J-Horror

Japanese horror is very different from the horror that we are familiar with. The stories in Kwaidan are like parable rather than "ghost stories". They seen to teach a lesson of sorts and are not always sad endings. Unlike western ghosts, the Japanese ghost can be tangible and is able to touch people. They are also not always out for revenge but they are hungry for life again. In the movie The Audition, the young woman is psycho killer. This seems to be a main theme in J horror which isnt too surprising considering that women of that culture have lived very suppressed lives. Women are meant to be subdued and obedient and so they are easy targets to make into killers. Japan is also known its horror that coincides when new technology comes out. Like monsters born from radioactivity or ghosts that haunt and communicate through phone, computers and tv. So the next obvious question is where will horror go to next? Maybe it will go back to demons or deal with population issues and viruses, whatever the case, I am sure that the classic horror tales and creatures will adapt with the times.