The Haunting of Yotsuya: Oiwa's Tragic Tale of Betrayal
- Re.JapBook
- Feb 15
- 1 min read
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Domestic Tragedy
This haunting print captures a pivotal moment from "Yotsuya Kaidan," perhaps Japan's most famous ghost story. Yoshitoshi depicts Oiwa, nursing her infant child, while an ominous sash hangs from the ceiling, foreshadowing her tragic fate.
The Cruel Deception
The tale centers on Tamiya Iemon, who murders Oiwa's father and tricks her into remarriage. When Oiwa becomes ill after childbirth, Iemon plots with his neighbor Oume, who desires him, to poison Oiwa. The poison hideously disfigures her face, leading to her death upon learning of her husband's betrayal.
The Maternal Ghost
Yoshitoshi masterfully renders this scene of Oiwa before her transformation, emphasizing her maternal devotion. The hanging sash and dark atmosphere hint at the supernatural horror to come, when her vengeful spirit will return to torment those who wronged her.
The Historical Context
While based on events from the Genroku period, the actual Oiwa was reportedly a devoted wife who managed her household skillfully. The tragic version popularized in kabuki by Tsuruya Nanboku IV transformed a domestic incident into one of Japan's most enduring ghost stories.
The Legacy of Vengeance
The story culminates in Oiwa's ghost driving Iemon to madness, leading him to kill both Oume and her grandfather before meeting his own end at the hands of Yomoshichi, finally allowing Oiwa's spirit to find peace.
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