Okiku of Sarayashiki: The Tragic Ghost of the Nine Plates
In the pantheon of Japanese horror, few images are as chilling as the vengeful spirit rising from a deep, dark well. Long before modern cinema terrified audiences with The Ring, Japanese folklore was already haunted by the sorrowful voice of Okiku, the servant girl of the Sarayashiki (The Manor of the Dishes). Her story, a staple of Japanese summer ghost tales (kaidan), blends tragedy, betrayal, and the supernatural into a narrative that has endured for centuries.
Introduction
Imagine walking through the dimly lit streets of Edo-period Japan. The wind rustles the willow trees, and from the depths of an old stone well, a faint, trembling voice emerges.
“One… two… three…”
The voice counts porcelain plates, reaching number nine before letting out a blood-curdling shriek of despair. This is the legacy of Okiku, a yūrei (ghost) bound to the earth by injustice. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding the tale of Okiku offers a fascinating glimpse into the Japanese psyche, where honor and the spirit world are inextricably linked.
Origins of the Tale
The story of Okiku is not a singular narrative but a collection of folk tales and theatrical plays that evolved during the Edo period (1603–1868). While the core elements remain consistent—a servant girl, a missing heirloom plate, and a well—the setting often shifts between Edo (modern Tokyo) and Himeji.
The most famous iterations are found in Bunraku (puppet theater) and Kabuki plays. The title Sarayashiki translates to “The Dish Mansion” or “The Manor of the Plates.” Unlike ancient mythology found in texts like the Nihon Shoki, this legend feels closer to the common people, reflecting the feudal power dynamics between samurai masters and their powerless servants.
The Legend: Love, Blackmail, and Death
Though there are variations, the most widely accepted version, the Banchō Sarayashiki, tells of a beautiful servant named Okiku who worked for a samurai named Aoyama Tessan. The Aoyama family possessed a treasured set of ten Delftware plates, imported from the Dutch and considered priceless.
Aoyama, infatuated with Okiku, desired her as his mistress. However, Okiku rejected his advances, pledging to remain virtuous. Enraged and desperate to manipulate her, Aoyama hid one of the ten precious plates. He then summoned Okiku, accusing her of theft—a crime punishable by death in feudal Japan.
He offered her a devil’s bargain: become his lover, and he would overlook the “missing” plate. To his shock, Okiku refused to compromise her dignity, choosing death over dishonor. In a fit of rage, Aoyama struck her down and threw her body into the garden well.
Not long after, the haunting began. Every night, Aoyama was tormented by Okiku’s spirit rising from the well. She would count the plates slowly:
“Hitotsu… Futatsu… Mittsu…” (One… Two… Three…)
Upon reaching Kokonotsu (nine), she would break into a terrifying wail, realizing the tenth was missing, before fading away. The haunting eventually drove Aoyama to madness.
Modern Culture and Legacy
Okiku’s influence on modern pop culture is massive, though often unrecognized by Western audiences. She is the archetype for the “long-haired female ghost” trope.
The Inspiration for Sadako
The most famous descendant of Okiku is Sadako Yamamura from Koji Suzuki’s novel Ring (and the subsequent movie adaptation The Ring). The imagery of a girl with long black hair covering her face, emerging from a well to curse the living, is a direct homage to the Sarayashiki legend.
Anime and Games
From Pokemon (where certain ghost types draw inspiration from yūrei) to traditional Kabuki performances that are still held every summer to “cool the air” with chills, Okiku remains a cultural icon. In the game Fate/Grand Order, she even appears as a Servant class character, counting plates in her attack animations.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Haunted Wells
For those brave enough to seek out the legend, there are two primary locations in Japan associated with Okiku. When visiting these sites, remember to maintain a respectful demeanor; in Japanese culture, mocking spirits is considered a surefire way to invite bad luck.
1. Himeji Castle (Okiku-ido)
The most popular tourist destination associated with the legend is Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hyogo Prefecture. Located in the castle’s Honmaru (main bailey), you will find Okiku-ido (Okiku’s Well). It is a real, deep well covered with a wire mesh.
- Experience: The castle itself is a breathtaking example of feudal architecture. The well is clearly marked, and looking into the dark abyss gives an eerie sense of history.
2. Tokyo (Bancho Area)
The “Bancho” version of the tale is set in Tokyo. While the original manor is gone, there is a monument to Okiku at the Myoushouji Temple. This spot is far less touristic and offers a quiet, somber atmosphere for reflection.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Japanese folklore and the context of the Sarayashiki legend, consider exploring the following:
- Historical Context: While the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki describe the ancient origins of Japan’s spiritual worldview (Shinto), the specific social dynamics of Okiku’s story are best understood through Edo-period literature.
- The Plays: Look for translations of the Kabuki play Banchō Sarayashiki by Okamoto Kidō (early 20th-century adaptation) which romanticized the ghost story.
- Folklore Collections: Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things by Lafcadio Hearn includes excellent translations of similar Japanese ghost stories tailored for English readers.