Ghost of Okiku and Asayama Tetsuzan by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1864)
Okiku, the Maid and the Missing Plate
Long ago, there was a young maid named Okiku, who served at Himeji Castle. Tetsuzan, one of her master’s retainers, was fond of Okiku. He tried many times to seduce her, but Okiku rejected his advances every time. Disgruntled, Tetsuzan devised a cunning plan. He hid one of the master’s ten fine plates and called out for Okiku, demanding to know where it went. Alarmed, Okiku counted the plates again. “1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..!” She was distraught.
Still Okiku refused him. Tetsuzan lunged for Okiku, but Okiku pushed him away forcefully and ran. This enraged Tetsuzan further, who chased after Okiku, shouting. Terrified that he was about to reach her, Okiku leapt into a well. The well was deep and dark, and Okiku tumbled down into the water. She was unable to swim and soon drowned. Tetsuzan was shaken by the sight of Okiku’s lifeless body at the bottom of the well but left to inform the master that she had run away. Shortly after, a wailing ghost wandered the castle grounds. “1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..” she counted, then let out a blood curdling scream that pierced
the castle walls and floors. It was the ghost of Okiku, haunting Tetsuzan in vengeance.
Okiku’s counting and screams kept Tetsuzan up all night, leaving him delirious. He soon saw Okiku’s ghost all his waking hours, which drove him insane, leaving him just a shell of his former self.
“There were 10 just yesterday!” she exclaimed. “Please, I beg you, if you hid the plate, give it back, or I shall inform my master.”
Tetsuzan sneered. “Ha! Anyone would believe you stole the fine plate. If you don’t become my mistress, I will have you thrown out of this castle as a thief and you will live on the streets in shame.”
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