Overview
A Japanese urban legend that became widely known in the late twentieth century.
Full archive
In the legend, a masked woman asks passers-by whether she is beautiful. Versions differ substantially in the answer expected and what follows. This archive records the folklore, not a confirmed event.
Historical context
The narrative spread rapidly through rumor and mass media in the late 1970s, and was later adapted by film, manga and games.
Versions in circulation
Some versions place the encounter near schools; others introduce sweets, hair pomade or particular replies as ways to escape.
Evidence & debate
There is no reliable evidence that the figure described in the legend existed.
Possible rational explanations
Social anxiety, child-safety rumors and media amplification may have helped the story spread.