how does the hanako ghost story go
The Hanako ghost story is a popular urban legend in Japan. It revolves around the haunting of a school restroom by the ghost of a young girl named Hanako, who is said to have died tragically. The story goes as follows:
According to the legend, Hanako was a student who met her untimely end in one of the school restrooms. There are variations of how she died, with some versions mentioning that she was killed during World War II, while others claim she was a victim of bullying or abuse.
To summon Hanako, one must go to the school restroom—typically the third stall on the third floor—and knock three times on the door, calling out, "Hanako-san, are you there?" If Hanako is present, she will respond with a faint, "Yes, I'm here."
Upon entering the stall, it is said that one may encounter a ghostly presence. Some stories describe Hanako as a young girl in a tattered school uniform, while others depict her as a grotesque figure with pale skin and bloodshot eyes. The encounter may vary depending on the version of the legend.
It is believed that Hanako's ghost will either harm or disappear if specific actions are taken. For instance, some variations suggest that asking Hanako for permission to enter the stall or closing the stall door immediately after entering may prevent her from causing any harm. Others claim that offering her a red object or telling her that her parents are waiting for her outside the restroom will make her vanish.
The Hanako ghost story is commonly told among schoolchildren, often as a means of scaring their peers or challenging their bravery. While it is primarily an urban legend, it has become a part of Japanese folklore and continues to captivate the imaginations of many.