Name Meaning
Oiwa (お岩) is the tragic ghost of a woman who was disfigured and murdered by her husband. Her spirit became one of Japan's most terrifying onryō (vengeful ghosts).
- Oi = a personal name
- Wa (岩) = rock, but in this case it’s part of the proper name
Origin
- Oiwa’s story is famously told in the kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan from the Edo period.
- She was poisoned and betrayed by her husband who wanted to remarry a wealthier woman.
- Her ghost returned to exact horrific revenge.
Appearance
- Her face is terrifyingly disfigured with one drooping eye and sagging skin.
- She may appear in mirrors or distorted images to her victims.
Behavior & Myths
- Haunts her betrayer and those involved in her death with illusions and torment.
- Famous for manifesting in lanterns, on sliding doors, and even in dreams.
- One of Japan’s most feared and honored ghosts in theater and film.
Symbolism
- Represents betrayal, vengeance, and unresolved injustice.
- Symbol of the mistreatment of women in historical contexts.
- A reminder of the consequences of cruelty and corruption.
