Kuchisake-Onna (Slit-Mouthed Woman) is a malevolent figure in Japanese folklore and urban legends. As a vengeful spirit (onryō). It’s unclear how long the ghost of Kuchisake-Onna has been wandering the streets of Japan. (Lately, she’s been appearing in Korea, too.) Her legend may date back as early as the Heian era (794–1185) but exact details are lost and subject to debate. In life, this very beautiful woman was a jealous samurai’s wife, consort or concubine. Doubting her fidelity, whether or not with any justification, he reacted violently, slitting her mouth from ear to ear. She asks potential victims if they think she is beautiful. If they respond with "no," she will either kill them with her long medical scissors on the spot or wait until nightfall and murder them in their sleep. If they say "yes," she will reveal that the corners of her mouth are slit from ear to ear, and she will then repeat her question. If the individual responds with "no," she will kill them with her weapon, and if they say "yes" hesitantly, she will cut the corners of their mouth in such a way that resembles her own disfigurement. Methods that can be used to survive an encounter with Kuchisake-Onna include answering her question by describing her appearance as "average," or dropping candies on the floor to distract her. She is inconsistently tall. She has a pale complexion. Her eyes are a striking, vibrant red with slit pupils, conveying an unsettling intensity. Her nose is delicately shaped, and her mouth is wide open in a grin, revealing sharp, pointed teeth and a dark red interior. A prominent, wide slit runs from the corners of her mouth up her cheeks. Her hair is long, straight, and black, falling to her shoulders and framing her face. She is wearing a dark, possibly black, turtleneck or high-necked shirt underneath a vibrant red coat. The coat appears to be a double-breasted style with dark buttons. Around her neck, she has a red scarf, which is partially tucked into her coat. In her right hand, she holds a pair of scissors, with the blades open.