Note: Hanako-san of the Toilet – A School Ghost Story

The Hanako of the Toilet who appeared in this story is one of the famous supernatural beings counted among the “Seven Wonders of the School.”

In Japanese elementary schools, each school has its own set of ghost stories known as the Seven Wonders of the School.
The number of wonders varies—sometimes more, sometimes fewer—but “Hanako of the Toilet” is included in almost every version.

The origin of this tale is said to date back to the 1940s.
At that time, Hanako was nothing more than a voice that could be heard.
Later, in the 1990s, during Japan’s School Ghost Story boom, when books on the subject were published, she gained the form known today.

Since then, she has appeared in all kinds of creative works and has become a popular character.
Although her outfit is usually the same, her appearance varies widely—from looking like an ordinary elementary school girl to being portrayed as a rather alluring Hanako-san.

And what exactly does Hanako-san do? ― In truth, not much at all.
Sometimes she answers when called, sometimes a hand appears, or she simply shows herself—that’s about it.
In some versions she drags people away or causes harm, but those elements likely came from other ghost stories being mixed in.

In Japan, there are several other restroom-related ghost stories, and most of them end with the victim being killed.
Perhaps it’s a kind of message: “Don’t linger too long in the restroom.”

Now then, let’s talk about what typically makes up the Seven Wonders of the School:

1. Hanako-san of the Toilet

As mentioned above.

2. The Moving Human Anatomy Model

The anatomical figure in the science room, used to show muscles and organs, is said to move at night.
In some versions, it even runs across the schoolyard.

3. The Moving Statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro

This may be unfamiliar outside Japan, but in many Japanese elementary schools there are statues of Ninomiya Kinjiro, a celebrated historical figure.
In some stories, even this statue is said to run across the schoolyard.

4. Beethoven’s Eyes Shine

In many Japanese music rooms, portraits of great composers are displayed.
For some reason, Beethoven often becomes the subject of these tales.
There are even small anecdotes of thumbtacks stuck into his eyes, which would glint when a teacher’s flashlight shone on them during patrols.

These four are extremely well-known. Other wonders tend to be tied to local traditions or something unique to each individual school.

Incidentally, at the elementary school I attended, almost no stories were told beyond these four.

Let me touch a bit on Ninomiya Kinjiro (1787–1856).
He lived in the late Edo period, lost his parents early in life, and is said to have studied diligently, reading books even while carrying firewood on his back.
Later, he contributed to the revival of farming villages, helped reform domain finances, and promoted a moral philosophy called Hōtoku, which emphasized diligence and frugality.
In this way, he left behind achievements in many fields.

In recent years, however, some of his statues have been removed under the reasoning that they “encourage walking while looking at one’s phone.”
It really makes you feel the passage of time.

Did your schools have stories like these?
If so, I’d love to hear about them.