Customer Reviews

The Ghosts of Okinawa

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a contributor to this book, I am glad to see the stories I contributed rendered in Ms. Hitchcock's felicitous prose. She has once again succeeded in her effort to bring the east and west together through folklore. Her clear and to-the-point writing style adds an element of authenticity, making these stories all the more chilling.

I was happy to see the section on doing your own ghost hunting to 1) give those of us who are inexperienced in ghost hunting a place to start, and 2) prevent people from just "grabbing a flashlight and going," as she says in her book.

Though a thin volume at present, (I know I could read stories like these forever) I'm sure Ms. Hitchcock, being as energetic as she is, will add more in the future.

If you found this book interesting, you would probably like Folktales of Okinawa, translated by Ms. Hitchcock, and Obake: Ghost Stories in Hawai'i by Glen Grant.

The small volume was a treasure trove of information, and is especially intriguing since I am currently in Okinawa and living in Kitanakagusu-son, one of the villages mentioned in the book. Unfortunately, more substance would have been appreciated about a subject that could fill larger volumes of text. A great effort, though, in introducing the world to Okinawa's relationship with the spirit world.

Although slim in size, this is chock full of some truly scary stories about Okinawa, where I was stationed back in the late 1970s. It's an entertaining read!

In living just three years among a people known for strong beliefs in the supernatural, Jayne Hitchcock has unearthed a treasure trove of Japanese ghosts stories and folk legends in The Ghosts of Okinawa. Though a slim volume, Ghosts is packed with chilling tales of haunted homes and military bases, ice cold spots in abandoned houses with no air conditioning, and instances of eerie wispy sightings at night.

This is a book for Japanophiles and ghost lovers alike.

I read this book about 2 years ago and I must say, it's awesome! I love reading books, books that are thrilling, books I can soak into... etc. This book, I could not put down, because I love to read ghost stories, and plus it was thrilling when I was reading it because I lived in Okinawa at the time.
I'm not exactly what you call brave, if I were ever to encounter any ghosts from the stories, but I like to read about them. There are so many other ghost stories about Okinawa, not in this book that are amazing. You can actually believe these stories, because when the war came upon Okinawa, Naha was hit first and the military base closest to Naha is Camp Kinser. There was once a human skull discovered there by my friend's brother, and people say the base is built over a graveyard, which is most likely of the victims who died in the war. The book is very convincing.
It's great if you can actually see the location of where the ghost stories are based.
All in all, you must read this book, it's great! And check out other scary stories and also "The Girl with the White Flag." Also based in Okinawa!

I first got the book Ghosts of Okinawa while I was stationed at Camp Foster. I had heard all the "ghost stories" and I didn't believe them. I read this book and a couple of friends and I began to look for the ghosts. I now truely believe in the ghosts of Okinawa, and "Mark" was still with those living in the Futenma Housing when I left in 2003. Due to my divorce I lost my book, and have just recently purchased it again. This is an Awesome book!!!

This book is compact (thin) making it portable, especially if traveling. Okinawans are by nature very superstitious as I found growing up with an Okinawan mother. This book is ideal for anyone interested in gaining more knowledge of Okinawa (not only from a supernatural perspective) via ghosts but also through history such as information about building constructions, learning about the areas effected, and even perhaps learn the "whys". For example, why workers won't enter the building till it's blessed. Sighting/hauntings (location) are conveniently organized by chapters with pictures. This book would make a nice companion for those who have the time and interest to explore these supernatural type of activities. I found the back of the book helpful as there is a list of recommended items with explanations for those pursuing these activities. So overall, this would also make an interesting book in gaining more understanding about Okinawan people via their stories.

I first bought this for myself, then ended up buying some for friends and family and we all love this book. Yes, it's not a big book, but the stories in it will make your hair stand on end and one of the photos - I get goosebumps just thinking of it! This is well worth it!

I bought Hitchcock's other book, Net Crimes & Misdemeanors and found out she'd written this one as well. I finally got a copy a couple of weeks ago. It's a complete departure from her Internet crimes book, but a fun read. I love ghost stories and this one has some that will make your hair stand on end and sleep with the lights on. A definite must-read any time of the year!!

My parents sent me this book for Christmas (signed by the author!). They know I love good "ghost stories" and The Ghosts of Okinawa lives up to that. I found the "tall tales" entertaining, noting the similarities to ghost sightings here in the USA, and the local ghost stories were sometimes quite chilling. I especially liked the information on the cultural aspects of how Okinawans feel about ghosts, the dead, and the supernatural. A very interesting read and the photo with the ghost in it still gives me chills!