The Stretcher: Performance group ICHIZA’s take on a Japanese haunted house
It would be an understatement to say that there is a history of very good horror in Japan: Ito Junji, “The Ring” and Grudge films to name a few. There is something inherently more terrifying about the supernatural in Japan when compared to the west. Even the Japanese term for haunted house, obakeyashiki (お化け屋敷) has an ominous ring to it. Horror in Japan is so unique and interesting that it has become its own genre—one where scares are born from long periods of suffering by an antagonist seeking revenge rather than an unthinking and unstoppable evil.
Rusty gates on stone pavement. (Image credit: Eugene Lee)
Thankfully, the backstory for Kobe’s latest haunted house “The Stretcher” is much less ominous. The project is a collaboration between YOLO Japan and performance group ICHIZA—the former, a website helping foreigners in Japan find employment, and the latter is a group that staffs performers such as mimes, beatboxers, and street performers for various jobs throughout Japan. The recent pandemic seems to have left many foreigners without work and this haunted house was created specifically to provide some income to some of those affected.
A peak behind the curtain. (Image credit: Ki Shin / Sound Plan)
I won’t go into detail here about the story of the haunted house or give any spoilers. However, I will talk about some of the design details surrounding the performance. The premise is simple enough. Strap would-be thrill-seekers to a stretcher and wheel them around in a pitch-black room amidst the trials and tribulations of an evening with an unknown evil. Preventing people from moving protects both the staff and the audience and it forces a certain perspective which focuses the audience’s attention.
Tone set by brick and stone gates. (Image credit: Eugene Lee)
There was a certain elegance to the setting of the event. Building on some classic horror tropes, the event was held in an old school built in European style. A room filled with old photos in the preparation area before the show is available to patrons as they wait. More tropes in the form of stretchers are reminiscent of horror game hospitals, and the metallic clang of the stretcher side rails as they lock into place all add to an exhilaratingly creepy set-up. Finally, some of the techniques employed were quite scary. Whispers in the darkness, an unexpected splash of water, different coloured lights, and dancing shadows were all used very effectively to terrify a captive audience.
Old school memorabilia. (Image credit: Eugene Lee)
In the end, “The Stretcher,” is a very well-executed Japanese haunted house. The performances were excellent, the setting was creepy, and the money goes to a good cause. Even if you choose not to visit this particular performance, the Japanese haunted house experience is one that is wholly unique and worth exploring.
The Stretcher (ザ・ストレッチャー)
Address: 3-17-1, Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0004
Nearest station: Sannomiya Station (三宮駅)
Admission fee: ¥2,750
Header image credit: Eugene Lee
Related Articles
Eugene Lee
Latest Topics
