Every culture has told creepy ghost stories, but Japanese folklore has some of the best. Take, for example, the Noppera-bō, also known as the faceless ghost. This haunting figure is known for its eerie appearance and unsettling behavior.
Often said to be encountered at night or when its victim least expects it, this unnerving creature looks like an ordinary person until it reveals a smooth, featureless face, terrifying those who cross its path. Rooted in centuries-old legends, the Noppera-bō has been a staple of Japanese ghost stories, captivating and disturbing audiences with its mysterious nature for generations. Shinigami: The Grim Reaper and God of Death in Japanese Folklore A Heart as Cold as Ice? The Japanese Legend of Yuki-onna, the Beautiful Yet Dangerous Snow Woman The Creature The origins of the Noppera-bō in Japanese folklore remain elusive, with references to the creature cropping up all over Japan’s ancient folklore and mythology .
The creature is often associated with the concept of Yokai , supernatural beings akin to demons that range from the mischievous to the truly evil. Unlike many yokai, the Noppera-bō is rarely depicted as being downright dangerous and is instead more of a nuisance. It apparently exists purely so that it can unsettle and frighten those unfortunate enough to run into it.
Interestingly, in some stories, the Noppera-bō is a distinct form of yokai, while in others, it is not actually its own creature but instead a disguise favored.