TED-Ed: Japan's scariest ghost story | Kit Brooks

Oiwa, trapped in a cruel marriage to the samurai Iemon, faces betrayal and murder. Her father, who tried to end her marriage, is killed by Iemon. A doctor schemes to marry his granddaughter to Iemon, leading to Oiwa's poisoning. In her final moments, Oiwa curses Iemon. Iemon remarries but is haunted by Oiwa's ghost, leading to a series of tragic events. Oiwa's spirit exacts revenge, killing Iemon's family and driving him to madness. Her story becomes a famous kabuki performance, remembered for its dramatic effects and enduring legacy.

What was Oiwa's only hope for ending her marriage to Iemon?

• Her brother-in-law's intervention

• The samurai's change of heart

• Kohei's assistance

• Her father's help

What did the doctor offer Iemon in exchange for leaving Oiwa?

• A new sword

• Great riches

• A powerful position

• A new house

How did Oiwa die?

• Iemon killed her directly

• She fell on a sword

• She succumbed to illness

• She was poisoned by Takuetsu

What did Iemon do after being haunted by Oiwa's ghost?

• He sought forgiveness

• He fled to a mountain hermitage

• He confronted the ghost

• He ignored the visions

What was the fate of Iemon's new wife?

• She left him

• She was killed by Iemon

• She was haunted by Oiwa

• She poisoned Iemon

How did Oiwa's ghost exact revenge on Iemon?

• By haunting his dreams

• By enlisting her brother-in-law

• By poisoning him

• By destroying his home

What is a notable feature of the kabuki performance of Oiwa's story?

• Actors performing underwater

• Live animals on stage

• Real swords used on stage

• Bags of fake blood in wigs