‘Horror’s Greatest’ Recap: ‘Japanese Horror’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Kate Siegel in ‘Horror’s Greatest’. (Photo Courtesy of Shudder.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Horror’s Greatest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When discussions come up about the wonder and the majesty of the horror genre, one unfortunate omission takes place. In that, far too often, those discussions focus upon horror from just the United States. Which granted, makes sense. Since some of the most influential and impactful horror stories were brought to life within the borders of the good ol’ US of A. But horror isn’t exclusive to a nation and that sure as hell doesn’t mean that its quality is diminished once you leave US waters and airspace. For international horror can be quite incredible and it does harbor some amazing stories that received a healthy spotlight, in the next episode of Horror’s Greatest.

In fact, this episode was laser focused on one specific type of horror, ‘Japanese Horror’. Which truly is a type of horror story that doesn’t receive enough recognition, but Japanese Horror has indeed brought forth some stunning and impactful, and influential stories as well. And it truly is one of horror’s greatest components, for reasons that were broken down here. Such as the fact that Japanese Horror… knows how to create something that is supremely important to the genre, a sense of dread. For a horror story is nothing without that terrifying weight upon our chests and this type of story excels at it, courtesy of its humble budgets. But it is also important because it excels at so much more.

After all, Japanese Horror is supremely spiritual in nature, which is something that is rare. Because so much of the world speaks little about spirits and hauntings, as though the thought of speaking of those strange occurrences we sometimes have in the night… would bring forth concern or as Kate Siegel put it in this episode, be seen as crazy. But culturally, it’s a huge part of the Japanese way of life and it is often showcased in these stories. Which gives rise to spooky and eerie stories where spirits haunt and make sure that people are never safe from them. Giving rise to stunning tension in these stories to accompany the dread, and yet, there is still more we should celebrate from this type of horror story.

For this is also a type of tale… that holds nothing back. Which cannot be said of American horror, for gore in America is still viewed in a prudish manner. But Japanese Horror wants to know, how far horror can push the envelope and how dark its stories can get. Which has brought forth, just some shocking horror films. The kind that leaves some nauseous with their gore and also forces one to leave the lights on because the scares just went too hard, and that too has made for some iconic and impactful moments from these types of stories. That have haunted both audiences and filmmakers for ages on end, and even inspired remakes in the American market to try and recapture the terror that so many experienced (or will experience) when watching these films.

All of which is proof positive that Japanese Horror is indeed within the pantheon of horror’s greatest. Simply because it understands the genre to a tee, knows how to impactfully scare the hell out of us, and of course… will haunt us in the same lingering manner that so many of its fictional spirits haunt their victims. Giving rise to essential viewing for new horror fans and old school ones looking to expand their horizons, and it is wonderful that this show makes a point to showcase what films one should seek out when that moment arrives. And well, now that we’ve reached the end of this incredible exploration, it is onto the next one, one that will ponder on humor’s place within the genre. Until next time.

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