Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女)

Name Meaning

Overview

Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女) literally means “slit-mouthed woman,” referring to the gash running from ear to ear across her face.

• Kuchi (口) = mouth
• Sake (裂け) = to split
• Onna (女) = woman

Origin

• Became popular in the 1970s as part of urban legends among schoolchildren.
• Likely has older roots in Edo-period ghost tales and yokai lore.
• Believed to be the ghost of a mutilated woman seeking revenge or validation.

Appearance

• Appears as a woman wearing a surgical mask or scarf.
• When asked “Am I pretty?”, she reveals a horrifying slit mouth beneath.
• May carry scissors or a sharp weapon.

Behavior & Myths

• Approaches lone individuals, especially children, and asks if she’s pretty.
• Answers lead to danger either way — escape often requires clever trickery.
• Some say she can be distracted with candy or confused with vague answers.

Symbolism

• Represents beauty anxiety, betrayal, and fear of judgment.
• Seen as a reflection of social pressures on appearance, especially for women.
• Embodies urban dread and fears of hidden danger in public spaces.