Teke Teke Story: The Legend of Japan’s Most Terrifying Urban Ghost

March 18, 2025

Japanese urban legends are filled with chilling tales of vengeful spirits and ghostly apparitions. Among them, few are as terrifying as Teke Teke, the ghost of a girl severed in half, doomed to drag herself along the ground in search of victims. Her name comes from the sound she makes as she moves—"teke teke"—a bone-chilling scratching noise that warns of her approach.

But where did this legend originate? How has it evolved over time? And why does the story of Teke Teke continue to haunt people to this day? Let’s uncover the horrifying truth behind one of Japan’s most disturbing supernatural myths.

The Origins of the Teke Teke Legend

The legend of Teke Teke is believed to have originated in Japan in the late 20th century, though its exact roots are difficult to trace. Like many urban legends, it has spread through word of mouth, horror forums, and even schoolyard rumors. While multiple variations of the story exist, most versions share the same chilling premise:

A young woman, often described as a schoolgirl, falls onto a railway track and is cut in half by an oncoming train. Whether by accident, suicide, or murder, her tragic death leaves her a restless spirit. Instead of passing on, she returns as an onryō—a vengeful ghost—to hunt the living.

Teke Teke is often said to appear at train stations, dark streets, or school grounds at night. With no lower half, she drags herself forward using her hands or elbows, making a horrifying scratching sound—"teke teke"—as she moves. If she encounters someone, she chases them down with supernatural speed.

If you fail to escape, she slices you in half, condemning you to the same fate.

Variations of the Myth

Over time, different versions of the Teke Teke legend have emerged, adding new twists to the story:

Kashima Reiko – A closely related legend, Kashima Reiko is another ghostly woman who lost her legs to a train. She is said to appear in bathrooms and asks those she encounters, "Where are my legs?" If the person does not answer correctly, she tears off their legs in revenge.
Post-War Origins – Some versions suggest that Teke Teke was originally an office worker assaulted by American soldiers after World War II. Fleeing from them, she jumped off a bridge onto a railway track and was killed by an oncoming train. Her spirit, filled with rage, continues to seek vengeance.
The Schoolyard Story – In another variation, Teke Teke appears near schools, hunting down children who stay out after dark. In some cases, she asks them riddles, and those who answer incorrectly meet a gruesome fate.

Regardless of the version, the outcome remains the same—Teke Teke is a ghost who cannot rest, and her victims are never spared.

The Psychology Behind the Horror

Teke Teke’s story taps into deep-seated fears that make her legend all the more terrifying.

Fear of being chased – Many people have nightmares about being pursued by an unstoppable force. Teke Teke embodies this fear, as she is said to move incredibly fast, despite having no legs.
Fear of trains and accidents – Train-related ghost stories are common in Japan, where railway deaths—both accidental and intentional—are unfortunately frequent. The gruesome nature of being cut in half adds to the horror.
Fear of the unknown – Like many urban legends, the fear of encountering Teke Teke stems from the uncertainty of where and when she might appear. Anyone walking alone at night might feel the creeping paranoia that they aren’t truly alone.

Why the Legend of Teke Teke Persists

Despite being an old urban legend, Teke Teke remains as popular as ever, thanks to its continued presence in Japanese horror culture.

Featured in horror films – The Teke Teke myth was adapted into the 2009 horror film Teketeke and its sequel Teketeke 2, both of which brought the ghost to a new generation of horror fans.
Spread through the internet – Like many urban legends, the digital age has allowed Teke Teke’s story to travel across the world, making her a well-known figure even outside Japan.
Influence on horror games – The legend has inspired video games, with characters resembling Teke Teke appearing in horror titles where ghostly figures crawl or move unnaturally fast.

Is There a Way to Escape Teke Teke?

In some versions of the story, there is no escape. If you see Teke Teke, you are doomed. However, some versions claim that quick thinking or special words can spare your life.

For example, certain tellings suggest that responding to her questions with a clever answer or invoking her tragic past may cause her to leave you alone. However, these supposed “escape routes” vary widely and are unreliable at best.

Explore the Teke Teke Collection

At Urban Myth Apparel, we celebrate the most terrifying legends with designs that capture the fear, mystery, and allure of the unknown. The Teke Teke Collection is inspired by this chilling ghost story, blending folklore with bold streetwear style.

Shop the collection here: Teke Teke Collection

A Legend That Still Haunts

The legend of Teke Teke is more than just a ghost story—it is a cultural horror phenomenon that has stood the test of time. Whether it’s through whispered schoolyard stories, horror films, or internet forums, the tale continues to terrify those who hear it.

So the next time you’re walking home alone at night, listen carefully. If you hear a scratching sound behind you, getting closer with every step, you might not want to turn around.

Because if you see her… it’s already too late.

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