Ehon Hyaku Monogatari (絵本百物語) is a traditional Japanese game or activity that literally translates to "A Picture Book of One Hundred Ghost Stories." It originated during the Edo period (1603-1868) and gained popularity as a form of entertainment among samurai and commoners alike.
In this game, participants gather together in a dimly lit room, often with candles, and sit in a circle. Each person brings a stack of illustrated storybooks or picture scrolls that depict eerie or supernatural tales. These stories typically involve ghosts, spirits, or other supernatural beings.
One by one, each participant takes their turn sharing one story with the group. After narrating the tale, they blow out one of the candles, gradually decreasing the illumination in the room. This process continues as each person tells their story and extinguishes a candle until all the candles are extinguished, leaving the room in complete darkness.
The aim of Ehon Hyaku Monogatari is to create a frightening atmosphere through storytelling, heightened by the gradual darkness that envelopes the room. It is believed that by the time the final story is shared, spirits or other supernatural entities may manifest themselves, leading to a thrilling and spine-chilling experience for the participants.
Overall, Ehon Hyaku Monogatari is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and tradition, offering an engaging and suspenseful group activity that explores the fascination with ghost stories and the supernatural.
