her own life there. Until recently there was a railroad crossing at the supposed location of her death. However, the shrine there obviously hasn’t appeased her spirit; numerous accidents have occurred there, and some years ago a university student committed suicide at the spot. Kids are told to be extra careful at this creepy crossing, and maybe you should, too!
Breaking Bonds
On her way to marry into the Habu household, in present-day Sawara-ku, Princess Okono heard news of the death of her betrothed, and took her own life. The death of her fiance, however, had been a lie spread by someone with a grudge against the Habus. If you want a couple to break up, visit the memorial in Noke, Sawaru-ku. Here’s how it works, gather some shavings from the stone memorial and slip them into the beverage of the person whose relationship you want to destroy. People come from all over Japan to inject some ill will on others. You can wish sickness and other evils on people by writing curses on wooden tablets at the shrine.
Presumed Guilty!
The proverb, ‘made to wear wet clothes,’ meaning to be falsely accused, originated here in Hakata. A Kyoto lord, Sanonochikayo, was dispatched to Chikuzen to govern the province. Along the way, he lost his wife, and married another woman. Unfortunately, this second wife disliked the lord’s daughter, and set her up, by telling the lord that his daughter was seeing a lowly fisherman. The wet clothes hanging in her room were given as evidence. When the lord checked, surprise, surprise, wet clothes were hanging there. His daughter, Haru-hime, maintained her chaste innocence, but to no avail. Outraged, the lord killed his daughter, who is said to have become a ghost pleading her innocence. A small memorial remains in Hakata-ku to console her spirit.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Creepy & Vicious Creatures!
Ghosts! Superstitions! Maybe these things don’t get under the skin of most foreign residents, but here are a few we highly recommend you be wary of.
Mukade
Centipedes are known as ‘hundred legs’ in Japanese as well. Though these nasty insects dwell under stones and fallen leaves and in warm, dark places, they don’t really have a hundred legs! But they do pack some potent poison in their spurs, and if you get zapped, you should immediately pinch them out and smash their heads. Run the wound under water, and squeeze the poison out, then bolt for the hospital. Expect some swelling, and oh yes, plenty of pain.
Mammushi
Much scarier than centipedes. These poisonous vipers range from 45 to 77cm long, and are pretty common in Kyushu. Stay away from them! Their poison is usually not lethal, but more than a few people have died from their bite. If bitten, slither slowly to a hospital. If you run, the poison will circulate throughout your system faster, which ain’t good.
Kappa
These web-handed slimy skinned turtle-like freaks carry water on the bald spot on their heads. They are the dread of any country kid, but you know what? Nobody’s ever seen one! Parents tell their kids, ‘Don’t get too close to lakes or rivers, or kappa will get you!’ Incidentally, there’s a folk legend in Fukuoka that a doctor in Daimyo made a fortune by studying them for the secrets of re-patching limbs. Fact or fiction – best to be aware of these water nymphs too!
