Story Summary
Explore the haunting Japanese legend of Okiku and the Nine Plates, a tragic tale of a wronged servant girl whose spirit forever haunts an ancient stone well.
Okiku was a beautiful servant girl in the service of the samurai Aoyama Tessan. Among Aoyama's most prized possessions was a set of ten exquisite gold plates. Aoyama, consumed by a forbidden desire for Okiku, attempted to coerce her into becoming his mistress. When she steadfastly refused his advances, he devised a cruel scheme to break her spirit. He hid one of the ten plates and accused Okiku of stealing it—a crime that meant certain death. Distraught, Okiku counted the plates over and over, but the tenth was always missing. Aoyama offered to spare her life and overlook the 'theft' if she would finally submit to him, but Okiku chose honor over a life of shame. In a fit of rage, Aoyama had her killed and her body thrown into a deep well. From that night on, the ghost of Okiku rose from the well every evening. Her pale form would slowly count the plates aloud: 'One... two... three...' up to nine. Upon reaching nine, she would let out a bone-chilling shriek or break into agonizing sobs, her restless spirit unable to find peace without the tenth plate.
The Moral
The abuse of power and the pursuit of selfish desires lead to tragic consequences and a legacy of inescapable guilt.
“One... two... three... four... five... six... seven... eight... nine... but where is the tenth?”
Fun Fact
The story is one of the most famous 'kaidan' (ghost stories) and was a major hit in both Kabuki theater and Bunraku puppet plays during the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Okiku and the Nine Plates?
The story warns against the corruption of power and the cruelty of obsession. It illustrates how injustice can leave a permanent mark on the world, haunting those who commit evil acts.
Is the story of Okiku based on a real person?
While it is a legend, the story is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is associated with real locations like Himeji Castle. It reflects the social hierarchies and historical anxieties of the Edo period.
What happens if Okiku counts to ten?
In folklore, the haunting only stops if someone shouts 'ten' immediately after she reaches nine. This trick acknowledges the missing plate and allows her spirit to rest momentarily.
Where can you find Okiku's well today?
The most famous well associated with the legend, known as Okiku-i-do, is located within the grounds of Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It remains a popular tourist destination.
What type of ghost is Okiku?
Okiku is a yūrei, a traditional Japanese ghost driven by intense emotions like sorrow or a desire for revenge. She is specifically an onryō, a vengeful spirit bound to the physical world.
How has this story influenced modern horror?
The image of a long-haired woman emerging from a well served as the primary inspiration for the character Sadako in 'Ringu' (The Ring), a staple of modern J-horror.