Botan Doro
Botan Doro (The Peony Lantern) is one of Japan's three great ghost stories, originating from the Chinese Ming Dynasty novel Jiandeng Xinhua - Peony Lantern Record, telling a tragic tale of love between a human and a ghost.
【Synopsis】
Otsuyu, daughter of the samurai Iida Heizaemon, died of heartbreak over her love for the ronin Hagiwara Shinzo. Her maid Oyone also died afterward.
Otsuyu and Oyone, who should no longer be alive, visited Shinzo every night carrying a peony lantern. Shinzo was immersed in the reunion with his lover, not knowing he was slowly walking toward death.
Sekiguchiya Banzo discovered Shinzo sleeping while embracing a skull, and learned that Otsuyu was not of this world. When Banzo told Shinzo, he obtained an exorcism talisman from the monk Ryokishi.
However, the ghost gave Banzo 100 ryo of gold to bribe him, and Banzo tore up the talisman. Shinzo ultimately died due to Banzo's betrayal.
【Cultural Impact】
This story was transmitted from China to Japan, where it was adapted by Asai Ryoi into Botan Doro (1666), becoming one of the three great ghost stories of Edo. The Japanese version strengthened elements of obsession and revenge, giving rise to Kabuki, ukiyo-e, films, and other art forms.