Tsuchi gumo

Tsuchi gumo 1910

1

In myth, the tsuchigumo was a monstrous ground spider, hunted and killed by the demon-slayer Raikono-Minamoto. The tsuchigumo first infested Raiko's mansion in seductive female form, vampirizing him, and generating hallucinations of yokai. But Raiko was able to fend away the spider-demon, hacking off one limb, and tracking it to its lair.

1910

Hôkaibô

Hôkaibô 1911

1

From the kabuki play Sumidagawa No Omokage ("Memories Of The Sumida River"), a ghost story of greed and revenge.

1911

Yome no odoshi

Yome no odoshi 1911

1

A woman wears a demonic mask to frighten her daughter-in-law and stop her attending Buddhist sermons; one day she is unable to remove the mask, which has grafted itself to her face.

1911

Biography of Sakura Sôgorô

Biography of Sakura Sôgorô 1909

1

The first-released film to capture the ghostly legend of Sakura Sôgotô, the subject of numerous gruesome kabuki plays of spectral horror. Sôgorô (also known as Kiuchi), was a 17th century farmer who was tortured and crucified, along with his family, for daring to question the Shogun. He became a legendary martyr, and stories of his ghost returning to seek revenge passed into myth, The Sôgorô saga became one of the most-filmed ghost stories in early Japanese cinema.

1909

Cherry Blossom Sunset at Hidaka

Cherry Blossom Sunset at Hidaka 1909

1

Early japanese horror film from 1909. From the 1759 kabuki play, in which Kiyo-hime transforms into a giant serpent.

1909