Okiku

Ghost Stories are a prevalent theme in Japanese woodblock prints. Among these tales, the story of Okiku, an ill-fated servant maid, stands out as one of the most renowned. This haunting narrative has been adapted into a Kabuki play and has inspired numerous novels.

Bancho Sarayashiki In the kabuki play Bancho Sarayashiki, Okiku serves as a maid in the mansion of the Japanese samurai Tessan Aoyama. Despite the samurai's attempts to seduce her, Okiku steadfastly rejects his advances. Aoyama employs a deceitful tactic by concealing one of ten valuable Dutch plates, then threatens Okiku with exposure, claiming she stole the plate, unless she consents to becoming his mistress. In despair, Okiku tragically throws herself into a well and drowns.

Each night, Okiku's ghost emerges, counting from one to nine before erupting into sorrowful wails and howls. The relentless nightly apparitions drive Aoyama to insanity.