What is Kashima-san?
Kashima-san is an urban legend about a spirit that visits anyone who has heard the story within a few days. It asks questions in the middle of the night, such as “Give me your legs” or “Do you need your arms?”, and if you cannot answer correctly, it takes your limbs or part of your body. It is sometimes called “Kashima Reiko.”
The origin of Kashima-san
Many versions say Kashima-san is the ghost of a woman who died after losing her limbs in an accident or crime, but the details vary by region and teller. It is said to be closely related to Teke Teke, which appears with only the upper half of a body, and the two may have split from the same original story.
The chant that saves you
If you meet Kashima-san, you will be saved by giving a set answer or chant. The best-known chant breaks down her name: “the ka of Kashima is the ka of kamen (mask), the shi is the shi of shinin (dead person), the ma is the ma of ma (demon).” The structure of “it comes if you hear the story, but knowing the chant saves you” has frightened and fascinated many children.
