[JapanUrbanLegend] Hide and Go Seek Alone

 

Alone Hide and Seek (ひとりかくれんぼ, Hitori Kakurenbo)

"Alone Hide and Seek" (also known as "Hitori Kakurenbo" in Japanese) is a game that is often mistaken for a type of occult ritual. However, it does not actually involve summoning spirits, making it not a form of necromancy. It’s simply an internet-based urban legend.

The game originated in April 2007 on the 2ch occult board, where it gained popularity through live broadcasts by various participants. The goal of the game is to experience occult phenomena using a doll.

Live Accounts

There are many global accounts of people trying this game, mostly written as stories. Although such written accounts are often unreliable, common elements include TVs turning off, footsteps, or phone malfunctions.

Most stories end with the participant going to retrieve the doll from the bathroom only to find it moved or placed elsewhere. Some accounts are considered far-fetched.

Among the various video recordings and live broadcasts on the internet, there have been no confirmed instances of real phenomena captured, though some show electronic devices turning off or cameras becoming blurry.

In Korea, a notable case involves three users from a site called CoChen. One of them reportedly behaved oddly in the chat window during their attempt. The chat history is now difficult to find due to the passage of time.

A person who reportedly attempted the game 13 times on the 2ch occult board attempted it a 14th time and experienced phenomena like TV turning off. That post was reportedly deleted following a disruption.

On DC Inside, a Mi-Gallery user claimed to perform the game live and post updates, though some instances, like the "Burrowed Incident," raise doubts about credibility. A Gundam fan also posted a video on Naver, but skepticism remains.

An episode of "Surprising World" showed unusual phenomena like the TV turning off.

How to Play

This game is not recommended for mental health reasons, so if you feel inclined to try it, reconsider carefully. Even if nothing happens, the act of playing can cause fear and stress, especially for those with weak nerves.

Precautions

• Blood should never be used. While it’s possible, it might summon a spirit that’s too strong to be controlled with saltwater.
• Do not name the doll after yourself, acquaintances, or friends. There’s a belief that it could result in harm or curses affecting people with similar names.

Materials Needed

• Rice: Enough to fill the doll.
• Doll: A stuffed doll that can be filled with rice. The more it resembles a human, the better. For cotton dolls, remove the cotton and fill it with rice.
• Personal Items: Fingernails, hair. Blood or flesh should not be used as they are too potent.
• Sharp Tool: Needle, knife, or awl. If these are too dangerous, a pencil or sharpener can be used instead.
• Saltwater or Alcohol (Japanese sake): About one cup. Must be prepared in the hiding place.
• Safe Space: Your hiding place should ideally be protected with incense, talismans, or religious symbols (e.g., crosses, Buddhist statues).
• Sticky Trap: To set a trap.
• Red Thread: Used to sew the doll’s belly.

Execution

1. Fill the doll with rice and place your fingernails (or those of all participants) inside. Bind the doll with red thread and name it.
2. Begin at 3 AM and ensure the game lasts no more than 2 hours. It must end before 5 AM.
3. Prepare saltwater (or alcohol), turn off all lights, and keep the TV on a static channel.
4. Fill a container in the bathroom with water and place the doll inside.
5. At 3 AM, go to the bathroom and shout “The first seeker is (your name),” then return to the living room, close your eyes, count to 10, and go back to the bathroom to say “I found (doll’s name)” and stab the doll with the sharp tool.
6. After stabbing the doll, shout “The second seeker is (doll’s name)” and place the sharp tool next to the doll. In a group, each participant takes turns being the seeker before the final seeker is the doll.
7. Hold the saltwater or alcohol in your mouth and hide in your safe space. Do not look left or right while moving.
8. Observe any phenomena while hiding. Remain silent and do not fall asleep or lose consciousness.
9. To end the game, cautiously come out of hiding and find the doll. Do not spit out the liquid.
10. Once the doll is found, spit the saltwater onto the doll and sprinkle the rest on it. Shout “I won!” three times to end the game. The doll should then be burned.

Results

Initial live broadcasts and many accounts from Korea and Japan report experiencing unusual phenomena. Commonly reported phenomena include lights turning on, hearing laughter or crying, TV channels changing or turning off, and the doll being found in a different place. However, given the nature of such urban legends, the reliability of these accounts is questionable, and it's difficult to distinguish between genuine occurrences and hallucinations due to fear.