Publications

These are my publications to-date.

This does not include my in-press works.

Please peruse and feel free to sample those that are readily available. Writing is my passion, so I love to share.


Horror Short Stories:

"The Old McCurdy House" featured on Otis Jiry's Creepypasta Crypt







  Articles:

"The 10 Most Frightening Japanese Urban Legends" published by Thought Catalog



Also, please feel free to explore the stories that I have collected throughout my travels via my horror channel on Youtube. The channel is a collaboration project that I've been working on with my brother, also known as VirusOutcast (@TGVirusOutcast)

Allergies in Japan

So...
Everybody is like "Oh Natasha, Japan must be beautiful in the springtime!--You know, with the cherry blossoms and all!"

I don't disagree.

I hear that it is very beautiful.

Sadly, my entire Japanese spring was spent high on anti-histamines.

*sigh* At least I have pictures...

Haunted Well at Himeji Castle, Japan-- Okiku and the Nine Plates

Well,

I once watched the ending to The Ring (yes, I've never actually seen the whole thing). I have to admit that it's pretty creepy.

But, not as creepy as Ringu.

"What do you mean? You JUST said that you never actually watched the whole thing!"

Yes, assumed critics, but I am about to share some culture that strengthens my point.

The Japanese version (read: the original version--though technically the original version is the Japanese book by Koji Suzukim, but you know) is creepier, especially when you understand the Japanese cultural context. Samara, in the American version, just looks like a creepy white girl who crawls out of wells, whereas, the Japanese Sadako carries a long history of Japanese paranormal lore.

For instance, the white getup and long black hair is the signature look of the yurei.

Yurei ( 幽霊) are essentially Japanese ghosts--though there are other terms that are used to describe dead spirits such as Obake or Yokai (among others; Japanese folklore is filled with scary things).

Now, yurei have a distinct look, which is how Sadako/Samara is portrayed. Yurei are said to have long black hair (typical of deceased women who wear their hair down during funeral ceremonies), white kimono (again, typical of funeral ceremonies), and limp dangly arms (just 'cause).

Other common yurei traits that Sadako/Samara do not have are hitodama (人魂 ), which are flame-like spirits that accompany a yurei. Also, they aren't supposed to have any legs.

like so

How does this have anything to do with Himeji-Castle?

Pretty, yes?

While others were drunk on the beauty of this marvelous castle, I was eager to find THIS!

THIS very large well!

How is this well connected to the aforementioned yurei and Ringu? Well (haha), this well is famous for the story of a scary ghost lady who is said to still haunt the location.

Good luck trying to read it.

In Japan, there is a famous story known as Banchou Sarayashiki (番町皿屋敷)--known commonly as Okiku and the Nine Plates.  

Now, it is worth noting that the story of Okiku is very old and much of the story's origins are unknown. As a result, there are several versions of the story. However, today I will tell you the story that locals have latched to this particular well, it is known as the Ningyou Joururi version, which is traditionally performed in kabuki (歌舞伎) theater:

Long ago, the lord of Himeji castle was very ill.
His heir, Tomonosuke, who wished to secure his succession,  hoped to deliver 10 special plates to the Shogun (将軍 -- essentially, the general). However, there was a plot to murder Tomonosuke by two retainers; Tetsuzan and Taketsune. Tetsuzan hoped to force Taketsune's  fiance, and lady-in-waiting, Okiku to help murder Tomonosuke.
Unbeknownst to anyone else, Tetsuzan stole one of the 10 plates. He then lured Okiku to his chamber, carrying the box of what she believed were 10 plates, but contained only 9. Tetsuzan attempted to seduce Okiku, but she refused. Annoyed, Tetsuzan ordered Okiku to count the 10 plates. When she saw that there were only 9 plates in the box, Tetsuzan mislead her into believing that she was responsible for the theft--something that he would forgive if Okiku would become his mistress.
She, again, refused his advances. 
Enraged, Tetsuzan beat Okiku with his bokken (木剣 --a wooden sword). He then lowered her into the castle well, erotically teasing her with the possibility that he would drop her. Tetsuzan gave her one last chance; he demanded that she become his lover and help murder Tomonosuke.
She refused a final time.
Her fate was sealed as he beat her with one last blow, sending her hurdling into the pit of the stone well.
But then, he heard:
"One... two... three... four... "
Tetsuzan then relized...
"...five... six... seven..."
That Okiku...
"...eight... nine..."
Had become a ghost.

It is said, that on dark nights at Himeji castle, people will hear Okiku counting the plates.
She apparently rises from the well, but when she realizes that she is missing a 10th plate, she stops counting, shrieks, and descends back into the well.

I recommend looking into the various stories of Okiku, but thus far, this is my favourite because of the location attached to it. From what I understand, all other tales of Okiku take place in undisclosed locations.

And wow, the well is pretty neat:

People toss coins into it, I don't know why? Maybe there's a Japanese custom, but the Western custom of "making a wish" seems kind of weird in this situation... 

Spooky

I definitely recommend a visit to Himeji Castle, and subsequently this cool well. 

The castle beautiful, recently restored, educational and the well is creepy. 

Here are some directions from Himeji station:

The area is spectacular! 

Also, if you g during a festival or holiday, there are many vendors who sell delicious Japanese foods on a stick.

Happy travelling!

Boots and Her Funny Legs

This is the story of how I deformed my puppy.

Hang on, it was an accident!

...an accident that she uses to her advantage to this very day.

So, it all starts out with me breaking up with my high school boyfriend.

"What?" you say.

Yes. It starts out with me breaking up with my high school boyfriend.

Though many people say this about their exs, my ex -boyfriend was not a very nice person.

My friends saw it, my parents saw it, but I was madly "in love". For this reason (i.e. "love"), I was planning to move with him to Ontario (which is far from where my family lives). My father, who knew how to speak my language, didn't try to convince me to stay in the conventional ways.

One day, he planted the idea.

He said: "You know, if you stayed, we could probably get another dog."

Two months later, I broke up with my boyfriend.

...and, I got a puppy for my birthday:

You know how people describe looking at their children for the first time? That is how I describe meeting Boots.

Boots and I were inseparable. She was an adorable puppy.
We slept together, cuddled together, and I fed her things from the table--you know, bro stuff.

...then three days later I fell down the stairs--and onto Boots.

It was the most heartbreaking feeling in my life. I fell on my puppy. I fell on her! FELL!

After sobbing for hours, and having my dad yell at me for being careless (I mean, rightfully so, I FELL ON MY PUPPY), Boots seemed to be okay albeit a little apprehensive about hanging out with me.

However, she then developed this weird "droopy" leg thing.

The vet said that she was okay... but when she sits down, her legs slowly slip out from underneath her.

It wasn't long before she started to notice that I would become guilt-ridden when I saw her "droopy" legs.

...and she started to use it to get food:

You can see how this method works for her...

The problem is, I give in. My parents give in. My boyfriend (the one I've been with for 3 years, not the one that I abandoned for a puppy) gives in. Strangers give in.

It just baffles me how she has been able to learn how to sell her body like that. It makes me think of her as some type of non-sexual sex worker who trades a little leg for table scraps.

Well, she's right. 

And so, that's the story of how Boots got her funny legs... and became a marketing genius. 

Miyajima, Okunojima, Okonomiyaki, and Our Trip to Hiroshima, Japan

So, I've been wanting to visit Hiroshima since high school.

When I arrived in Japan, I kept putting it off--wanting to wait for the perfect moment. Then our two year stay in Japan turned into one year. I panicked! I NEEDED to see everything. We had planned a trip to Beijing--which never happened and then a trip to Hong Kong--which also never happened. Suddenly, our stay in Japan was climaxing and plummeting before our very eyes.

But then we decided to just go to Hiroshima on a whim and everything turned out fine.

Better than fine. IT WAS THE BEST TRIP EVER!

I have a scale of best trips ever:

1) Salem-Massachusetts, USA
2) HIROSHIMA, Japan 

(There is more  to this scale, but you get the point)

As a result, I am detailing the events of my trip for my family and friends, but if you're planning a trip to Hiroshima I have also included directions and pricing.

The Islands:

While Kirk and I were in Hiroshima, we visited Itsukushima and Okunoshima.

If you're interested in Japanese, shima (jima) means "island" and is represented by this kanji: 島

Itsukushima is popularly known as Miyajima, which means "shrine island".

You might recognize this popular image:

Yeah, that's a 'tori 'in the water, it's amazingly beautiful.

Unsurprisingly, the island is filled with Buddhist and Shinto shrines and temples. 

This one was sadly damaged by a typhoon.

Pagoda

The island itself is very charming with lots of nature paths with various 'difficulties'. Luckily, we visited the island at a great time because the cherry blossoms had begun to bloom. 

It was a spectacular view.

There are people who live on the island, many of which run local businesses. Kirk and I walked up and down the streets, gazing at the many shops filled with omiyage (souvenirs). We were told to pick up some homemade momiji manju--so we did. These little maple leaf pastries are filled with sweet bean paste, but you can also get them filled with cheese, chocolate, cream, and green tea.

Oh my...

We also stopped at a local restaurant and tried three kinds of Hiroshima oysters.

Grilled oysters

Deep fried oysters and broiled oysters

The food was fantastic, as was the company. Everyone just seemed to have a good time while on the island. It was sweet and serene. We wished that we could have stayed longer.

But, alas, we had to go back!

In case that you are interested in visiting this particular Hiroshima island, the boating service that we used is located in Peace Park. 

Price:

7200 (for the both of us, there and back, taxes included)

Located here; but you can also travel with another company

The second island that we visited was Okunojima, otherwise known to non-Japanese as "Rabbit Island".

And yeah, there were bunnies...

As well as an abandoned poison gas factory.

Besides the poison gas factory as well as the incredibly cute and, not to mention, approachable bunnies...

They know that you have carrots and lettuce!

... There are also lots of mountainous trails that take you through the ruins of an abandoned WWII military base.

A lot to see

The trek up the mountains is pretty tame, but requires some extra effort. Regardless, the view was worth it:

The climb down was easy enough. It was also pleasant, as bunnies kept popping out of nowhere to say "farewell".

He followed us down for a short while--probably assuming that we had the aforementioned carrots and lettuce

Before the end of the day, we were able to have a satisfying Hiroshima lunch at the island resort (yes, apparently you can stay the night). 

Some sashimi, deep fried octopus, tsukemono, salad, miso soup and rice--This is Kirk's superior lunch, as I opted to not have the sashimi, though I definitely tried some of his

It was a good day.

In case you are interested in going to Okunojima, you will need to get to Tadanoumi station.

You can arrange a train from wherever your station of origin is by using: http://hyperdia.com/

We left Hiroshima station, changed trains at Mihara station and boarded a local train bound for Hiro. It took us about an hour and forty five minutes.

From Tadanoumi station, you will then need to walk 10 minutes to Tadanoumi port (It's just behind the station). 

Then, you will need to purchase tickets:

Price

Round trip: 600\ per person

And then you're off

Hiroshima City

Hiroshima city has some of the best sights that I have ever seen.

It seemed unlike the rest of Japan, on account of it's more lackadaisical feel. Instead of subways, the people of Hiroshima travel by cable car.

We also had the pleasure of eating at some amazing restaurants:

Okonomiyaki

If you plan on visiting Japan, you will have to try okonomiyaki. It is a delicious fried dish typically made from cabbage and batter with extra additives such as cheese, seafood, and pork. There are different styles of okonomiyaki, depending on in which region that you're trying it. For example, in Kyoto we get Osaka styled okonomiyaki, which consists of batter, cabbage, additives, and okonomiyaki sauce. In Hiroshima, you get a similar type of okonomiyaki, but with udon or chinese noodles added to the mix. as well as some egg.

And you get this!

We were recommended a place, we liked it, so we recommend it as well.

The tasty goodness that is fried Japanese cuisine

This particular spot can be found on the second floor of the Hiroshima JR station.

It is a well known place, so beware of long line-ups. Luckily, it is worth the wait.

Price: Approximately 1000\-1800\ per okonomiyaki

Indian Food

Wait what?!

Indian food?

You're in JAPAN, Natasha.

Yes, but Hiroshima has some of the best Indian restaurants outside of India.

Kirk and I chose to go to Roopali's, an Indian restaurant in Hiroshima that is very popular among foreigners.

The interior is just as outstanding as the exterior

This is the address (Just a five minute walk from Hiroshima station): 

インド料理 ルーパリ, Japan, 〒732-0053 

Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima,

 Higashi Ward, Wakakusacho, 14−32

And this is what you get: Heaven on a plate!

Price: Approximately 2000\- 3500\ per person

Hiroshima Castle

A place that you should visit while in Hiroshima is Hiroshima Castle. Not only do you get a lovely does of history (complete with interior museum with English language options), but you are surrounded by a lovely park. 

The majestic castle, complete with breathtaking cherry blossoms 

Aerial view  of the park (kinda)

This is a beautiful site that I strongly recommend, PLUS, the museum has a cool display about 200 year old Japanese plumbing. I'm not kidding! It's interesting. But, mostly the museum details the history of how Hiroshima came to be, post war struggle, and a whole floor dedicated to Japanese swords (for the swords enthusiasts out there).

If you are interested on visiting the castle the price is very modest
Price: 300 \ per person
Also, here are the directions from Hiroshima station:

Hiroshima Castle, 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward,
Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011, Japan

The Atomic Bomb

By this point, it looks like I'm avoiding the topic of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

It's a sensitive subject, and not a lot of people know how to address it properly. 

I've been obsessed with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima since high school. It is the reason why I've been so interested in nuclear technologies and their effects on our communities. 

Yet, when I arrived in Hiroshima, I stared up into the sky, where the giant bomb exploded so many years ago, expecting to feel the despair and haunting cries of the long dead--but, there was nothing.

You see, Hiroshima will mislead you. You will come to Hiroshima, expecting malaise and misfortune, but you will only find peace.

Hiroshima city has defied the odds.

When the atomic bomb went off on August 6th, 1945, the citizens were told that nothing would grow in Hiroshima for another 75 years due to the high levels of radiation. 

And then there is this: 

This old tree not only survived the atomic bomb, but it blooms to this very day.

In fact, near the hypo-centre of the blast, where the remains of houses and people once laid unclaimed, there is now a park. It is rightly called Peace Memorial Park. As Kirk and I walked up and down the various paths in the park, we saw a lot of things: old men playing chess, families picnicking under the cherry blossoms, couples cuddling up, children eating gelato, and so on--but not one person was in distress.

We need not remember the horrible sights that once plagued the city of Hiroshima, but we mustn't forget the lesson that it taught us.

We, as humans, have reached an era wherein science can both create and destroy. Hiroshima showed us how devastating our acts of destruction can be. We mustn't repeat these atrocities. Nuclear weapons do not discriminate; if we try to destroy others, we will destroy ourselves. 

I recommend visiting the Peace Memorial Museum--located within the park.

It's a bit rough, but by the end, you won't be able to defend nuclear arms or the use of them.

So many lives were lost, the aftermath still continues, many survivors later died of cancer--many, still living, struggle with the effects of radiation and the mental scars of that fateful day.

It is our responsibility to make sure that it never happens again.

If you would like to visit the museum, here is the address:

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, 1-2

 Nakajimacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, 

Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0811, Japan

It will change you. 

And, so that was our trip to Hiroshima.

I hope that you will someday visit, too. . 

Boots Likes Butts

It's no surprise that I miss my dog, Boots.

When I miss her, I draw my favourite Boots stories...

This is the story of Boots' love of butts:
One summer, she lived with Kirk and I.
She started out as our furry roommate, and then she became our deformed baby.
We did everything together and we had a "family system". Kirk would wake up in the morning and take Boots for a walk. I would stay inside and make breakfast for the three of us. Kirk and Boots would return. Then Kirk and I would eat people food. Boots would eat kibble. When she was done, she would beg for said people food.
It was a beautiful system.
However, as we grew as a little unorthodox family, Boots began to show us more of her personality. She was a funny dog.

One morning, Kirk awoke on his belly. He felt something strange--like there was something heavy holding him down. Then, he turned around to see a happy awake Boots, tail wagging, cuddled up on his butt. From that moment on, Boots' rest-spot of choice was on a butt.

Comfy.

Ghost Candy Shop!?

So, when I came to Japan, I was very adamant about finding "scary things".
Mostly because, it's true, Japan has some of the scariest stuff out there--also, I like to scare myself.

So, before I arrived to Kyoto, I started looking up places to visit with a "ghostly" feel to it.

The first thing that popped up was the Ghost Candy Shop.

Now, this location is slightly difficult to find--BUT it can be done.

Here is the general address: address: Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Matsubara-dori, Yamato-oji Higashi-iru, 2-chome, Rokurocho (京都市東山区松原通大和大路東入る二丁目轆轤町)

Get lost in this general area...

Then you must find this: 

And, that's where the ghost candy is!

So, the story?

Allegedly, many years ago, this candy shop had an unusual visitor.

Late one night, the shop-keeper heard a knock on his door. When he answered it, there stood a frail looking young woman.

"Excuse me, I know that it is very late, but could you give me some candy?" asked the woman.

The shop-keeper thought this was strange, but was happy to make a sale. When he gave her the candy she turned away and walked into the darkness.

The next night, the shop-keeper heard a knock on his door. It was even later than the night before, but when he answered, it was the same young woman.

"Excuse me, I know that it is very late, but could you give me some candy?" again, asked the woman. 

The shop-keeper was a little annoyed, but relented and sold the young woman some candy.

This ritual continued for another five days, but, on the sixth day, the shop-keeper's patience was worn. After the woman had requested her candy and walked away, the shop-keeper followed her into the darkness. They walked for a long time as she led him down several streets and through the woods. When they came upon a clearing, the woman then led the shop-keeper through the gates of a cemetery. 

She stopped at one headstone, turned to the shop-keeper, then vanished.

The shop-keeper, both frightened and perplexed, investigated the grave.

Low and behold, it was open. Inside was the corpse of what looked like the young woman. However, nestled in her arms was a sleeping baby. 

The man took the baby, realizing that it had been mistakenly buried with his mother. As a result, the baby was saved from death.

And, the shop-keeper never saw the young woman again.

***

This story probably sounds familiar, because it is a common urban legend in North America as well. Though it is unlikely that the story is true, it is interesting no less. The candy shop's telling of the story is magnificent and the look of the old shop really makes the story feel real. Also, the shop sells delicious "ghost candy" that appears to almost glow. Overall, this particular candy shop is definitely worth a visit for those who love candy and/or the spooky side of Japan. 

The candy!