I Have Such Strong Psychic Abilities That I Got Fired from Three Shrines – Ask Me Anything? ‘The Cursed Tree and the Straw Doll’

• [2] Tell us the episodes in detail!
• [3] For example, what kind of stories?

[4] They were all for different reasons at the three shrines, and I haven’t written them down yet, so it will take time. Is that okay?

• [6] Taking time is fine. Please break it down like, “this kind of story, this kind of story, this kind of story!” I’ll ask about the ones I’m interested in, so please write them down!

[13] >>6 Understood. However, since the episodes are separate: First shrine → Fired due to poltergeist activity. Second shrine → Fired because an exorcism case involved something I shouldn’t have touched. Third shrine → Fired for exorcising an evil spirit. These are the episodes about getting fired from the shrines. Writing like a Shinto priest would sound too stiff, so I’m writing normally (lol). I don’t always use that formal Yamato kotoba (lol). I’m the OP! The story “The Cursed Tree and the Straw Doll” in the title is from the third shrine.

Oharai: A Shinto purification ritual to remove impurities or misfortune from people or places.

Jinja: A religious facility based on Shinto beliefs where deities (Kami) are enshrined. Different from Buddhist temples.

Kannushi / Shinshoku: Clergy who serve at a shrine, performing rituals and management. There are ranks such as Guji (Chief Priest), Negi, and Gonnegi.

Yamato kotoba: Refers to native Japanese words as opposed to loanwords like Sino-Japanese terms. Depending on the context, it can also mean archaic, polite, or sacred language.

Noroi no ki to wara ningyo (Cursed Tree and Straw Doll): A method of cursing someone found in Japanese folklore, involving nailing a straw doll to a specific tree. Often associated with the Ushi no Koku Mairi ritual (visiting a shrine at the hour of the ox, approx. 1-3 AM).

• [22] >>13 How does that stand legally, regarding labor laws?

[7] The first shrine was right after graduation, a historic shrine in the countryside. It had a high shrine ranking (Shakaku) and, being a tourist spot, was quite busy with worshippers and prayer requests (Gokito). I realized I had strong psychic abilities around the upper grades of elementary school. When my grandfather died, he stayed right next to his body, and I thought, “Huh? Did he clone himself?” I lived with him like that for about a month and a half. We had the funeral, but since (my grandfather) was still there, it didn’t feel real. While everyone else was crying, I was just like, “?” That was the first time I remember experiencing a paranormal phenomenon (?).

Shakaku: The rank or status of a shrine based on its history, lineage, scale, etc.

Gokito: A ritual at a shrine where personal wishes (health, safety, success, etc.) are prayed for to the gods through a priest.

• [9] Hmm, please continue.
• [12] Is there any way for a layperson to judge if they have psychic abilities or not? Not that it matters much either way.

[19] The first shrine was as I mentioned earlier. Basic shrine duties include prayers (Gokito), off-site ceremonies (Gaisai/Shuccho saiten), selling Goshuin stamps and Omamori charms when the Miko aren’t available, cleaning, etc. Well, there’s also office work, but at the first shrine, it was traditional for newcomers to be assigned to off-site ceremonies. So, in my first year, I was in charge of Gaisai, driving to various places in the region to perform them. The main types of Gaisai are Jichinsai (ground-breaking ceremonies), Shinsosai (Shinto funerals), Kiyoharai (purification rituals), and Mitamamatsuri (festivals for ancestral spirits). Thinking back now, I think the second one I mentioned was the problem.

Gaisai / Shuccho saiten: Rituals performed by priests outside the shrine grounds, such as Jichinsai.

Miko: Unmarried women who assist priests at shrines, performing sacred duties and Kagura dances (sacred dances offered to the gods).

Goshuin: A seal stamp given to worshippers at shrines and temples as proof of visit, often featuring calligraphy of the shrine/temple name, deity name, and date. Also considered souvenirs or talismans.

Omamori: Small cloth amulets given out at shrines for various wishes like warding off evil, health, academic success, etc. Said to contain a sacred object like a paper talisman.

Jichinsai: A Shinto ritual performed before constructing a building to appease the local deity, pray for construction safety, and the prosperity of the building and its occupants.

Shinsosai: A funeral conducted according to Shinto doctrines. It has different rituals and views on life and death compared to Buddhist funerals.

Mitamamatsuri: A Shinto festival to console and venerate the spirits of the dead, especially ancestral spirits.

• [16] Poster (>>1), I want to know why you became a Shinto priest.

[24] >>16 Kind of on a whim, or because I was interested in Japanese culture. So, the first ceremony I performed alone in my life was a Shinsosai. I seriously recalled what my seniors taught me and managed to get through it, although I was nervous. I think it was about two months after I started working there. The second one was really bad. The second assignment was a Kiyoharai (purification). Basically, it’s done to purify a place when moving or when bad things have happened. The location was apparently notorious because a woman had recently committed suicide there. The real estate company requested it just so they could advertise that “the place has been purified.”

[26] I really didn’t want to go, but being the low man on the totem pole, I went as ordered. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a heavy atmosphere. These kinds of places always have a different vibe, don’t they? But, no choice! Gotta do it! I set up the altar, offered the Shinsen (food offerings to the gods), and was about to start the ritual, but the tomatoes kept falling. The Shinsen are placed on a stand called Sanbo, on a tray, on a table called An, but for some reason, only the tomatoes fell. It wasn’t just falling; they were squashed, even though the impact shouldn’t have been that great. All three fell and got squashed, so I had no choice but to proceed with the ritual without them.

• [23] Please continue.

[29] Thinking back now, there were other weird things, like the sacred sake (Omiki) leaking from the Heishi flask even though there were no holes in it. Anyway, the purification somehow went smoothly. I greeted the agency staff who were present and was about to leave when I saw an unfamiliar face come out of the room with us. “Was there someone like that here?” I wondered. As I loaded my things into the car and started it, that person was sitting in the passenger seat. “Hmmm???” I thought. I asked, “Are you in the wrong car?” but they just kept staring straight ahead. I quickly got out of the car and asked the agency guys, “Do you know that person?” They replied, “What are you talking about? (lol) Is this a joke, Mr. Priest? That’s scary, please stop (lol).” That’s when I understood, “Ah, this isn’t human.”

• [30] >>29 Whoa, that sent a chill down my spine.
• [31] >>29 Whaaaat…

[34] Still, I hadn’t learned how to deal with ghosts in school or at the shrine, so I drove back while chanting the Ooharae no Kotoba (Great Purification Prayer). While I chanted, she glared at me with a pained expression, which was troubling. This female ghost would end up haunting the shrine. For some reason, she couldn’t enter near the main hall (Honden), so she was always in the shrine office (Shamusho), the Kagura hall (Kaguraden), or the Shinsen preparation area (Shinsenjo), which were further away.

Norito: Formal prayers recited by Shinto priests to the gods during rituals, expressing gratitude, praise, petitions, etc., in classical language. The Ooharae no Kotoba is a prominent example.

[38] This spirit, probably wanting attention, started causing mischief, specifically related to my duties. For example, for early morning festivals, we’d prepare the Shinsen the day before and transport them in the morning. But when I checked in the morning, they’d all be collapsed and smashed on the floor. Or, the supplier for the Omamori charms I was in charge of would complain about receiving constant silent phone calls. Or, the mirror in the restroom would be broken after I used it. Or, when I was on night duty, I’d wake up to human voices but find no one there. Various incidents interfering with my work started happening.

• [35] >>34 Is it scary when she glares at you?

[42] >>35 I felt her resentment. It felt so unfair since I hadn’t done anything wrong. While working alongside this ghost, an attempted arson occurred. A small fire, you could say. Luckily, it was put out, but the story behind it was strange. According to a neighbor who reported it, a barefoot woman in something like a black dress put out the fire with a bucket of water. The bucket was found near the scene, but it belonged to the shrine, from an unused warehouse. Nobody had taken it out. In the end, I, the smoker, was blamed for the arson. Including all the previous incidents (caused by the ghost), they basically told me, “We won’t file a police report, so please resign voluntarily,” effectively firing me. By the way, if a police report is filed and your record is tarnished, or if you’re fired, unless your family has a very good standing, you’ll never find work in the shrine world again. I believe the Guji (Chief Priest) was being considerate in his own way.

Guji: The job title for the chief priest, the highest-ranking priest at a shrine.

• [44] >>42 This is terrible.
• [39] Reading.
• [40] This is interesting. I’m rooting for you.

[45] On the day I quit, I went to the shrine to pick up my belongings. As I was leaving through the Torii gate, I heard a woman’s voice say, “Thank you for everything. It was fun.” I found out later when I went to the real estate agency that the day I resigned voluntarily was the 49th day after the woman’s death (a memorial service day). Also, apparently, the woman was wearing a black dress when she committed suicide. Still, I ended up losing my job after just three and a half months, so I was pretty despairing about life (wry smile).

Torii: A gate, usually consisting of two pillars and one or two crossbeams, often painted vermilion, marking the entrance to a shrine or sacred area. It symbolizes the boundary between the sacred realm and the secular world.

Shijukunichi (49th Day): Primarily a Buddhist custom, but widely practiced in Japan, it’s a memorial service held 49 days after a person’s death. It’s believed that the destination of the deceased’s soul is determined during this period.

[46] By the way, the working environment in the shrine world isn’t great, so labor laws don’t really apply. If they did, I’d want overtime pay, but it’s not an industry with that much money, so I can’t be selfish.

• [48] >>45 Does that mean she achieved Jobutsu (passed on peacefully)?

Jobutsu: Originally a Buddhist term meaning achieving enlightenment, but widely used in Japan to mean a deceased person going peacefully to the afterlife or being freed from earthly attachments.

[52] >>48 I don’t know if “Jobutsu” is the right term since it’s not Buddhism, but I haven’t encountered that spirit since. I guess she somehow felt comfortable after coming to the shrine. Okay, moving on to the second shrine’s story. It might take a while, please bear with me. I think the Guji and staff at the first shrine probably suspected I wasn’t responsible. But since my presence was actually causing disruptions to the shrine’s services, they likely had no choice but to let me go. As proof, the Guji introduced me to a potential new job. It was a medium-sized shrine in the same prefecture, desperately short-staffed and willing to take anyone.

[56] After about half a month of unemployment, I started working at the medium-sized shrine with about six priests. Being short-staffed meant I had to be quite versatile, making the days harder than at the previous shrine. Also, initially, because of the reason for my dismissal, I was treated coldly, which made for sad days. But eventually, everyone accepted me, and I had a smooth Shinto priest life for nearly two years.

• [53] >>52 Shrines and Jingu (major shrines) certainly do feel comfortable. Maybe the concept of Jobutsu is a fixed idea.
• [54] >>45 I always imagine ghosts as transparent, but can you see them clearly?

[59] >>54 I saw my grandfather clearly. But spirits with weaker connections or ties appear faintly or only as voices. So I don’t think my psychic ability is that strong. For two years, it wasn’t that I saw no spirits, but none interfered with my work, so I considered it fine. Then one day, a request for a Gokito (prayer) came in. Simply put, it was a prayer regarding a spirit photograph. However, we don’t learn how to exorcise spirit photos in school, nor is it a common request at shrines. The request came from an elderly couple. The photo showed the husband’s feet missing, and his face looked distinctly like someone else’s. Looking at it, the feet weren’t exactly missing but rather faint. Still, the bottom part of the photo was white due to the lighting, so I thought maybe that was the cause. As for the face, well, it did look somewhat different, but only slightly.

• [51] Didn’t you think about using your psychic abilities for other work?

[56] >>51 I have psychic abilities, but I can’t see everything, and I didn’t want to seem shady (lol).

• [57] Just give us the shrine name. With this much detail, anyone who knows would figure it out anyway.

[60] >>57 The second shrine was Shinmei Shrine. Well, there are many all over the country, so unless you’re someone involved who knows me, you probably won’t figure it out. A senior priest just called me, so I have to step away. Sorry for interrupting! I have the day off today, so I’ll come back to write more when I have time.

• [61] >>60 See you later.
• [65] I often go to a certain very popular shrine in Japan and another one in Kamakura for work, but there’s no one like that there. So, people like that probably get pushed out (of the shrine world).
• [66] >>65 Being able to see spirits means being affected (by spirits), right? They tend to cause trouble. “Let sleeping dogs lie” (lit. “No curse from a god untouched”) is a good saying. Well, it’s spirits, not gods, though.
• [70] Shinto priests, unlike Buddhist monks, are just regular salarymen, after all.
• [71] How much is the salary?
• [72] >>71 Try searching online.
• [73] >>72 Thank you.

[74] The salary is really low. Of course, there’s no overtime pay, and working on holidays is normal. It’s considered service (hōshi), not work. Continuing the story. However, since they paid the Hatsuho-ryo (offering fee for the prayer), we had to do it. For the time being, I performed the Oharai (purification) and recited the Norito (prayer), and decided to keep the photograph. The next day, something strange happened. The photograph looked darkened. The face and feet areas.

Hatsuho-ryo: Monetary offering given to a shrine as thanks for prayers or rituals. Originally derived from offering the first harvested rice ears (hatsuho) of the year to the gods.

• [75] >>74 Welcome back! It looks darkened… (gulp)…

[81] >>75 I’m back. Glad someone’s reading! Well, whether it’s fiction or a true story is up to the reader to decide. It’s just what I experienced. It’s true that I was working on documents for the grand festival preparations with Priest A until partway through. But I was on duty for Gokito prayers, so I left midway to handle the elderly couple’s prayer. But this was just Priest A Negi’s misunderstanding, not a hallucination (lol). If people’s memories started changing, it would be beyond just psychic abilities, right? “About this photo…”

[76] Still, I was just a newbie grunt, so I didn’t know how to handle it. I decided to consult my superior, A Negi (Negi: a rank of Shinto priest). Me: “Excuse me, Mr. A… about yesterday’s afternoon prayer, what do you think of this photo?” Starts to take out the photo. A: “What? A photo?” Me: “Yes, yesterday, the elderly couple came around 2 PM, and I performed the prayer, the spirit photo one…” A: “What are you talking about? Weren’t you preparing for the grand festival with me yesterday afternoon?”

Negi: One of the ranks of Shinto priests, generally second to the Guji.

• [84] >>81 Reading!
• [80] Scary.
• [82] Read up to the latest. I sympathize with your misfortunes, Poster (>>1). I don’t have psychic abilities, but I believe in their existence.

[83] A: “Hmm… this photo… when did they say it was taken?” Me: “A month ago, apparently by Lake XX in town.” A: “This is troublesome…” Me: “Did something happen?” A: “Take a look at this.” What A Negi showed me were numerous photos carelessly placed in a file. There were 7 or 8 of them. All were similarly darkened, some completely black. And all were taken at the same lake.

[85] A: “The oldest one is from ten years ago, the most recent from three years ago.” So, this was the situation. Ten years ago, the shrine dedicated to the master (Nushi) of the lake was merged (Goshi: enshrining deities from multiple shrines together in one) with our shrine. Ever since then, photos like these have been taken. The shrine staff believed the cause was the anger of the Nushi (deity) and thought they had appeased it with a Chinkonsai (soul-pacifying ceremony) three years ago.

Goshi: The act of merging the deities enshrined in multiple shrines into one single shrine.

Chinkonsai: A ritual to appease and console turbulent or unstable spirits or souls.

• [86] Oh!

[89] And I, the new staff member, had performed an Oharai (purification) on a photo imbued with the god’s Shin’i (divine power). What might happen now was unknown. What had I done? It was decided to hold a meeting with all staff, including the Miko, after work. Guji: “Regarding this matter, the fault also lies with us for not informing the newcomer, Poster-kun (1-kun).” Me: “I am truly sorry. However, what exactly is the problem with this incident?” A Negi: “You might think that, but actually, the people in the photos I showed you earlier all died within a month from various causes. The previous Guji, the father of the current Guji, also passed away three years ago when the Chinkonsai was performed.”

• [91] Is the festival the key?
• [92] Interesting. Rooting for you.
• [93] Hurry with the rest!

[98] In the end, it was decided at the staff meeting that A Negi and I would go to the lake again. The master of the lake was apparently a giant serpent. Long ago, there was a great serpent in the lake, and people appeased it by offering what we now call sacrifices (ikenie). The sacrifice was the firstborn child of that year, offered from the village every August. One winter, a baby boy was born. His wife, before dying, pleaded, “Please don’t sacrifice our baby.” The man broke the village rule, fled, and started living deep in the mountains. However, the villagers found him and took the baby away. On the night of the August sacrifice festival, the man went to the lake to save his child. What he saw was a great serpent over 100 shaku (about 30 meters) long and the severed arm of his baby. The man went mad, repeatedly stabbed the serpent with a hoe, killing it, sacrificing his own life. Since then, the lake became turbulent, and the river flowing from it flooded downstream. The custom of sacrifice continued until the mid-Edo period. That was the story.

• [99] Read up to the latest. Continue, continue.
• [100] My hometown also has a legend about a giant serpent or dragon.
• [106] Snakes are bad news…
• [108] What an incredible story…
• [114] Mysterious.
• [115] Ah, I see. So it’s a god, but an Aramitama (a god’s rough or violent spirit) type?

Aramitama: One of the two aspects of a god’s spirit, the rough and active side associated with natural disasters and curses. Contrasted with Nigimitama (the gentle aspect).

• [120] Rooting for you.

[122] The Chinkonsai was apparently a special ritual too. Looking at the ritual records from that time, the unusual part was preparing five manju (steamed buns) shaped like babies and throwing them into the lake. The manju part is likely continental (Chinese) influence. Then, they would chant Norito prayers until all the manju sank, while other priests sprinkled purifying Onusa (ritual wand) and Ento (salt water). Once they sank, they would erect wooden posts at the four corners and stretch a Shimenawa (sacred rope) between them. That’s roughly how it went. Incidentally, the Chinkonsai itself apparently follows the ancient practice performed during sacrifices around the Muromachi period.

Onusa (also Oonusa): A purification tool used in Shinto rituals. Often a branch of Sakaki or a wooden wand with paper streamers (Shide) or hemp attached. Waving it purifies impurities.

Shimenawa: A sacred rope, often made of rice straw with Shide attached, used to demarcate sacred spaces or objects. It signifies a boundary or barrier.

[124] Sorry, my errand is finished, so I’ll continue writing. I hope I can finish today. It might get long, but please bear with me. Well, even if I say it’s a special ritual, it might be hard for the general public to understand, but basically, rituals are somewhat standardized by the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines). However, that’s based on the rituals of Ise Grand Shrine, and otherwise, shrines are supposed to follow their own Kojitsu (ancient practices and traditions). This was likely one of those Kojitsu. Normally, Oharai (using the Onusa) and reciting Norito are done separately.

[127] Anyway, back to the main story. A Negi and I decided to visit the lake the next day for inspection. In the photos, the lake was a deep blue, but on that day, it was green. A: “It’s the same as back then…” Apparently, it was this color ten years ago too. The emerald (midori) lake was beautiful in a way, drawing people in. A Negi said, “The air feels stagnant; let’s leave today. Getting any closer could affect us negatively.”

• [125] Does Shinto have different sects like other religions?

[128] >>125 Not really sects, the Jinja Honcho oversees most. However, there are lineages based on the enshrined deity, like Shinmei (Amaterasu Omikami) lineage, Hachiman lineage, Inari lineage, Izumo lineage, etc. The next day, a phone call came. It was from the wife of the elderly couple who had come for the prayer. She said, “My husband passed away last night.” This couple had apparently recently moved to the village by the lake and didn’t know its history. The wife’s tearful voice on the phone deeply affected me. She ended the call saying, “This place creeps me out, so I’m leaving the village.” That night, a Shinto ritual (Shinji) was to be performed. Originally, Shinji are performed at night, the time of the gods, like at Ise Grand Shrine. That’s when the Negi pointed it out to me: that day was August 23rd on the old lunar calendar, the day sacrifices used to be offered.

• [129] Found an interesting thread.
• [130] Same here. Interesting.

[131] However, the Guji was still in his 50s, and partly because the previous Guji had died after the ritual, he started saying, “I don’t want to do it.” Then, for some reason, he said, “(Poster), you caused this, so you do it.” I thought, “Weren’t you the one who didn’t tell me about the history…?” But I, in my third year, ended up being the Saishu (chief officiant) for the ritual. Despite the clear weather during the day, the village was hit by heavy rain at night, feeling like the gods were interfering. Maybe it was a coincidence. Later, I heard that it hadn’t rained at all at our main shrine (Honmusha), which was far from the village.

[132] We performed the ritual just like three years ago. Threw the Shinsen manju into the lake and recited the Norito until they sank. But the manju wouldn’t sink at all. I kept reciting the Norito, which became difficult to read as it got soaked by the rain. This is where it gets strange for me too: suddenly, the rain stopped. The moment moonlight broke through the clouds and illuminated the lake, plop, all the manju sank at once. I’ve never physically felt a god before, but in that instant, I felt the presence of a god so strongly I wanted to exclaim, “It’s a god!”

[134] And then, the rain stopped completely. The ritual proceeded smoothly and finished, and we returned to the shrine. Everyone except the priests who went with me had already gone home, so I stayed overnight at the shrine. The next day, the Guji recommended I resign voluntarily. The reason was, “Misfortune might befall you. And for the shrine, death is Kegare (impurity), so we can’t keep someone who has one foot in the grave.” Hey, hey, that’s unreasonable, I thought. But A Negi told me one thing: “Actually, there’s one person who appeared in those photos and survived. That person came from outside and never returned to the village. If you’re to survive, maybe going outside is the way.” At that point, I didn’t care anymore. I experienced another de facto dismissal disguised as resignation, and somehow, I’m still alive. But I definitely don’t want to go back to that region ever again.

Kegare: A state of impurity in Shinto, associated with things like death, blood, and sickness. Purification is necessary to remove Kegare before participating in rituals.

[136] That’s roughly how it went at the second shrine. Seems like not many people are around, so I’ll reply to comments for now.

• [135] Read up to the latest. It’s surprisingly interesting, looking forward to more.
• [138] All this deception seems like it could lead to mistrust in people. Poster (1), it’s not good that you don’t confirm things each time, but whether it’s a sense of responsibility or just optimism, your refusal to run away is admirable.

[139] >>138 The strict hierarchy plays a part, and maybe I felt like I opened Pandora’s box (lol). Incidentally, apparently the shrine started performing the Chinkonsai every year after that.

• [142] >>139 It feels like they’re doing the Chinkonsai because you (1) were okay. Even people who serve the gods prioritize themselves, huh?

[145] >>142 Maybe they can do it because no disaster has occurred. If a disaster happened, performing the Chinkonsai might lead to more staff being fired. The shrine world is full of darkness.

• [149] >>145 Right. Seems like compatibility and stuff matters too.

[143] The third shrine was in a completely different location from the first and second. A college classmate helped me out; I basically said, “Give me any job, I don’t care,” and got introduced. This was about a year after quitting the second shrine. The reason was, thinking “I might die,” working seemed foolish. I spent a year messing around, my savings ran out, and I thought, “Huh? Aren’t I dying after all?”

• [144] Poster (1), have you had any strange experiences outside of work?

[147] >>144 Lots! Small things too.

[151] The third shrine was also medium-sized, like the second one. However, it was closer to the city, which I personally appreciated. Well, initially, I was treated coldly, just like at the second shrine. The industry is small, so rumors spread quickly, and the nickname I got was “Plague” (Ekibyo). Probably a play on “Plague God” (Ekibyogami), but with some weird consideration not to use “God” (Kami) in an insult, they called me “Plague.” By the way, the rumors spreading were completely baseless, like I was a groper, or got kicked out for getting a Miko pregnant. I’m not even married yet.

• [152] >>151 That’s too cruel…
• [154] >>151 That’s harsh (lol).

[153] Since I had worked before, I wasn’t technically treated as a complete newbie. Well, being badmouthed and glared at wasn’t good for my mental health. I didn’t have the same perseverance as when I was younger, and I grew more depressed day by day. Of course, I denied it at first! But people would say things like, “I heard it from so-and-so at XX Shrine,” or “Criminals always deny it first,” rambling baseless accusations. Midway through, I lost the will to argue back.

[156] Poor mental health starts affecting your surroundings. I started making more mistakes at work, and things weren’t going well. The slander didn’t stop; instead, it was used as fuel for more far-fetched accusations. Then one day, one of the senior priests asked me to handle a certain case. This person was the only one at the shrine who didn’t badmouth me, but he was also quite reserved and didn’t talk much to others. Let’s call him B Gonnegi (Gonnegi: Assistant Negi). B Gonnegi: “Poster-kun (1-kun), maybe I’m wrong, but you can see spirits and stuff, right?”

Gonnegi: One of the ranks of Shinto priests, assisting the Negi. “Gon” implies “provisional” or “deputy.”

[161] Me: “Uh, well, hmm, uh, not really…” B: “Hmm… I can see them.” Honestly, it was the first time I met someone in the industry who openly admitted it. Me: “?!?! You can see them? Does everyone know??” B: “They probably know? That’s why they find me creepy and don’t talk to me. The Guji knows, so he assigns the risky cases to me.” Indeed, Mr. B has an unusually high number of Gaisai (off-site ceremonies). At the third shrine, unusually, they paid an allowance for Gaisai, so everyone scrambled for them, but nobody envied Mr. B’s assignments.

• [158] What’s the difference between Negi and Gonnegi?

[162] >>158 Negi is higher rank. Gon means substitute or assistant. For example, large shrines might have a Gonguji position below the Guji. It means assistant Guji. B: “I’ll talk to the Guji. Let’s go to an off-site ceremony together next time. I’ll teach you how to purify.” I wondered what this person was trying to do. However, he clearly had skills, and the Guji approved my accompanying him. In the car, surprisingly, Mr. B was quite talkative and friendly. Sort of a big-brother type. When I told him the reasons for my dismissals, he sympathized, and I thought I wouldn’t mind being held by him (※ joking expression between men).

• [163] >>162 I see, thank you.
• [160] Apparently, having psychic abilities makes it tough to live in the real world.
• [164] Read up to the latest. It’s been a while since I found a good thread like this.

[166] As mentioned in earlier comments, he told me, “In this industry, people who can see (spirits) tend to be shunned.” “Ultimately, it’s all about bloodline in this industry, so whether you can see or not doesn’t matter.” “If anything, being different makes people find you creepy, apparently.” Well, I had vaguely sensed that, and this finally confirmed it. From then on, my purification life with Mr. B began. Although Mr. B held the not-so-high rank of Gonnegi, nobody seemed to challenge him, and thanks to that, the frequency of badmouthing directed at me decreased.

[169] Well, some might wonder if such dangerous cases often come to shrines, but they only come occasionally, not that frequently. However, the third shrine was near a tree famous for curses, essentially the Ushi no Koku Mairi thing, where people nail straw dolls to the tree. You might wonder if that actually works, but human resentment is a scary thing. Whether it actually brings misfortune to people is debatable, but a doll filled with resentment definitely has a negative impact on its surroundings. According to Mr. B, the stronger the hatred, the more it attracts evil spirits, surely eroding the human heart.

Ushi no Koku Mairi: A curse ritual involving going to a shrine late at night (traditionally the Hour of the Ox, 1-3 AM) and nailing a straw doll, etc., to curse a hated person. It’s said one must not be seen performing it.

[170] The Ujiko (local residents and shrine supporters) near the tree would contact us, and Mr. B and I would take turns going to perform purifications. About once a week, maybe twice at most. Some might think we should just keep watch, but there’s a rule for Ushi no Koku Mairi: “You must not be seen.” Apparently, there was an incident in the past where someone keeping watch was attacked, so they stopped posting lookouts. I think this was around my third year as a priest.

Ujiko: Residents of a specific area who worship the local shrine (Ujigami-sama) and support its festivals and activities. Deeply tied to the local community.

[172] One day, as usual, a straw doll was nailed up. We performed the purification as always, but the next day, and the day after, it continued for a whole week. Moreover, they all seemed to be made by the same person. It was so creepy that, at my suggestion, we decided to put up a sign around the tree saying something like, “The tree is damaged and dangerous, etc.” The next day, curious about what happened, I went to check. From a distance, I couldn’t see the paper. “Was it torn down?” I thought, approaching closer. The entire surface of the paper was covered—stab, stab, stab, stab, stab, stab, stab—completely filled with straw dolls and nails.

• [173] There’s a shrine with straw dolls near my place too. Even during the day, the air feels bad, and I feel sick when I get close.

[174] I should have just left then, but I went to look at the straw dolls. I knew this already, but the target of the curse was her husband. Meaning, the person doing it was a woman. “Creepy,” I thought, scanning the whole surface. Among them, two were different targets. Me and Mr. B.

• [176] What the, that’s scary…

[178] Terrified, I rushed back to the office and reported it to Mr. B. It was a first for him too, and he seemed shocked and shaken. We agreed we had to go to the site anyway, reported it to the Guji, and headed out. A mystery arose during the car ride. Those familiar with Ushi no Koku Mairi might know, but modern Ushi no Koku Mairi involves putting a part of the target’s body, typically hair or nails, into the straw doll. (Incidentally, this wasn’t the case in the past.) If the perpetrator performed the ritual correctly, where did she get those items from?

[181] When we arrived at the scene, several Ujiko members were already there watching. They decided to stay away from the tree until the priests arrived, so they were chatting at the bottom of the slope where the tree grew. Mr. B and I went up to the tree. We both confirmed that two dolls were indeed targeting us. We decided we had to remove these straw dolls, changed into our vestments (Kariginu: a type of priest’s robe), performed the purification, and then carefully started removing the nails one by one.

• [179] How did you know they were targeting you (1) and Mr. B?

[186] >>179 There was a piece of paper with our names written on it nailed over the straw doll. Incidentally, the others had no names. Wondering why it was just us, I think it was a kind of display. A warning: “Don’t interfere anymore.” We were about halfway through removing them when Mr. B seemed to be struggling to pull one out. Just as I said, “Be careful, shall I take over?” the force of pulling the nail out caused Mr. B to fall off the slope, hitting a tree about 10 meters below. From there, it was quite a hassle. An Ujiko member drove him to the hospital, and I ended up having to remove the nails alone while the other Ujiko members watched.

• [183] Reading.
• [185] That gave me serious chills. Is the ending going to be “living humans are the scariest”?
• [188] I thought having Shinto as a family faith was rare, but considering the number of Ujiko, maybe not?

[189] Fortunately, Mr. B’s life wasn’t in danger; he was diagnosed with injuries requiring two weeks to heal. However, when I went to visit him, Mr. B told me something. B: “Poster-kun (1-kun), don’t go near that place anymore.” Me: “Huh? Why? That place will get targeted again. Didn’t you say we need to remove them, or the bad energy will accumulate?” B: “It was too late. I saw it while I was falling.” Me: “?!” B: “A woman with the face of a Yaksha (demon), laughing next to you (1-kun). It’s true I strained myself pulling the nail. But I didn’t just slip. Someone pushed me hard. I definitely saw a white hand. It must have been the Yaksha’s.”

[190] According to Mr. B, this was the situation: Previously, one straw doll was nailed per week, and the minor resentment was being exorcised by us. Even when it became one per day, he thought we were managing to exorcise most, if not all, of the resentment. However, with nearly a hundred dolls nailed in one day, the resentment might have materialized, taking the form of a Yaksha. But after this incident, the straw dolls stopped. Well, “stopped” meaning the ones targeting us, although dolls apparently made by others still appeared occasionally. Meanwhile, something strange started happening to me too.

• [191] Reading.
• [196] Chilling.

[197] A woman started appearing at a specific spot in the shrine, glaring at me. She wore white robes, had long white hair, looked young but had a demonic face. The specific spot was under the Torii gate, and the time was around 3 AM. In other words, Ushi Mitsu Doki (the dead of night, Hour of the Ox). I’m not completely insensitive, so I immediately knew what it was. Around 3 AM, shrine staff have night duty (shukuchoku) and perform patrols. Since I was alone, I couldn’t ask other staff members. I knew they disliked me, but I decided to steel myself and ask them.

• [199] A living ghost (ikiryo)?
• [200] No way, scary.
• [201] Shrines at night are scary, aren’t they… I went to one famous for cherry blossoms at night because it was lit up, but the illuminated words “Mizuko Kuyo” (service for miscarried/aborted babies) were so terrifying that, although the blossoms were beautiful, I had nightmares that night.
• [202] Hurry with the rest. It’s so scary I turned on the lights.
• [204] Bump. (Comment to keep the thread from archiving)

[206] When I asked the other staff, they indeed couldn’t see it and just found me creepy. I was a bit annoyed, but I had bigger problems. I went to report it to Mr. B, who was recuperating at home, during a visit. According to Mr. B, “The power of the shrine probably prevents her from entering the grounds. And the fact that the straw dolls stopped might mean the woman is already dead. She might have become a Yaksha and is aiming to kill me (Poster).”

[216] With the help of the Ujiko, we investigated women who had recently died. Several candidates emerged. There were three candidates. When they showed me the photos, one person struck me. “I’ve seen this person. She resembles the Yaksha.” I sent photos to Mr. B via phone each time to confirm, and his answer was the same as mine. Incidentally, this was about a week after Mr. B got injured.

• [214] >>206 What do you mean the straw dolls were cured?
• [217] >>214 It means the daily nailing of straw dolls stopped.
• [220] >>217 Thank you.

[226] >>214 I phrased it poorly. It means the Ushi no Koku Mairi that had been happening every day stopped. We decided to visit the house with the Ujiko member. It was located roughly between the shrine and the tree, a dilapidated wooden house, looking like what you’d call a hoarder house now. I was sure when we entered the gate. Straw was scattered abnormally all over the yard. We rang the doorbell, but there was no response. The door was unlocked. Led by the Ujiko member (a young man from the youth association), we went inside. The house had a piercing smell and was filthy inside too. Nails and straw were scattered here and there. There seemed to be no one inside, but one thing was strange. I heard a voice in my ear saying, “Don’t come.”

• [207] Surprised she could prepare so much straw.
• [208] >>207 True (lol).
• [211] >>207 Thanks (lol). That lightened the mood somehow.
• [210] If you have connections with rice farmers, you can make straw dolls all you want (lol).
• [218] Should have come back after the thread progressed more… Caught it right at the climax, and now I’m too curious and scared.
• [219] Sleepy but too curious to sleep.
• [229] This thread is scary. But I can’t stop reading…

[230] According to neighbors, the woman living here died a week ago. Early thirties. Separated from her husband but not divorced. He apparently left her for another woman. The neighbor discovered her death. They heard strange cries and noises, went to check, and found her dead. Cause of death: cerebral infarction. Lately, she had been seen wandering around at night several times, walking with an abnormal smile. Originally, she was said to be sociable and a cute young wife. Indeed, in the photo, she was beautiful, I almost fell for her at first sight.

[232] The next day, Mr. B came to the office. I had been acting under his instructions, but having him physically present felt empowering. Mr. B told me, “Today, after work, let’s go see the husband. Maybe it’s already…” I was scared, but he persuaded me, “We won’t get anywhere if we don’t go.” We found out from her belongings that the husband lived in the next city, so we drove there. When we arrived at the husband’s house, there was no sign of anyone. Mr. B said, “We’re too late.” We asked the neighbors and found out that he had committed suicide with his lover using charcoal briquettes three days ago.

• [231] Finally caught up! Stories from people with abilities are really interesting. Who does the Yaksha resemble? Have you seen any images similar to it?

[234] >>231 In terms of appearance, she originally resembled Yu Kashii (Japanese actress). Imagine her with white hair, disheveled, and her face scrunched up. With no other options left, Mr. B and I agonized and concluded, “We have no choice but to exorcise the Yaksha.” We decided to perform the purification at the tree where the resentment lingered most strongly, and then cut down the tree. The procedure was the same as a regular Kiyoharai (purification). Finally, cutting down the tree would conclude it, apparently. Mr. B was the Saishu (chief officiant), and I was the Fukusaishu (assistant). We promised that if one fell, the other would continue as Saishu. The worry was pointless; it ended surprisingly easily. Then, when we tried to cut the tree with a chainsaw, something strange happened. No matter how we tried, the blade wouldn’t hit the wood properly. It felt more like it was slipping. Mr. B was doing it, and I thought, “He’s bad at this.” I said, “Let me do it,” took over, but I couldn’t do it either. It kept slipping, and the blade just wouldn’t bite into the wood.

Saishu: The chief priest presiding over a ritual.
Fukusaishu: The assistant priest supporting the Saishu.

• [235] Really interesting.

[236] When the chainsaw finally bit into the wood… “AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” A scream that pierced everyone’s ears was heard. Apparently, the Ujiko members who were attending also heard it. Once the tree was completely cut down, the voice stopped. According to Mr. B, “The tree itself might have gained power from the accumulated resentment and become a source releasing that resentment.” And “By releasing it, it might have negatively affected humans, creating more people to perform Ushi no Koku Mairi.”

[238] As a result, with the tree gone, the so-called cursed cases disappeared. Mr. B and I, just being found creepy, lost our purpose. We couldn’t get along with the others, and eventually, even the Guji abandoned us, leading to us being pushed out and fired (wry smile). But if I had to say, the Yaksha-like figure outside the Torii gate has faded and become like mist, but it’s still there (wry smile).

[240] That’s roughly the reasons for my dismissals from the three shrines! Thank you to everyone who read! I couldn’t reply to comments midway through, but now I’m at my fourth shrine, living peacefully, I think. Though who knows what might happen next! Of course, not all ghosts are bad! I’ve had experiences where I was helped, and thanks to ghosts, the third shrine became a place where I could shine. If you think it’s fiction, feel free to think so. But I believe everyone experiences something incomprehensible at least once in their life. When that time comes, face it with resolve. If you have questions or requests for other episodes, I’ll answer!

• [239] How did the woman find out about you (1) and Mr. B?

[243] >>239 We found out later that this woman had apparently been asking the Miko and others at the shrine for our names. (The Miko apparently didn’t tell her.) We ourselves had never seen her, but it’s presumed she had been following us, engaging in a kind of stalking behavior.

• [242] Even with abilities, things don’t always go smoothly like in ‘I work hunting Yokai~’, huh?
• [244] Scarier than Junji Inagawa (famous Japanese horror storyteller).
• [245] The legend of Poster (1), raised in shrines, begins.
• [250] Oh, so you’re working hard somewhere else now! That’s good.
• [254] I occasionally (only 3 times in the past, though) see things, but since there’s no actual harm, and I avoid places that feel dangerous, I don’t particularly need purification, right?

[257] >>254 If you just happened to see something, there’s probably no harm! But if you feel like something followed you, or you feel like someone is watching you, it’s better to get a purification.

• [264] >>257 I don’t think anything is attached, and I don’t feel watched. There’s one? female-like presence? at work, but I only saw her once. There are minor strange occurrences? but my health is fine, so I try to avoid her and ignore it.

[255] Non-scary ones… off the top of my head, maybe: ・Premonition (Mushi no Shirase) ・Baseball ・Stalker ・Clock ・Mailbox…

• [259] >>255 Want to hear them all…!
• [262] >>255 Your stories are interesting, please tell us all of them!
• [251] It was interesting, so please continue. What happened to Mr. B afterwards?

[256] Mr. B is also at the same workplace now!

• [260] >>256 Glad to hear it. So scary I turned on the lights (lol). You said bloodline is important for Shinto priests, does that mean people whose families have been priests for generations become priests? Are there many people from unrelated families who study at university and become priests?

[267] >>260 Nowadays, the ratio of Shake (families of hereditary priests) and commoners is apparently about half and half, but advancement depends on bloodline. After all, a good bloodline means descendants of the gods, who have protected major shrines. Owning a major shrine means having influence in the shrine world, so that’s how it flows (lol). >>261 We don’t know the real reason now that he’s passed away, but our guess is that it was the curse’s influence. As for why we were unharmed, Mr. B’s idea is that since we serve the gods, we were probably protected by their power.

Shake: Families that have hereditarily passed down the position of Shinto priest at a specific shrine for generations.

• [261] Why did the husband commit suicide with his lover using charcoal briquettes?
• [258] Do you know the meaning of the stone figures shaped like humans found in rural villages or at their entrances? Actually, I think I might have been possessed near one of those stone figures… Later research showed it wasn’t a very good area.

[263] >>258 Like Dosojin (traveler’s guardian deities)? I’ve heard that statues at village boundaries mark the border between inside and outside, created to keep inhuman things out. People in the past were particular about boundaries, clearly separating inside and outside. For example, shrine fences (Mizugaki) and Torii gates are also boundaries. The entrance to a house is also a boundary. It seems they used to erect statues of Buddhas or figures as boundaries to prevent demons from entering from the outside.

Dosojin / Sae no kami: Deities enshrined at village borders, mountain passes, roadsides, etc., believed to prevent the intrusion of evil spirits and disasters from outside. Also considered protectors of travelers. Often represented as a pair of male and female figures.

• [265] >>258 If two figures are carved on one stone, it’s Dosojin. They pray for fertility, an ancestral worship from before Buddhism. From me, who dabbled in folklore studies.
• [269] >>263 >>265 Thank you for the detailed explanation! Maybe I was the inhuman thing (lol). When I saw it, it was covered with a red cloth!
• [433] >>269 Try looking up Sai no Kami as well.
• [246] Please share any non-scary strange stories or ghost stories.

[268] Since there’s a request, let’s tell a slightly scary story! From “Premonition (Mushi no Shirase)”! While I was in university, my father collapsed due to illness. The doctor said he was in a vegetative state, a difficult situation. It was sad, but since he wasn’t dead, the family prayed, hoping somehow. Of course, I also prayed at the household altar (kamidana) morning and evening, wishing for his recovery. Three nights after he collapsed, my father appeared in my dream. Just my father and me in complete darkness. For some reason, he looked like his younger self. Father: “Hey, Poster (1). I might not make it. I might die. Thanks for everything. We fought a lot, but I was glad to be your father. Can’t talk long, well, take care of your mother and sister. See ya.”

[270] My elementary school self was crying hysterically in the dream, saying, “Don’t go…” Just then, pop, my grandfather appeared from the darkness. Grandfather: “Hey! You idiot, son (Father)!!! What are you doing trying to come to this side already! I absolutely forbid it. Absolutely forbid it. If you come, I’ll commit seppuku and die.” Father: “Dad, what are you talking about… you’re already dead… Haha… Looks like they won’t let me into that world just yet. I’ll try a little harder, so I’ll borrow some strength from Poster (1) too.” As soon as he finished speaking, I woke up to the phone ringing. I answered, and it was news that my father had regained consciousness. My father would recover steadily after that, but he apparently vaguely remembers this incident. When he passed away again ten years later, he also appeared in my dream and said, “Looks like Dad (Grandfather) approves now, so I’ll be going soon. Thank you, we can finally say goodbye now. Thanks for everything, take care of your sister and mother. I’ll always be watching.” My father passed away peacefully, but strangely, I wasn’t sad, didn’t cry, and I still feel like my father is watching over me nearby.

• [273] >>270 That’s a nice story. My father passed away recently, so I teared up a bit (lol).
• [277] >>270 When your father passed away, didn’t you see him as a ghost like your grandfather? Also, Poster (1), do you believe in reincarnation?

[279] >>277 I couldn’t see him! Probably because my father felt he could say his goodbyes. Reincarnation… I hope it exists, but if I were to be reborn, I’d want to be myself again.

• [287] >>279 Thank you. I saw on TV that apparently 50% of people feel a premonition just before a relative in critical condition passes away!
• [415] >>270 Is it that kind of family line? Do your siblings see things too?

[421] >>415 No, just a very ordinary family! I haven’t heard such stories from relatives much, nor have I talked about it.

• [274] Eating two ice creams while reading this, the goosebumps are insane.
• [283] Relieved to hear that you (1) and Mr. B are working peacefully now.
• [280] The story with the psychic dad is tear-jerking… Tell us a nice ghost story! I don’t think it’s just because I was devouring shaved ice (blue Hawaii with milk), but I have goosebumps all over.

[282] >>280 Alright, next story coming up!!!

[286] “The Baseball” I played baseball from elementary through junior high. There was a guy who was my best friend, went to the same elementary and junior high. We went to different high schools, and back then we didn’t have cell phones, so I only heard about what he was doing through the grapevine. We didn’t see each other much in university and eventually kind of forgot about each other. Then one day, I suddenly felt like playing baseball. “Ah, I want to see him again after so long, should I contact him?” Both my friend and I had moved, but I knew his phone number, so we arranged to meet.

[291] We met after a long time, played catch, talked about everything we’d missed, and then parted ways. As we parted, he handed me a ball, saying, “I’ve owed you this for a while.” It was a baseball signed by a player that I had lent him in junior high. “Oh, thanks!” I said as we parted. Feeling nostalgic, I looked at the ball and saw “Thank you” written on it in messy, elementary school-like handwriting. About three years later, work had started, and amidst the busy days, I was watching TV at home when the baseball sitting on the TV stand suddenly fell off with a thud. What the heck, I thought, but I had a bad feeling, so I called my friend’s home. I found out he had passed away three days earlier. They couldn’t contact me because his last words were, “I’m working hard to follow my own path, so please contact him after the 49th day memorial service.” Why? Why didn’t you tell me? A grown adult, I burst into tears. Then, I happened to grip the ball, and the “Thank you” had changed to “Thank you for everything.”

• [298] >>291 I cried. I’ve been listening to Ketsumeishi’s song “Tomo yo” (My Friend) a lot lately, so it hit harder.
• [296] >>1 It’s scary, but I’ve been reading since noon. Thanks for the interesting stories. Maybe I’ll go to Kanda Myojin tomorrow and pray for business prosperity.
• [299] Is it true that shrines have compatibility with people?

[302] >>299 Rather than compatibility, isn’t it about how you accept it? For example, if you go to a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami while saying “I hate Amaterasu Omikami!” it would be meaningless. Also, one thing I really want to tell everyone: the important thing when visiting a shrine isn’t saying your name or anything like that! First, express gratitude to the god. If you have a wish, state it afterwards! If you look at a priest’s Norito prayers, you’ll see they first praise and thank the god. Then, they say, “To such a god, please share your power with us.” People nowadays only state their wishes, I’d like them to correct that a bit. Gods aren’t jacks-of-all-trades, you know (lol).

• [304] >>302 Thank you! That was helpful, and gratitude really is important, isn’t it?
• [301] People often say Ise Grand Shrine is special. What do you think, Poster (1)?

[303] >>301 Personally, I believe there’s no difference between gods. However, there’s a line in the Goseibai Shikimoku (Kamakura period legal code): “Gods increase their power through human reverence, and humans gain fortune through the gods’ virtue.” Meaning, people’s faith strengthens the gods’ power. In that sense, Ise Grand Shrine indeed has many worshippers, so maybe its Shin’i (divine power) is immense.

• [306] When I feel unlucky, can praying to gods somehow fix it? Seriously, I feel unlucky about so many things.

[308] >>306 As I mentioned with the Goseibai Shikimoku quote, gods only “add” fortune. Meaning, if you don’t see results, think of it as them giving you a push on top of your own efforts. Just relying solely on gods won’t work, so be careful!

• [314] My family home has been around for about 400 years, and we enshrine a small Kannon statue. There’s also a Torii gate. Is something like this significant?

[321] >>314 It’s common in old landowner families! It means your ancestors prospered for generations!

• [323] Does the Shinto worldview include ghosts?

[328] >>323 Izanagi goes to Yomi (the underworld) to rescue Izanami, so effectively, the concept of ghosts exists.

• [341] Regarding the household altar (kamidana), what kind of taboos are there?

[350] >>341 Commonly said things are to place it above your eye level, preferably facing east or south. However, not near a door, but a place where the god can reside peacefully is preferable.

• [379] If you have any other scary stories, I’d like to hear them. Even if it’s not Poster’s (1’s) own experience, maybe something you heard.

[386] >>379 Oh, a request came in, so let’s make the next one a bit scary!

[390] Since shrine talk is lively, here’s a scary shrine-related story: “The Shrine of Heroic Spirits (Eirei no Yashiro).” Across the country, there are various shrines known as Eirei shrines. Obvious examples include Yasukuni Shrine, Togo Shrine, Nogi Shrine, and the various Gokoku Shrines nationwide. This is a story from when I was a student, working part-time as a priest, a so-called Jokin (temporary helper). The pay was quite good, so I applied and ended up doing Jokin work at a local Eirei shrine. The job involved assisting with the Reisai (annual grand festival), and also performing general prayers after the Reisai.

Eirei: A respectful term for the spirits of those who died for their country, especially in battle.

Gokoku Shrine: Shrines located throughout Japan primarily dedicated to enshrining the spirits (Eirei) of those who died for the country in wars or incidents since the Meiji Restoration.

Jokin: Temporary help at a shrine, or the position itself. Can also refer to priests from other shrines assisting during busy periods.

Reisai: The most important annual festival at a shrine, held on a day significant to the main deity.

[392] After transfers by train and bus, I arrived at night. From the moment I passed through the Torii gate of that shrine, I didn’t get a good feeling. Setting aside Yasukuni Shrine because there are always people, those who have visited Eirei shrines might have felt something similar. But well, it was work, so I couldn’t run away now. They arranged for me to stay overnight. I was shown to my sleeping quarters, a room within the shrine office (Shamusho). It was probably usually a reception room, where they laid out futons for me and my friend to sleep. “We need you working hard from tomorrow, so feel free to relax today,” a staff member told me. Tensely, I replied energetically, “Yes!!!” They told me where the convenience store was, instructed “Lock up when you go out at night,” and the staff member went back to their own shrine housing.

[393] My friend and I were excited, saying “This is like a school trip,” but past 2 AM, my friend got tired and fell asleep. I knew I had to get up early tomorrow, so I thought I should sleep soon, but then I heard sounds from outside, like clicking, kachi-kachi, or rattling, gacha-gacha. It sounded like footsteps. Not just one or two people, but dozens. This feels bad, I thought, and peeked outside. What I saw was a considerable number of soldiers. Like you see on TV, marching with crisp, sharp, rhythmic steps.

[398] Ah, maybe these are ghosts, I thought. Then, someone who looked like a commander raised his voice and said, “Tomorrow is the XXth Annual Grand Festival of XX Shrine. It has already been ○ years since you gentlemen died. The divine land, Japan, suffered defeat in that war, but has now become a great nation standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States. Our deaths were not in vain; they surely formed the foundation of the country today.” He said something roughly like that. Then, one soldier pointed towards me and yelled, “Enemy soldier sighted!!!” In that instant, thinking this was bad, I wrapped myself tightly in my futon. The soldiers somehow entered the shrine office and ran around, stomping around me too. I heard various voices, including “Long live the Emperor!” sobbing, and agonizing cries of “I don’t want to die.” Eventually, I fell asleep. The next morning. Thinking it might have been a dream, I went to greet the staff anew, and the priest said one thing to me: “Did the soldiers find you yesterday?”

[399] Maybe not that scary? Well, various emotions slumber in Eirei shrines, so approaching them carelessly is not recommended. The end.

• [401] >>398 What happened after that?

[405] >>401 The result was that all the priests had experienced it before. But because everyone disliked it, they slept in the dormitory, and they called students before the Reisai to act as lookouts. One time they didn’t have lookouts, the inside of the shrine office was apparently ransacked like a burglary had occurred.

• [400] Too scary… almost peed myself.
• [402] Are there yokai, monsters, or other strange phenomena besides gods? Have you seen any?

[406] >>402 I haven’t seen gods. I have seen ghosts, and when I saw something like a tanuki yokai walking on two legs, it was cute and made me laugh (lol).

• [409] The soldiers haven’t achieved peace yet… I feel kind of sorry for them.

[411] >>409 In my experience, unless they accept that they’ve died, they can’t seem to go to heaven (the sky). Apparently, the sound of military boots is often heard at other Eirei shrines too.

• [446] I moved to where I live now many years ago, but this thread made me curious, so I went to pray at the local shrine for the first time. Just a quick visit to show my face, no particular wish, and I left right away though.
• [293] Interesting story. I have zero psychic ability, but content that makes me read this far feels credible.