Ep 1. E 1
- July 14, 2013
- 4 min
In Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories season 1 episode 1, viewers are introduced to a horror anthology series that explores various legends and myths from Japanese folklore. The show is presented in a unique way, using a traditional Japanese storytelling style known as kamishibai, or "paper theater."
The first episode, titled "E 1," begins with an eerie voiceover announcing the arrival of the storyteller, who proceeds to set up his kamishibai stall in a quiet park. As he begins to share his tales with the small gathering of children and adults, the camera zooms in on the wooden frame of the stall, and the illustrated panels depicting the first story come to life.
The first story revolves around a young woman named Satsuki, who moves into a new apartment building with her husband. As she settles into her new home, she begins to notice strange occurrences - objects moving on their own, a mysterious tapping sound coming from the walls. Soon, she realizes that a ghostly presence is haunting her new home.
Desperate for help, Satsuki turns to a local psychic, who tells her that the powerful spirit haunting her home is the vengeful ghost of a woman who died in the apartment years ago. The psychic offers to exorcise the ghost, but warns Satsuki that such a ritual may have dangerous consequences.
Despite the warning, Satsuki agrees to the exorcism, and the psychic sets up a ceremonial altar in her apartment. As she begins to perform the ritual, however, Satsuki realizes that the ghost is not the only malevolent presence in her home - her husband's body has been possessed by another evil spirit, one that seeks to kill her.
The episode ends with a chilling conclusion as Satsuki is forced to confront both the ghosts that haunt her home, ending in a spine-tingling climax.
Overall, the first episode of Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories sets the tone for a series that promises to deliver plenty of scares and supernatural thrills. The atmospheric storytelling, combined with the show's unique visual style, creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. Fans of horror, folklore, and Japanese culture alike are sure to find something to enjoy in this spooky anthology.
