Dollhouse (2025) Movie Script
1
Toho Co., Ltd.
Yusuke, be careful. Your friends are around.
And watch out for cars too.
Hey, cut it out! I'm gonna win!
Mei, don't cause trouble for your mommy!
I knooow!
Sorry for the sudden visit. Tomorrow it's at our place.
It's fine, really.
- Be good, okay?
- Okay, okaaaay.
Be back by evening.
- Okay~!
- Bye~!
- All good, right?
- Yeah, sorry.
Okay!
Yup, come on in.
Mei! Hey, Mei!
I'm going out to buy snacks.
Play inside, okay? Don't go outside.
- Okaaay.
- Yes.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Rock, paper, scissors... shoot!
Again!
Eight, nine, ten.
Are you ready?
Not yet!
Ready yet?
- Not yet!
- Not here. Go over there!
Shhh!
Are you ready?
Not yet!
When I got home,
the pack that had five only had four left.
No way.
Oh, right. Did you hear? A suspicious person was seen around here yesterday.
Yeah, the school sent out an email about it.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Scary, isn't it?
Totally.
- Next, please.
- Ah.
Mei?
Everyone?
Mei?
Ah, Suzuki?
Sorry, is Yuka...
She's just lounging around at our place.
Um, is Mei over there by any chance?
What?!
She disappeared while they were in the middle of hide-and-seek.
They said she might have went to you. Is that true?
Yeah, that's right. Yeah!
She just vanished...
- I messaged everyone on LINE.
- Okay.
I'm sorry...
They said no one's seen her.
I'll look around this area.
- Thanks.
- Me too.
Thank you.
It's okay, it's okay. She'll turn up soon.
I'm really sorry...
Hurry and go inside.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'm sorry. Excuse me.
- A call from your house.
- Thanks.
Hello? What happened all of a sudden?
What?!
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
Where's Mei?
If we find out anything, we'll contact you immediately.
Please do...
Thank you.
Are you okay?
- Sorry.
- It's okay.
Dollhouse
One Year Later
One Year Later
No matter where I go or what I do,
it feels like there's a hole in my heart.
Like everything just slips right through it.
There isn't a single day I don't think about my child...
But if I stay gloomy forever, my child would scold me for it...
So I try to smile at least once a day.
Thank you very much.
Alright, next is Suzuki.
Don't push yourself but if there's anything you'd like to talk about...
I...
I...
The washing machine...
Take your time, it's okay.
It's because...
I never replaced that old washing machine...
Mei...
Wasn't able to breathe...
You haven't traveled or anything, right?
You're not using a cleaning robot. Want me to bring mine over?
Hey, I might be sticking my nose in too much, but...
There's a temple nearby that does ceremonial burn offerings, you know?
I heard it's a good place. What do you think?
Yeah...
I'm home...
Welcome back.
There was an antique market at the park.
I ended up buying it even though it was pricey.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Here you go.
- Ah, this...
- Hm?
It's nothing...
There we go.
Take this with you.
Okay...
- This one?
- Um, and...
Okay! Done.
Okay.
My doll is a lovely doll
With bright eyes and pale skin
And a tiny, adorable mouth
My doll is a lovely doll
Ah, welcome home.
Oh. I'm... home...
Have you been sleeping well at night?
Ah, yes.
How do you feel when you wake up?
I feel fine.
Do you have an appetite?
Yes, I do.
At first glance it might look strange, but...
It's called doll therapy.
Dolls can actually help a lot with emotional recovery.
Doll therapy...
Stuffed animals sometimes help people cope with losing a pet...
And realistic baby dolls, reborn dolls, have even helped improve dementia symptoms.
It's recognized as effective worldwide, you know.
Hmm...
Don't worry so much.
Stay like this for a while and just be there for your wife.
I'm thinking of reducing the medication little by little.
Okay.
Ah. Found it, found it.
Welcome! How old is she?
She's five.
Maybe it's too big...
- Let's check the other side too.
- Okay.
Look! The sea!
This feels so nice.
- You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
- I'm taking the picture.
- Okay~
Look this way.
Say cheese.
It already arrived?
- Ah, welcome home.
- I'm back.
These new ones have too many features, they're so hard to use.
I see...
- It's working!
- Thank goodness.
Good. This thing is complicated, you know.
Suzuki.
Huh? Was today your checkup?
No. I went to the gynecologist.
The gynecologist? Why?
Huh? Don't tell me...
Yes, okay, okay, okay.
Right here. Okay...
Oh, it's not done.
Wait, it'll be done in a moment.
Once this part attaches...
Want to sit?
Here, go ahead.
Thanks.
She's asleep. So cute.
Okay, Mai. Mai~
Mom. Mom, over here. Mom, look this way.
You're taking way too many already.
Okay Mai, yep. Over here, this way, Mai.
Too close!
Okay, Mom! Mom, you're in the shot!
Yes, yes, yes. Okay, okay.
Yes, yes, yes.
Let's go.
Okay!
- Let's go!
- Okay.
Wow, Mai is laughing so much.
Come here, come here, come on, come on.
Hey hey hey hey.
Oh, maybe over here?
Oh, maybe this way? Maiii!
Okaaay.
My doll is a lovely doll
With bright wide eyes and fair skin
A tiny little mouth, so cute
Things are so convenient nowadays.
What are you talking about? Those have been around for a while.
Oh really?
Still, I'm really glad.
For a while you were carrying that doll everywhere.
I was worried something was really wrong.
Sorry for making you worry.
Looking back, I guess
I was really falling apart.
Ah, this, huh? Here we go.
Yes yes yes. Alright, up we go.
Hm?
- Wait.
- What?
Ahh, okay okay okay. Come here, come here.
It's okay, it's okay.
Huh?
Oh no, no no.
This is Japanese, right? What does it say?
Huh? What?
This one.
Hm?
What were we talking about again...?
Hair...
Ah, it's called a hair tourniquet.
Hair gets wrapped around, cuts off blood flow.
And in the worst case, the tissue can die.
Apparently a mom's hair or something can get tangled
around it without anyone noticing.
I'm telling you, it's not my hair.
Okay.
Alright.
Five Years Later
Five Years Later
What shall we make?
Right hand is scissors, left hand is scissors
Mister Crab, Mister Crab!
Mommy!
What?! You want me to carry you?
Fine, come here.
Mai, what do you want for dinner?
Pudding!
That's for tomorrow's snack, remember?
You'll be hungry if that's all you eat.
What? Then melon bread!
Melon bread, huh?
We're home!
Can I open it? Ah!
Oh no. Pick all of that up properly, okay?
Mommy! Can I play with Aya?
Huh? Who?
Wow, that brings back memories...
So this doll's name is Aya?
Yeah.
Hey, Mommy!
You can play, but...
That doll's been in our house for ages, so treat her gently, okay?
Okaaay.
Old Japanese dolls used real human hair.
So people say it grows little by little.
Human hair? Whose?!
The nails too?
Who knows...
Otherwise I'll get mad like Mommy does.
You know, Mommy is scary sometimes, but she's usually really nice.
Oh really? Did it hurt? Did you not like it?
What are you and Aya talking about?
Secret! Right?
What's wrong?
Aya hurts me, so I can't sleep.
I wonder why she'd do something hurtful...
She said she's jealous of me.
Said it's not fair that I'm the only one.
It's okay.
She won't do anything.
Alright, here we go.
There we go.
See? Now it's fine.
Come on in. Sorry the place is a bit messy.
What? It's totally clean!
- Boo, we're ghosts!
- Aaah! So scary!
No more! Bags are dangerous. You're not allowed to play with them!
Aww, that's boring...
Then Mai, why don't you show her your doll?
- Really?
- Be gentle with it, okay?
Go ahead, you two.
Right this way.
Really, don't mind us. We won't be long.
No, no. Don't worry, it's fine.
Does that doll really talk?
She does! Aya talks!
Liar! A doll like that can't talk.
She really does!
Then let me see.
See? She's not saying anything.
Stop! Stop it!
See? Still nothing.
Stop it!
Want milk in your tea?
Yeah, can I have some?
Here you go.
Ah!
Huh? But I just bought this yesterday.
Sorry, I'll get a fresh one.
Thanks.
Kids get bigger and suddenly you go through milk like crazy.
I know, right?
Rena, what's wrong?
What? I can't understand when you're crying. What is it?
Mai, why would you do that?!
It wasn't me!
Then who bit her?
Aya did.
No lying! Apologize properly!
I'm not lying!
Well, it's not a serious bite, so it's okay.
Mai, you don't have to cry either.
Ready...
I'm sorry...
Okay. Understood.
Can you say sorry to Rena at kindergarten tomorrow too?
Yeah.
What else was it again...?
Mommy, let's play hide-and-seek!
We agreed we're not playing hide-and-seek, remember?
- Then let's play ghosts.
- Later, okay?
Just listen to me!
I'm sorting through your sister's photos right now.
I don't have a sister!
Why would you say that?!
Don't make so much noise.
Geez...
Mai!
What is it?
Why did you do this?!
I don't know! Aya probably did it!
That's impossible! Why are you telling lies like that?!
It's not a lie!
Sit right here!
Ow!
Hey, Mai!
I hate you, Mommy! I hate you so much!
It's kind of an extension of pretend play.
Believing their imagination or repeating lies.
Kids this age do that pretty often.
I see...
Um, actually, there's something we'd like to ask you as well...
Yes?
Mai draws pictures like this.
Do you have any idea why?
When I asked her why she drew it,
she said "Aya told me to."
And who is this Aya?
What were we talking about again?
It's just that the doll feels like it's alive. It creeps me out.
Oh, from last night? You're imagining things.
Mai probably brought it over and left it there.
But look at this... at kindergarten...
Morning! I'm off!
What's for breakfast?
Good morning!
Good morning.
We'll take care of them for the day.
Thank you, please take care of them.
Huh? Were you on early shift today?
Please separate
large items of
garbage properly.
- Manager
Mai Suzuki
Excuse me! Excuse me!
Is this okay for you to take?
Uh... well, yeah.
- Last one.
- Got it.
- I'm going ahead.
- Okay.
Step back! Move back!
Back up, back up!
Move back! Please move back!
Move back, it's dangerous! Back up!
Please move back!
Can you hear me? Can you hear me?
Opening it!
Hey, he's breathing!
Can you hear me? Can you respond?
I don't know...
I'm sure if we take the bullet train, we'll be there fast.
What's wrong?
Look, the doll is talking.
You don't know trains? Have you ever ridden in a car?
Look, here!
Aya, do you want to go home?
Oh good...
You can stay home forever. Mai will play with you.
I'll help you change clothes too.
Ah... I knew it... the doll really is alive...
I knew something was off...
The hair... everything... it's all because of this...
Okay, then Mommy's "it," okay?
We're not playing hide-and-seek.
But Aya said she wants to play!
I'm already hidden!
Found you.
Ow! That hurts!
Mai! Enough already!
How many times have I told you not to play with the washing machine...
Um... is she okay?
Oh, the injuries aren't serious.
There was no brain hemorrhage either.
That's a relief.
- I'm sorry, it's my fault.
- No...
It's been a while.
If you have time, I can do a health check on your wife too.
It won't take long.
- Okay...
- Yeah.
Since you're here, you should go.
Okay.
Lately, have you noticed anything unusual about your wife?
Well, she's been strangely scared of this doll.
I see...
Were you aware of this?
Mai, can you move for a bit?
What?!
Mai, who did that to you?
I can't say. If I say it, I'll get hurt again.
There's something here called "refresh hospitalization."
I got them to reserve a bed for you.
What?
You've been exhausted lately. I think it's better if you rest.
I'm fine. But what about Mai?
I left her with my mom earlier.
They said they'd watch anime together. She happily took her.
Wait... is the doll with her too?
Hm? Yeah.
- That's not okay!
- Hey!
I'm telling you, that doll is dangerous!
No, the problem isn't the doll.
It's you.
What...?
Mai had scratch marks all over her body.
What...?
Don't panic. Let's take our time and get you better, okay?
I'll bring clothes and whatever you need tomorrow morning.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
I have one request. Please take the doll to the temple.
The temple?
Your mom said there's a temple nearby that can do a burning ritual for it.
If that'll help you feel better...
Then please send photos of the doll's whole body and its face.
And also photos of every side of the box.
Understood. So when will the burning ceremony be?
We've already closed requests for this month.
The next one will be in one month.
O-One month?!
Doll of his daughter, Rei... Kokichi Yasumoto.
Kokichi Yasumoto
"Kokichi Yasumoto was a dollmaker active in early Showa."
"A master craftsman who blended techniques
from lifelike dolls and Ichimatsu dolls."
"He devoted himself to his craft in Izumichi Village, Kurakawa District, Niigata."
"The doll he made for his only daughter, Rei, became her cherished favorite."
"They were said to be inseparable."
Hello, Suzuki speaking.
Hi, this is Terashima from Jojuji Temple.
I checked the photos.
We should handle this doll's ritual as soon as possible.
What...?!
I'll make sure it gets into tomorrow's burning ceremony.
May I come by tomorrow morning to pick it up?
You're coming all the way here?
I normally wouldn't, but this doll is dangerous.
Kokichi Yasumoto Rei Doll
And when you hand it over, please make sure it's inside the box.
I'll make sure it's properly burned tomorrow.
Capture the living doll of Kannajima Island!!
The Occult Rangers
are on the move
- Red, Kattsun!
- Blue, Masashi!
- Green, Mikurin!
- Pink, Ayutan!
Yellow, Butatoro!
All five of us together!
We're the Occult Rangers! Yay!
So today...
Yeah!
We're headed to the famous haunted spot, Kannajima Island in Niigata.
So today we're covering a well-known, super-scary urban legend.
The "Living Doll"...
- Early in the Showa era.
- Yes!
The daughter of a dollmaker named Kokichi Yasumoto,
Rei went missing in their village.
Even a large police search turned up nothing.
After the incident, in her shock, Kokichi's wife Taeko,
began believing the doll Rei loved was actually her daughter...
She wouldn't let it out of her sight.
And then she grew weaker and weaker,
and before dying she pleaded, "Bury the doll with me in my coffin."
And after she was buried on Kannajima Island,
the doll supposedly climbed out of the grave by itself
and wanders around searching for its owner...
That's terrifying!
Okay, hold up.
If Rei Yasumoto were alive now, she'd be around 90 or 100, right?
- Around that.
- True.
She'd be a total granny by now.
And then...
Alright, anyway! We've finally arrived at the legendary island!
- Yaaay!
- Woo!
So, the island has this thing. Once a day,
a path appears only at low tide, and you can walk there.
And look, the path is already starting to show!
Wait. Look at this, look at this!
We've only got a two-hour window.
I've got a really bad feeling about this!
Let's go catch the living doll!
Yeah!!
As always, he's making a brave front...
Will they find the living doll?!
Oh crap! It's like a full-on jungle!
This is bad.
In the end
There's literally nothing here.
And there aren't any graves anywhere~
Seriously... I'm totally out of breath...
Two hours have passed...
The Occult Rangers are going home
They said it was super scary, so we came but
there's absolutely nothing here!
What a joke...
Occult Rangers! We're calling it a day!
Huh?!
What?!
Oh, you're awake?
Want something to drink?
Let's see what we have...
Hmm...
What's wrong? You don't want anything?
Alright then, how about I read you a book in bed?
Yeah, yeah.
Okay, okay.
Mai, up you go.
Hold on. Where did I put it...
Ah. Found it, found it.
What are you even supposed to use this for?
It's a doll.
This doll really is strange.
Huh?! How so?
It feels creepy... like it's alive or something...
No, no, that can't be. I'm probably just imagining things.
Well, it's fine now. We decided to have the temple burn it in a ritual.
We're set to hand the doll over to them tomorrow morning.
Oh, really? Ah, that's a relief...
Alright, see you tomorrow.
Yeah.
This place is called Tokyo, Nerima Ward.
Where do you live, Aya?
Niigata Prefecture? Kurakawa District?
I don't know...
Kokichi Yasumoto
He created these dolls in Izumi Village,
Kurakawa District, Niigata Prefecture.
Rei Name Reading
The main reading is "Rei," but there are various readings that can be used in names, such as "Nori," "Masa," "Aki," "Michi," and "Aya." "Ne" (the 'shimesu' radical) is a radical that is attached to words related to gods, as seen in the kanji for "kami" (god) and "prayer."
Can also be read as "Aya"
Aya?!
I'm going to pick up the doll now, so can you make sure Mai doesn't wake up?
What's going on?
Well... something's come up...
I'm bringing the baby monitor. Can you watch it together with me?
Got it. I'll wait for you.
Okay... there.
Hm?
Mai!
Ah! I'm so sorry!
- Ah, yes, yes?
- Around here... um...
Have you seen a girl around five years old?
She's carrying a doll.
I passed by two girls walking together.
Huh?! Two of them?
Yeah, near the bridge. They were holding hands...
The bridge?! Wh-What?!
Mai, don't move.
Okay? Grandma's coming to get you...
Mom! Mai!
Mai!
Mai! What happened?! Are you hurt?
Where's Grandma?
I tried to save my granddaughter who was sitting on the railing of the bridge...
No... that wasn't...
It wasn't Mai.
Then all of a sudden something bit me...
Ah! I-I was terrified, and then everything just...
A woman driving by
saw Miss Toshiko collapsed and called emergency services.
At first we thought it was a traffic accident...
This is footage from a security camera near the scene...
This is your daughter, correct?
I'll continue.
Mai came home by herself, right?
Yes...
I see.
Understood.
Please be careful.
Um... What's written on this talismans stuck there?
Hmm... I'd need to ask our head priest about that...
I assume it's something sacred or protective.
This person named "Kokichi Yasumoto," who made the doll,
was active around early Showa, mainly in Niigata...
I know the basic details.
I see. It's a mysterious connection.
This was the late wife's burial item, wasn't it?
Why would that doll...
Maybe it crawled out of the grave
and was looking for her missing daughter.
No way...
Well then, the ritual burning will begin at 10.
Alright...
The monk said,
that the doll might have been searching for its owner.
But thank God nothing happened.
"Nothing happened," huh?
Hm?
Alright.
After your afternoon checkup, if everything looks good, you'll likely be discharged.
We get to go home together today, so stop by the nurse's station first, okay?
A one-night stay hardly counts as being hospitalized.
I've heard rumors, but I didn't think things like this still show up nowadays.
Enough! So is this Kokichi Yasumoto's real work or a fake?
The box inscription.
The seal is there too,
so it's definitely genuine.
Yes!
So much for that "ritual purification" they brag about.
Makes you wonder if they even burned it at all.
Stuff like this is all psychological, basically therapy.
You're gonna get cursed one day.
So, how much do you think it'll go for?
Let's see...
Hey, I'm pretty sure it originally had a kimono on.
You're too picky. No, there wasn't anything like that.
Hmm... then maybe 100,000 yen.
You've gotta be kidding me.
I'll take it to another shop then.
Fine. 120,000!
May karma or the lottery hit you,
whichever comes first.
Right?
Huh?
His oxygen level is dropping.
- How much?
- Uh, 88%.
Once we reach the ICU, we'll put him on a ventilator.
We're drawing blood again.
Yes, everything's ready.
- Call for the portable unit.
- Okay.
- His blood pressure?
- It's stuck in the 70s.
What about the transfusion?
Start as soon as it arrives.
Yes, I'll check right away.
Are you Suzuki?
Why?! You burned it today, didn't you?
We're terribly sorry.
It seems our monk mixed it up with another doll.
Mixed up?! What do you mean by that?!
I'm truly sorry, but...
This doll is beyond what we can handle.
We'll refer you to a specialist in doll purification. Please consult them.
Aren't you supposed to be the specialists?!
Sorry, I'm kind of old-fashioned.
I don't even have a smartphone or a laptop.
Then how do I send the photos of the doll?
The head monk faxed one to me, and I looked at it.
This seems like quite a troublesome case.
Please don't touch or move the doll for now.
Put it back in the case it came in when you bought it.
And do not take it out.
The problem is that the case seems to have been broken in an accident.
I see. That's troublesome.
In that case, until I get there, please make sure no one touches it.
Yes, understood.
- I'll see you later.
- Yes, goodbye.
Whoa, what is this? Amazing!
Don't touch it!
Sorry. Is this yours, Suzuki?
Sorry, can you give it back?
Ah, okay.
Something's making a noise...
A noise?
Yeah.
A child's tooth... maybe?
If the higher-ups find out about this, we're screwed.
I know.
What? What the hell is going on?!
Why?!
Why is the doll here?!
I see. So its searching for the missing owner, huh?
And with what happened last night...
I get why you'd start imagining things when coincidences pile up.
Actually, we're supposed to hand the doll over to a purification specialist after this.
Purification? You can't burn it, that's insane!
We have to investigate whether there's any criminal element involved.
So you'll be taking custody of the doll then?
Of course.
But then...
- It's okay.
- Huh?
This is as far as we can go. Let's leave the rest to them.
But...
Your husband is right.
This is heavy. What's inside?
Well... yeah...
Thank you very much.
Are you Suzuki?
Then this is...
This is really bad.
Excuse me, I'm Kanda.
I'm Suzuki.
This person is from the police...
The police?
Things have gotten a bit complicated...
Bones...?
So you're the doll-purification specialist?
I'm sorry, but as evidence,
we'll be taking custody of it.
I don't think the police can solve this case.
Do you seriously think this thing is alive and moving on its own?
If that were true, I shouldn't be wasting my time being a cop.
I'd be touring the world making money with it.
Where are you headed?
To the Maebashi forensic science lab.
Would it be alright if I rode along?
Don't be ridiculous.
Then... is it okay if I follow behind you?
Do whatever you want.
Even if you follow us, you won't be allowed inside the lab.
I just want to check whether they get to the lab safely.
That's all I want to confirm.
Huh?
Most of the cases people bring to me
are just delusions or self-suggestion.
But this one is completely different.
Please tell us.
Why does that doll keep coming back to us?
I honestly can't say...
Do you have any other information about the doll?
Anything is fine, even something small.
My daughter drew a picture of it, but we threw it away.
On the baby monitor, Mai was...
Um, there's a video of my daughter talking to the doll.
I don't have it with me right now, though.
If it's a photo of the glass case...
This is the one. The priest faxed it to me.
These charms. They're written so beautifully I can't read them.
I understand why you'd think that, but that's not it.
Normally, a charm is directed toward the person handling it.
But this one is meant for the doll inside.
That's why the writing is upside-down.
You're right...
"Within one hundred yojana..."
"Free from all afflictions"?
"Free from all afflictions."
It says, "Let mystical force surround and return to the source."
So what does that mean?
It's a curse-reversal.
Yeah, hello?
It's me. I'm on my way.
I heard it's an autopsy case?
Yeah. There's a whole set of human bones inside.
Something like that being sold out in the open is seriously messed up.
That's pretty impressive.
And the people who bought it
they're saying the doll is alive. Honestly, they're the one who sounds messed up...
Alright then, I'll be waiting.
Well...
It's well-made, but still...
Are you okay?! I'll move the car back now!
It hurts... it hurts...
Please stop.
Purify the six senses, purify the six senses.
By the law, let it be done at once.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
Could you stay with me just a little longer?
No.
We're done with the doll and are not getting involved anymore.
Huh?!
I understand how you feel, but...
The officer will probably stay like that for a while...
And if you leave me here...
Then where exactly do you want us to go?
I managed to reach a doll collector who studies Kokichi Yasumoto somehow.
It's not far. Could you give me a ride there?
After that, you two can leave me there.
A History of Dolls
Author: Soji Ikeya
We might even learn what happened to Aya Yasumoto...
We can leave, right?
Yes, thank you very much.
I am Kanda.
Could I see it even just for a moment?
Wait.
Go ahead.
It's the real thing.
No doubt, it's Kokichi's doll...
Actually, this doll is filled with a child's bones.
So the story was true after all!
When I was young,
I worked at a small village police post in Niigata.
A man calling himself Kokichi Yasumoto turned himself in.
I took his statement.
And what he told me was unbelievable.
Anyway, please, have a seat.
They say his daughter Aya is missing.
But he insisted that's not true.
Huh?
My doll is a lovely doll
Bright-eyed and fair-skinned
With a tiny, charming mouth
Aya was born weak,
a child who couldn't go anywhere.
Her mother Taeko pitied her so much she tried to die together with her
but she failed, and only Aya died.
Kokichi found them and, to hide Taeko's crime,
did something horrifying...
He coated Aya's bones with toso clay,
embedded her hair and nails,
and created what he said was the most beautiful doll he had ever made.
Later, following Taeko's will,
the doll was placed in the coffin and buried on Kannajima Island.
So the doll was literally Aya herself?!
I went to Kannajima Island to verify it and managed to locate the grave...
But inside was only Taeko's remains. There was no doll.
Then why did it end up at an antique market?
Around that time, Kokichi's dolls were selling for high prices.
Someone must have dug up the grave and stolen it.
Ever since then, I've been searching for the doll of Aya...
I thought I'd spend my life trying to obtain it, but I was wrong.
Could you please take that doll away from here?
Excuse me...
Can't you return Aya to her mother?
Her mother? You mean going to that island in Niigata?
Because she was taken away against her will.
But...
Don't worry. That's exactly what I plan to do.
I'll take it from here. Kindly just drop me off at a nearby station.
What? Alone?
I'll go. You head back to Mai first.
No. I'm coming too.
Aya and her mom must have wanted to meet for so long.
I want to see it through to the end.
Please.
From here on, you'll need real resolve.
Are you truly ready for that?
Kannajima Island was once considered a haunted spot
and was actually pretty well-known.
Have you ever been there?
Of course not. Who would willingly go to a place that terrifying?
Is it really that scary?
I watched some dare videos online. Nothing much happened.
Something like "Occult Rangers" or whatever...
"Occult Rangers: Catch the Living Doll on Kannajima Island!"
That one.
We're the Occult Rangers! Yaaay!
- And so today...
- Yes!
We're heading to the rumored haunted spot, Kannajima Island in Niigata.
There's totally nothing here.
There isn't even a grave anywhere~
Since it just ends up being a hike,
maybe that's why no one comes anymore.
No. To me, it is scary enough.
Look carefully at the end.
Right there!
How many of them came by car again?
Five, right?
Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink...
and Red?
Red is the one holding the camera, right?
What?
Then who is she...?
This isn't just a ghost challenge anymore.
Ah, welcome. Please sign in.
Okay.
Um, I'll return it later but could I borrow this map?
"Leave behind anything important to you."
What's that supposed to mean?
Who knows...
Normally, this should be done at our shrine.
But since this is urgent.
Please turn off the lights.
Okay.
This way, please.
Mysterious power that governs heaven and earth.
Supreme spiritual treasure, divine protection.
Purify the heavens, purify the earth, purify within and without, cleanse the six senses.
Heaven's purification means cleansing the seven luminaries,
nine lights, twenty-eight constellations.
Earth's purification means cleansing the thirty-six earthly deities.
Inner and outer purification means cleansing the house
and the Three Great Guardian Deities.
The purification of the six senses removes all defilement of body and spirit.
May all eight million gods together, with the eight ears of the young deer
perk up and listen to this prayer.
Scan the spot where the weight is pointing and enlarge the copy.
Let's see...
Make it three times bigger.
How many more times?
Let's see... maybe two or three more...
Damn it!
It's not turning on...
Don't move carelessly.
I think my camera should be next to you, Ma'am.
Got it!
Spell of sealing by divine command!
I messed up...
I only gave first aid.
Please get proper treatment at the hospital.
I'm really sorry this happened at such an important moment.
When you reach the target spot, please use this.
It's a metal detector.
Back then it was custom to bury six coins with the coffin.
Wherever it reacts, that's where the coffin is buried.
Well then.
Thank you.
The torii gate...
There should be a grave somewhere near the torii gate...
I don't see anything like that anywhere...
Are you okay?
Ah! The torii gate!
We're running out of time.
If we don't get back in 30 minutes, we won't be able to return.
No!
This isn't it either!
Found it!
Enough! We have to go now!
Hold me!
Hey!
H-Hey!
Mommy!
We're home!
I missed you so much!
Mai, that's a bit too tight...
I can't breathe...
Mai... seriously...
Stop...
This isn't real! Don't fall for it!
Let me out! Let me out!!
Mai!
Get back! I'll get you out right now!
Dammit! Dammit!
- Damn it!
- Stop! Please!
- Stop! Stop!
- Damn it! Damn it!
Are you okay?!
Mei...?
Is that you, Mei?!
Help me!
Mei...?
Mei, wait...
Mei!!
Mei... Thank you...
Here you go.
Here it is.
Looks delicious.
Let's eat!
- Want some?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it's good.
Say "ahh."
Hm?
I haven't been able to reach them for over a week...
Going up.
Doors closing.
Is this really okay?
Yes. I just had to know what was in it.
Where do you live, Aya?
Niigata Prefecture? Kurakawa District?
I don't know where is that...
- Thank you.
- Go ahead.
This is...
What's going on?!
Swapping mommies?
No way. Mommy is my mommy.
I won't give her away! Not even to a friend.
Huh? Aya, do you not like your mommy?
Because she hit you every day?
Someone like you...
Someone like you...
Someone like you...
Oh no...
We were wrong...
Aya hates her mother.
We should never have taken the doll to that island!
Mommy! Daddy!
Mommy! Daddy!
Mommy...! Daddy...!
Dollhouse
It leaves a stain.
My T-shirt drinks in my tears.
The skill of blurring out only the things I hate.
Since when did I learn to do something like that?
When did I end up this way?
My unruly hair.
You can hold me in place, you can tie me down.
Even though the marks never fade.
I can't pull away, and you don't have to choose.
I'll just follow where I'm led.
The angel that settled inside me wears armor made of pain.
I felt like if I wished hard enough, it would appear anyway.
I'll keep walking until sleep takes me.
I'll protect the same thing again and again.
Even without comparing answers.
It's okay, only you and I remain untainted and pure.
Even if everything doesn't blend together.
It's okay, that's the spell the two of us cast.
We're joyful and strange.
I know that, but still...
I get stubborn.
Accepted, used up, and consumed.
The skill of filling myself with only what I love.
Since when did I become able to do that?
When did I turn into this?
A selfish god.
Even if I hold on or bind it tight.
The marks won't disappear, but I'll still choose what I want to believe in.
I'm allowed to choose, right?
I'll follow wherever I'm led.
The angel living inside me wears armor made of pain.
I felt like if I wished, I might be washed clean.
I'll keep walking until I fall asleep.
I'll protect the same thing over and over.
You don't have to soften up, being blunt is fine.
Just existing, just having form, is already enough.
So you won't fall into despair if I can help it.
I keep choosing, over and over.
The angel inside me wears armor of pain.
I felt like if I wished, it would show itself.
In human form, it walks on.
I'll keep guarding the same heartbeat again and again.
Even without checking our answers.
It's okay, only you and I live this guilty life.
It's fine even if not everything blends together.
We're joyful and strange.
I know that, but still...
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These are unofficial fan English translations.
Toho Co., Ltd.
Yusuke, be careful. Your friends are around.
And watch out for cars too.
Hey, cut it out! I'm gonna win!
Mei, don't cause trouble for your mommy!
I knooow!
Sorry for the sudden visit. Tomorrow it's at our place.
It's fine, really.
- Be good, okay?
- Okay, okaaaay.
Be back by evening.
- Okay~!
- Bye~!
- All good, right?
- Yeah, sorry.
Okay!
Yup, come on in.
Mei! Hey, Mei!
I'm going out to buy snacks.
Play inside, okay? Don't go outside.
- Okaaay.
- Yes.
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Rock, paper, scissors... shoot!
Again!
Eight, nine, ten.
Are you ready?
Not yet!
Ready yet?
- Not yet!
- Not here. Go over there!
Shhh!
Are you ready?
Not yet!
When I got home,
the pack that had five only had four left.
No way.
Oh, right. Did you hear? A suspicious person was seen around here yesterday.
Yeah, the school sent out an email about it.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Scary, isn't it?
Totally.
- Next, please.
- Ah.
Mei?
Everyone?
Mei?
Ah, Suzuki?
Sorry, is Yuka...
She's just lounging around at our place.
Um, is Mei over there by any chance?
What?!
She disappeared while they were in the middle of hide-and-seek.
They said she might have went to you. Is that true?
Yeah, that's right. Yeah!
She just vanished...
- I messaged everyone on LINE.
- Okay.
I'm sorry...
They said no one's seen her.
I'll look around this area.
- Thanks.
- Me too.
Thank you.
It's okay, it's okay. She'll turn up soon.
I'm really sorry...
Hurry and go inside.
Yes, yes, yes.
I'm sorry. Excuse me.
- A call from your house.
- Thanks.
Hello? What happened all of a sudden?
What?!
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
- Are you okay?
- Yes.
Where's Mei?
If we find out anything, we'll contact you immediately.
Please do...
Thank you.
Are you okay?
- Sorry.
- It's okay.
Dollhouse
One Year Later
One Year Later
No matter where I go or what I do,
it feels like there's a hole in my heart.
Like everything just slips right through it.
There isn't a single day I don't think about my child...
But if I stay gloomy forever, my child would scold me for it...
So I try to smile at least once a day.
Thank you very much.
Alright, next is Suzuki.
Don't push yourself but if there's anything you'd like to talk about...
I...
I...
The washing machine...
Take your time, it's okay.
It's because...
I never replaced that old washing machine...
Mei...
Wasn't able to breathe...
You haven't traveled or anything, right?
You're not using a cleaning robot. Want me to bring mine over?
Hey, I might be sticking my nose in too much, but...
There's a temple nearby that does ceremonial burn offerings, you know?
I heard it's a good place. What do you think?
Yeah...
I'm home...
Welcome back.
There was an antique market at the park.
I ended up buying it even though it was pricey.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Here you go.
- Ah, this...
- Hm?
It's nothing...
There we go.
Take this with you.
Okay...
- This one?
- Um, and...
Okay! Done.
Okay.
My doll is a lovely doll
With bright eyes and pale skin
And a tiny, adorable mouth
My doll is a lovely doll
Ah, welcome home.
Oh. I'm... home...
Have you been sleeping well at night?
Ah, yes.
How do you feel when you wake up?
I feel fine.
Do you have an appetite?
Yes, I do.
At first glance it might look strange, but...
It's called doll therapy.
Dolls can actually help a lot with emotional recovery.
Doll therapy...
Stuffed animals sometimes help people cope with losing a pet...
And realistic baby dolls, reborn dolls, have even helped improve dementia symptoms.
It's recognized as effective worldwide, you know.
Hmm...
Don't worry so much.
Stay like this for a while and just be there for your wife.
I'm thinking of reducing the medication little by little.
Okay.
Ah. Found it, found it.
Welcome! How old is she?
She's five.
Maybe it's too big...
- Let's check the other side too.
- Okay.
Look! The sea!
This feels so nice.
- You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
- I'm taking the picture.
- Okay~
Look this way.
Say cheese.
It already arrived?
- Ah, welcome home.
- I'm back.
These new ones have too many features, they're so hard to use.
I see...
- It's working!
- Thank goodness.
Good. This thing is complicated, you know.
Suzuki.
Huh? Was today your checkup?
No. I went to the gynecologist.
The gynecologist? Why?
Huh? Don't tell me...
Yes, okay, okay, okay.
Right here. Okay...
Oh, it's not done.
Wait, it'll be done in a moment.
Once this part attaches...
Want to sit?
Here, go ahead.
Thanks.
She's asleep. So cute.
Okay, Mai. Mai~
Mom. Mom, over here. Mom, look this way.
You're taking way too many already.
Okay Mai, yep. Over here, this way, Mai.
Too close!
Okay, Mom! Mom, you're in the shot!
Yes, yes, yes. Okay, okay.
Yes, yes, yes.
Let's go.
Okay!
- Let's go!
- Okay.
Wow, Mai is laughing so much.
Come here, come here, come on, come on.
Hey hey hey hey.
Oh, maybe over here?
Oh, maybe this way? Maiii!
Okaaay.
My doll is a lovely doll
With bright wide eyes and fair skin
A tiny little mouth, so cute
Things are so convenient nowadays.
What are you talking about? Those have been around for a while.
Oh really?
Still, I'm really glad.
For a while you were carrying that doll everywhere.
I was worried something was really wrong.
Sorry for making you worry.
Looking back, I guess
I was really falling apart.
Ah, this, huh? Here we go.
Yes yes yes. Alright, up we go.
Hm?
- Wait.
- What?
Ahh, okay okay okay. Come here, come here.
It's okay, it's okay.
Huh?
Oh no, no no.
This is Japanese, right? What does it say?
Huh? What?
This one.
Hm?
What were we talking about again...?
Hair...
Ah, it's called a hair tourniquet.
Hair gets wrapped around, cuts off blood flow.
And in the worst case, the tissue can die.
Apparently a mom's hair or something can get tangled
around it without anyone noticing.
I'm telling you, it's not my hair.
Okay.
Alright.
Five Years Later
Five Years Later
What shall we make?
Right hand is scissors, left hand is scissors
Mister Crab, Mister Crab!
Mommy!
What?! You want me to carry you?
Fine, come here.
Mai, what do you want for dinner?
Pudding!
That's for tomorrow's snack, remember?
You'll be hungry if that's all you eat.
What? Then melon bread!
Melon bread, huh?
We're home!
Can I open it? Ah!
Oh no. Pick all of that up properly, okay?
Mommy! Can I play with Aya?
Huh? Who?
Wow, that brings back memories...
So this doll's name is Aya?
Yeah.
Hey, Mommy!
You can play, but...
That doll's been in our house for ages, so treat her gently, okay?
Okaaay.
Old Japanese dolls used real human hair.
So people say it grows little by little.
Human hair? Whose?!
The nails too?
Who knows...
Otherwise I'll get mad like Mommy does.
You know, Mommy is scary sometimes, but she's usually really nice.
Oh really? Did it hurt? Did you not like it?
What are you and Aya talking about?
Secret! Right?
What's wrong?
Aya hurts me, so I can't sleep.
I wonder why she'd do something hurtful...
She said she's jealous of me.
Said it's not fair that I'm the only one.
It's okay.
She won't do anything.
Alright, here we go.
There we go.
See? Now it's fine.
Come on in. Sorry the place is a bit messy.
What? It's totally clean!
- Boo, we're ghosts!
- Aaah! So scary!
No more! Bags are dangerous. You're not allowed to play with them!
Aww, that's boring...
Then Mai, why don't you show her your doll?
- Really?
- Be gentle with it, okay?
Go ahead, you two.
Right this way.
Really, don't mind us. We won't be long.
No, no. Don't worry, it's fine.
Does that doll really talk?
She does! Aya talks!
Liar! A doll like that can't talk.
She really does!
Then let me see.
See? She's not saying anything.
Stop! Stop it!
See? Still nothing.
Stop it!
Want milk in your tea?
Yeah, can I have some?
Here you go.
Ah!
Huh? But I just bought this yesterday.
Sorry, I'll get a fresh one.
Thanks.
Kids get bigger and suddenly you go through milk like crazy.
I know, right?
Rena, what's wrong?
What? I can't understand when you're crying. What is it?
Mai, why would you do that?!
It wasn't me!
Then who bit her?
Aya did.
No lying! Apologize properly!
I'm not lying!
Well, it's not a serious bite, so it's okay.
Mai, you don't have to cry either.
Ready...
I'm sorry...
Okay. Understood.
Can you say sorry to Rena at kindergarten tomorrow too?
Yeah.
What else was it again...?
Mommy, let's play hide-and-seek!
We agreed we're not playing hide-and-seek, remember?
- Then let's play ghosts.
- Later, okay?
Just listen to me!
I'm sorting through your sister's photos right now.
I don't have a sister!
Why would you say that?!
Don't make so much noise.
Geez...
Mai!
What is it?
Why did you do this?!
I don't know! Aya probably did it!
That's impossible! Why are you telling lies like that?!
It's not a lie!
Sit right here!
Ow!
Hey, Mai!
I hate you, Mommy! I hate you so much!
It's kind of an extension of pretend play.
Believing their imagination or repeating lies.
Kids this age do that pretty often.
I see...
Um, actually, there's something we'd like to ask you as well...
Yes?
Mai draws pictures like this.
Do you have any idea why?
When I asked her why she drew it,
she said "Aya told me to."
And who is this Aya?
What were we talking about again?
It's just that the doll feels like it's alive. It creeps me out.
Oh, from last night? You're imagining things.
Mai probably brought it over and left it there.
But look at this... at kindergarten...
Morning! I'm off!
What's for breakfast?
Good morning!
Good morning.
We'll take care of them for the day.
Thank you, please take care of them.
Huh? Were you on early shift today?
Please separate
large items of
garbage properly.
- Manager
Mai Suzuki
Excuse me! Excuse me!
Is this okay for you to take?
Uh... well, yeah.
- Last one.
- Got it.
- I'm going ahead.
- Okay.
Step back! Move back!
Back up, back up!
Move back! Please move back!
Move back, it's dangerous! Back up!
Please move back!
Can you hear me? Can you hear me?
Opening it!
Hey, he's breathing!
Can you hear me? Can you respond?
I don't know...
I'm sure if we take the bullet train, we'll be there fast.
What's wrong?
Look, the doll is talking.
You don't know trains? Have you ever ridden in a car?
Look, here!
Aya, do you want to go home?
Oh good...
You can stay home forever. Mai will play with you.
I'll help you change clothes too.
Ah... I knew it... the doll really is alive...
I knew something was off...
The hair... everything... it's all because of this...
Okay, then Mommy's "it," okay?
We're not playing hide-and-seek.
But Aya said she wants to play!
I'm already hidden!
Found you.
Ow! That hurts!
Mai! Enough already!
How many times have I told you not to play with the washing machine...
Um... is she okay?
Oh, the injuries aren't serious.
There was no brain hemorrhage either.
That's a relief.
- I'm sorry, it's my fault.
- No...
It's been a while.
If you have time, I can do a health check on your wife too.
It won't take long.
- Okay...
- Yeah.
Since you're here, you should go.
Okay.
Lately, have you noticed anything unusual about your wife?
Well, she's been strangely scared of this doll.
I see...
Were you aware of this?
Mai, can you move for a bit?
What?!
Mai, who did that to you?
I can't say. If I say it, I'll get hurt again.
There's something here called "refresh hospitalization."
I got them to reserve a bed for you.
What?
You've been exhausted lately. I think it's better if you rest.
I'm fine. But what about Mai?
I left her with my mom earlier.
They said they'd watch anime together. She happily took her.
Wait... is the doll with her too?
Hm? Yeah.
- That's not okay!
- Hey!
I'm telling you, that doll is dangerous!
No, the problem isn't the doll.
It's you.
What...?
Mai had scratch marks all over her body.
What...?
Don't panic. Let's take our time and get you better, okay?
I'll bring clothes and whatever you need tomorrow morning.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
I have one request. Please take the doll to the temple.
The temple?
Your mom said there's a temple nearby that can do a burning ritual for it.
If that'll help you feel better...
Then please send photos of the doll's whole body and its face.
And also photos of every side of the box.
Understood. So when will the burning ceremony be?
We've already closed requests for this month.
The next one will be in one month.
O-One month?!
Doll of his daughter, Rei... Kokichi Yasumoto.
Kokichi Yasumoto
"Kokichi Yasumoto was a dollmaker active in early Showa."
"A master craftsman who blended techniques
from lifelike dolls and Ichimatsu dolls."
"He devoted himself to his craft in Izumichi Village, Kurakawa District, Niigata."
"The doll he made for his only daughter, Rei, became her cherished favorite."
"They were said to be inseparable."
Hello, Suzuki speaking.
Hi, this is Terashima from Jojuji Temple.
I checked the photos.
We should handle this doll's ritual as soon as possible.
What...?!
I'll make sure it gets into tomorrow's burning ceremony.
May I come by tomorrow morning to pick it up?
You're coming all the way here?
I normally wouldn't, but this doll is dangerous.
Kokichi Yasumoto Rei Doll
And when you hand it over, please make sure it's inside the box.
I'll make sure it's properly burned tomorrow.
Capture the living doll of Kannajima Island!!
The Occult Rangers
are on the move
- Red, Kattsun!
- Blue, Masashi!
- Green, Mikurin!
- Pink, Ayutan!
Yellow, Butatoro!
All five of us together!
We're the Occult Rangers! Yay!
So today...
Yeah!
We're headed to the famous haunted spot, Kannajima Island in Niigata.
So today we're covering a well-known, super-scary urban legend.
The "Living Doll"...
- Early in the Showa era.
- Yes!
The daughter of a dollmaker named Kokichi Yasumoto,
Rei went missing in their village.
Even a large police search turned up nothing.
After the incident, in her shock, Kokichi's wife Taeko,
began believing the doll Rei loved was actually her daughter...
She wouldn't let it out of her sight.
And then she grew weaker and weaker,
and before dying she pleaded, "Bury the doll with me in my coffin."
And after she was buried on Kannajima Island,
the doll supposedly climbed out of the grave by itself
and wanders around searching for its owner...
That's terrifying!
Okay, hold up.
If Rei Yasumoto were alive now, she'd be around 90 or 100, right?
- Around that.
- True.
She'd be a total granny by now.
And then...
Alright, anyway! We've finally arrived at the legendary island!
- Yaaay!
- Woo!
So, the island has this thing. Once a day,
a path appears only at low tide, and you can walk there.
And look, the path is already starting to show!
Wait. Look at this, look at this!
We've only got a two-hour window.
I've got a really bad feeling about this!
Let's go catch the living doll!
Yeah!!
As always, he's making a brave front...
Will they find the living doll?!
Oh crap! It's like a full-on jungle!
This is bad.
In the end
There's literally nothing here.
And there aren't any graves anywhere~
Seriously... I'm totally out of breath...
Two hours have passed...
The Occult Rangers are going home
They said it was super scary, so we came but
there's absolutely nothing here!
What a joke...
Occult Rangers! We're calling it a day!
Huh?!
What?!
Oh, you're awake?
Want something to drink?
Let's see what we have...
Hmm...
What's wrong? You don't want anything?
Alright then, how about I read you a book in bed?
Yeah, yeah.
Okay, okay.
Mai, up you go.
Hold on. Where did I put it...
Ah. Found it, found it.
What are you even supposed to use this for?
It's a doll.
This doll really is strange.
Huh?! How so?
It feels creepy... like it's alive or something...
No, no, that can't be. I'm probably just imagining things.
Well, it's fine now. We decided to have the temple burn it in a ritual.
We're set to hand the doll over to them tomorrow morning.
Oh, really? Ah, that's a relief...
Alright, see you tomorrow.
Yeah.
This place is called Tokyo, Nerima Ward.
Where do you live, Aya?
Niigata Prefecture? Kurakawa District?
I don't know...
Kokichi Yasumoto
He created these dolls in Izumi Village,
Kurakawa District, Niigata Prefecture.
Rei Name Reading
The main reading is "Rei," but there are various readings that can be used in names, such as "Nori," "Masa," "Aki," "Michi," and "Aya." "Ne" (the 'shimesu' radical) is a radical that is attached to words related to gods, as seen in the kanji for "kami" (god) and "prayer."
Can also be read as "Aya"
Aya?!
I'm going to pick up the doll now, so can you make sure Mai doesn't wake up?
What's going on?
Well... something's come up...
I'm bringing the baby monitor. Can you watch it together with me?
Got it. I'll wait for you.
Okay... there.
Hm?
Mai!
Ah! I'm so sorry!
- Ah, yes, yes?
- Around here... um...
Have you seen a girl around five years old?
She's carrying a doll.
I passed by two girls walking together.
Huh?! Two of them?
Yeah, near the bridge. They were holding hands...
The bridge?! Wh-What?!
Mai, don't move.
Okay? Grandma's coming to get you...
Mom! Mai!
Mai!
Mai! What happened?! Are you hurt?
Where's Grandma?
I tried to save my granddaughter who was sitting on the railing of the bridge...
No... that wasn't...
It wasn't Mai.
Then all of a sudden something bit me...
Ah! I-I was terrified, and then everything just...
A woman driving by
saw Miss Toshiko collapsed and called emergency services.
At first we thought it was a traffic accident...
This is footage from a security camera near the scene...
This is your daughter, correct?
I'll continue.
Mai came home by herself, right?
Yes...
I see.
Understood.
Please be careful.
Um... What's written on this talismans stuck there?
Hmm... I'd need to ask our head priest about that...
I assume it's something sacred or protective.
This person named "Kokichi Yasumoto," who made the doll,
was active around early Showa, mainly in Niigata...
I know the basic details.
I see. It's a mysterious connection.
This was the late wife's burial item, wasn't it?
Why would that doll...
Maybe it crawled out of the grave
and was looking for her missing daughter.
No way...
Well then, the ritual burning will begin at 10.
Alright...
The monk said,
that the doll might have been searching for its owner.
But thank God nothing happened.
"Nothing happened," huh?
Hm?
Alright.
After your afternoon checkup, if everything looks good, you'll likely be discharged.
We get to go home together today, so stop by the nurse's station first, okay?
A one-night stay hardly counts as being hospitalized.
I've heard rumors, but I didn't think things like this still show up nowadays.
Enough! So is this Kokichi Yasumoto's real work or a fake?
The box inscription.
The seal is there too,
so it's definitely genuine.
Yes!
So much for that "ritual purification" they brag about.
Makes you wonder if they even burned it at all.
Stuff like this is all psychological, basically therapy.
You're gonna get cursed one day.
So, how much do you think it'll go for?
Let's see...
Hey, I'm pretty sure it originally had a kimono on.
You're too picky. No, there wasn't anything like that.
Hmm... then maybe 100,000 yen.
You've gotta be kidding me.
I'll take it to another shop then.
Fine. 120,000!
May karma or the lottery hit you,
whichever comes first.
Right?
Huh?
His oxygen level is dropping.
- How much?
- Uh, 88%.
Once we reach the ICU, we'll put him on a ventilator.
We're drawing blood again.
Yes, everything's ready.
- Call for the portable unit.
- Okay.
- His blood pressure?
- It's stuck in the 70s.
What about the transfusion?
Start as soon as it arrives.
Yes, I'll check right away.
Are you Suzuki?
Why?! You burned it today, didn't you?
We're terribly sorry.
It seems our monk mixed it up with another doll.
Mixed up?! What do you mean by that?!
I'm truly sorry, but...
This doll is beyond what we can handle.
We'll refer you to a specialist in doll purification. Please consult them.
Aren't you supposed to be the specialists?!
Sorry, I'm kind of old-fashioned.
I don't even have a smartphone or a laptop.
Then how do I send the photos of the doll?
The head monk faxed one to me, and I looked at it.
This seems like quite a troublesome case.
Please don't touch or move the doll for now.
Put it back in the case it came in when you bought it.
And do not take it out.
The problem is that the case seems to have been broken in an accident.
I see. That's troublesome.
In that case, until I get there, please make sure no one touches it.
Yes, understood.
- I'll see you later.
- Yes, goodbye.
Whoa, what is this? Amazing!
Don't touch it!
Sorry. Is this yours, Suzuki?
Sorry, can you give it back?
Ah, okay.
Something's making a noise...
A noise?
Yeah.
A child's tooth... maybe?
If the higher-ups find out about this, we're screwed.
I know.
What? What the hell is going on?!
Why?!
Why is the doll here?!
I see. So its searching for the missing owner, huh?
And with what happened last night...
I get why you'd start imagining things when coincidences pile up.
Actually, we're supposed to hand the doll over to a purification specialist after this.
Purification? You can't burn it, that's insane!
We have to investigate whether there's any criminal element involved.
So you'll be taking custody of the doll then?
Of course.
But then...
- It's okay.
- Huh?
This is as far as we can go. Let's leave the rest to them.
But...
Your husband is right.
This is heavy. What's inside?
Well... yeah...
Thank you very much.
Are you Suzuki?
Then this is...
This is really bad.
Excuse me, I'm Kanda.
I'm Suzuki.
This person is from the police...
The police?
Things have gotten a bit complicated...
Bones...?
So you're the doll-purification specialist?
I'm sorry, but as evidence,
we'll be taking custody of it.
I don't think the police can solve this case.
Do you seriously think this thing is alive and moving on its own?
If that were true, I shouldn't be wasting my time being a cop.
I'd be touring the world making money with it.
Where are you headed?
To the Maebashi forensic science lab.
Would it be alright if I rode along?
Don't be ridiculous.
Then... is it okay if I follow behind you?
Do whatever you want.
Even if you follow us, you won't be allowed inside the lab.
I just want to check whether they get to the lab safely.
That's all I want to confirm.
Huh?
Most of the cases people bring to me
are just delusions or self-suggestion.
But this one is completely different.
Please tell us.
Why does that doll keep coming back to us?
I honestly can't say...
Do you have any other information about the doll?
Anything is fine, even something small.
My daughter drew a picture of it, but we threw it away.
On the baby monitor, Mai was...
Um, there's a video of my daughter talking to the doll.
I don't have it with me right now, though.
If it's a photo of the glass case...
This is the one. The priest faxed it to me.
These charms. They're written so beautifully I can't read them.
I understand why you'd think that, but that's not it.
Normally, a charm is directed toward the person handling it.
But this one is meant for the doll inside.
That's why the writing is upside-down.
You're right...
"Within one hundred yojana..."
"Free from all afflictions"?
"Free from all afflictions."
It says, "Let mystical force surround and return to the source."
So what does that mean?
It's a curse-reversal.
Yeah, hello?
It's me. I'm on my way.
I heard it's an autopsy case?
Yeah. There's a whole set of human bones inside.
Something like that being sold out in the open is seriously messed up.
That's pretty impressive.
And the people who bought it
they're saying the doll is alive. Honestly, they're the one who sounds messed up...
Alright then, I'll be waiting.
Well...
It's well-made, but still...
Are you okay?! I'll move the car back now!
It hurts... it hurts...
Please stop.
Purify the six senses, purify the six senses.
By the law, let it be done at once.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
May the holy spirit cleanse and protect us, reveal truth, and bestow sacred blessings.
Could you stay with me just a little longer?
No.
We're done with the doll and are not getting involved anymore.
Huh?!
I understand how you feel, but...
The officer will probably stay like that for a while...
And if you leave me here...
Then where exactly do you want us to go?
I managed to reach a doll collector who studies Kokichi Yasumoto somehow.
It's not far. Could you give me a ride there?
After that, you two can leave me there.
A History of Dolls
Author: Soji Ikeya
We might even learn what happened to Aya Yasumoto...
We can leave, right?
Yes, thank you very much.
I am Kanda.
Could I see it even just for a moment?
Wait.
Go ahead.
It's the real thing.
No doubt, it's Kokichi's doll...
Actually, this doll is filled with a child's bones.
So the story was true after all!
When I was young,
I worked at a small village police post in Niigata.
A man calling himself Kokichi Yasumoto turned himself in.
I took his statement.
And what he told me was unbelievable.
Anyway, please, have a seat.
They say his daughter Aya is missing.
But he insisted that's not true.
Huh?
My doll is a lovely doll
Bright-eyed and fair-skinned
With a tiny, charming mouth
Aya was born weak,
a child who couldn't go anywhere.
Her mother Taeko pitied her so much she tried to die together with her
but she failed, and only Aya died.
Kokichi found them and, to hide Taeko's crime,
did something horrifying...
He coated Aya's bones with toso clay,
embedded her hair and nails,
and created what he said was the most beautiful doll he had ever made.
Later, following Taeko's will,
the doll was placed in the coffin and buried on Kannajima Island.
So the doll was literally Aya herself?!
I went to Kannajima Island to verify it and managed to locate the grave...
But inside was only Taeko's remains. There was no doll.
Then why did it end up at an antique market?
Around that time, Kokichi's dolls were selling for high prices.
Someone must have dug up the grave and stolen it.
Ever since then, I've been searching for the doll of Aya...
I thought I'd spend my life trying to obtain it, but I was wrong.
Could you please take that doll away from here?
Excuse me...
Can't you return Aya to her mother?
Her mother? You mean going to that island in Niigata?
Because she was taken away against her will.
But...
Don't worry. That's exactly what I plan to do.
I'll take it from here. Kindly just drop me off at a nearby station.
What? Alone?
I'll go. You head back to Mai first.
No. I'm coming too.
Aya and her mom must have wanted to meet for so long.
I want to see it through to the end.
Please.
From here on, you'll need real resolve.
Are you truly ready for that?
Kannajima Island was once considered a haunted spot
and was actually pretty well-known.
Have you ever been there?
Of course not. Who would willingly go to a place that terrifying?
Is it really that scary?
I watched some dare videos online. Nothing much happened.
Something like "Occult Rangers" or whatever...
"Occult Rangers: Catch the Living Doll on Kannajima Island!"
That one.
We're the Occult Rangers! Yaaay!
- And so today...
- Yes!
We're heading to the rumored haunted spot, Kannajima Island in Niigata.
There's totally nothing here.
There isn't even a grave anywhere~
Since it just ends up being a hike,
maybe that's why no one comes anymore.
No. To me, it is scary enough.
Look carefully at the end.
Right there!
How many of them came by car again?
Five, right?
Blue, Yellow, Green, Pink...
and Red?
Red is the one holding the camera, right?
What?
Then who is she...?
This isn't just a ghost challenge anymore.
Ah, welcome. Please sign in.
Okay.
Um, I'll return it later but could I borrow this map?
"Leave behind anything important to you."
What's that supposed to mean?
Who knows...
Normally, this should be done at our shrine.
But since this is urgent.
Please turn off the lights.
Okay.
This way, please.
Mysterious power that governs heaven and earth.
Supreme spiritual treasure, divine protection.
Purify the heavens, purify the earth, purify within and without, cleanse the six senses.
Heaven's purification means cleansing the seven luminaries,
nine lights, twenty-eight constellations.
Earth's purification means cleansing the thirty-six earthly deities.
Inner and outer purification means cleansing the house
and the Three Great Guardian Deities.
The purification of the six senses removes all defilement of body and spirit.
May all eight million gods together, with the eight ears of the young deer
perk up and listen to this prayer.
Scan the spot where the weight is pointing and enlarge the copy.
Let's see...
Make it three times bigger.
How many more times?
Let's see... maybe two or three more...
Damn it!
It's not turning on...
Don't move carelessly.
I think my camera should be next to you, Ma'am.
Got it!
Spell of sealing by divine command!
I messed up...
I only gave first aid.
Please get proper treatment at the hospital.
I'm really sorry this happened at such an important moment.
When you reach the target spot, please use this.
It's a metal detector.
Back then it was custom to bury six coins with the coffin.
Wherever it reacts, that's where the coffin is buried.
Well then.
Thank you.
The torii gate...
There should be a grave somewhere near the torii gate...
I don't see anything like that anywhere...
Are you okay?
Ah! The torii gate!
We're running out of time.
If we don't get back in 30 minutes, we won't be able to return.
No!
This isn't it either!
Found it!
Enough! We have to go now!
Hold me!
Hey!
H-Hey!
Mommy!
We're home!
I missed you so much!
Mai, that's a bit too tight...
I can't breathe...
Mai... seriously...
Stop...
This isn't real! Don't fall for it!
Let me out! Let me out!!
Mai!
Get back! I'll get you out right now!
Dammit! Dammit!
- Damn it!
- Stop! Please!
- Stop! Stop!
- Damn it! Damn it!
Are you okay?!
Mei...?
Is that you, Mei?!
Help me!
Mei...?
Mei, wait...
Mei!!
Mei... Thank you...
Here you go.
Here it is.
Looks delicious.
Let's eat!
- Want some?
- Yeah.
Yeah, it's good.
Say "ahh."
Hm?
I haven't been able to reach them for over a week...
Going up.
Doors closing.
Is this really okay?
Yes. I just had to know what was in it.
Where do you live, Aya?
Niigata Prefecture? Kurakawa District?
I don't know where is that...
- Thank you.
- Go ahead.
This is...
What's going on?!
Swapping mommies?
No way. Mommy is my mommy.
I won't give her away! Not even to a friend.
Huh? Aya, do you not like your mommy?
Because she hit you every day?
Someone like you...
Someone like you...
Someone like you...
Oh no...
We were wrong...
Aya hates her mother.
We should never have taken the doll to that island!
Mommy! Daddy!
Mommy! Daddy!
Mommy...! Daddy...!
Dollhouse
It leaves a stain.
My T-shirt drinks in my tears.
The skill of blurring out only the things I hate.
Since when did I learn to do something like that?
When did I end up this way?
My unruly hair.
You can hold me in place, you can tie me down.
Even though the marks never fade.
I can't pull away, and you don't have to choose.
I'll just follow where I'm led.
The angel that settled inside me wears armor made of pain.
I felt like if I wished hard enough, it would appear anyway.
I'll keep walking until sleep takes me.
I'll protect the same thing again and again.
Even without comparing answers.
It's okay, only you and I remain untainted and pure.
Even if everything doesn't blend together.
It's okay, that's the spell the two of us cast.
We're joyful and strange.
I know that, but still...
I get stubborn.
Accepted, used up, and consumed.
The skill of filling myself with only what I love.
Since when did I become able to do that?
When did I turn into this?
A selfish god.
Even if I hold on or bind it tight.
The marks won't disappear, but I'll still choose what I want to believe in.
I'm allowed to choose, right?
I'll follow wherever I'm led.
The angel living inside me wears armor made of pain.
I felt like if I wished, I might be washed clean.
I'll keep walking until I fall asleep.
I'll protect the same thing over and over.
You don't have to soften up, being blunt is fine.
Just existing, just having form, is already enough.
So you won't fall into despair if I can help it.
I keep choosing, over and over.
The angel inside me wears armor of pain.
I felt like if I wished, it would show itself.
In human form, it walks on.
I'll keep guarding the same heartbeat again and again.
Even without checking our answers.
It's okay, only you and I live this guilty life.
It's fine even if not everything blends together.
We're joyful and strange.
I know that, but still...
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