The Haunting and Its Price

Strangers (Taichi Yamada Edition)

This flow follows the escalating physical and psychological cost of Hideo’s contact with the dead.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Comfort The First Comfort from "Strangers". The First Comfort Hideo’s encounter with the couple in Asakusa gives him a powerful sense of safety he has not felt since childhood.

The First Comfort from "Strangers". The First Comfort Hideo’s encounter with the couple in Asakusa gives him a powerful sense of safety he has not felt since childhood.

The First Comfort Hideo’s encounter with the couple in Asakusa gives him a powerful sense of safety he has not felt since childhood. Emotional Relief Their familiar mannerisms and affection make his loneliness briefly recede. Unanswered Reality He cannot decide whether the couple are his parents, projections of memory, or something beyond ordinary explanation.

The Body Begins to Fade The Body Begins to Fade from "Strangers". The Body Begins to Fade People who see Hideo report that he looks increasingly thin and exhausted, though he sees no change himself.

The Body Begins to Fade from "Strangers". The Body Begins to Fade People who see Hideo report that he looks increasingly thin and exhausted, though he sees no change himself.

The Body Begins to Fade People who see Hideo report that he looks increasingly thin and exhausted, though he sees no change himself. Warnings from Others His producer, Kei, and Mamiya independently express alarm at his appearance. Denial and Attachment Hideo remains willing to accept the physical cost because the visits provide the parental tenderness he has missed.

A Promise Against Visiting A Promise Against Visiting from "Strangers". A Promise Against Visiting Kei believes that Hideo’s parents are draining his life and demands that he never return to Asakusa.

A Promise Against Visiting from "Strangers". A Promise Against Visiting Kei believes that Hideo’s parents are draining his life and demands that he never return to Asakusa.

A Promise Against Visiting Kei believes that Hideo’s parents are draining his life and demands that he never return to Asakusa. Hideo’s Dilemma He understands her fear but thinks abandoning his parents without a farewell would be cruel. Secret Departure He promises nothing further yet sneaks away to visit them, pulled by affection and obligation.

Seeing the Damage Seeing the Damage from "Strangers". Seeing the Damage Kei confronts Hideo with the physical decline that he cannot perceive on his own.

Seeing the Damage from "Strangers". Seeing the Damage Kei confronts Hideo with the physical decline that he cannot perceive on his own.

Seeing the Damage Kei confronts Hideo with the physical decline that he cannot perceive on his own. A Collapse in the Bathroom When his body suddenly weakens, she supports him and insists that he face the Mirror. Recognition at Last Hideo sees the pallid, hollow-faced figure that others have seen, making the cost of his visits undeniable.

Hospital Recovery Hospital Recovery from "Strangers". Hospital Recovery After the last supernatural encounters, Hideo is admitted to Tokyo National Hospital in a severely weakened state.

Hospital Recovery from "Strangers". Hospital Recovery After the last supernatural encounters, Hideo is admitted to Tokyo National Hospital in a severely weakened state.

Hospital Recovery After the last supernatural encounters, Hideo is admitted to Tokyo National Hospital in a severely weakened state. Slow Restoration Intravenous feeding helps him regain strength, but his eyesight, complexion, and hair show lasting effects. Work and Housing Change Unable to continue the series, he leaves his old apartment and moves to a new home with help from Mamiya and family.

August 4, after dark

mid-August, after repeated visits

after Kei hears the account

after Hideo returns from his final visit

the final weeks of summer