Traditionally, strange phenomena have been studied in relation to supernatural beings such as spirits and gods, as well as folk beliefs. However, it is difficult to understand contemporary strange phenomena solely through these lenses. People visit haunted places in search of strange phenomena. What they seek there is a certain kind of extraordinary and terrifying experience, or a specific kind of atmosphere.
This study examines how people experience the strange phenomena that occur at haunted places by considering the role of shared sensations in atmospheric theory. The research method involved interviews with 31 local residents about the Kannon Tunnel, a haunted place in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, and an analysis of 518 texts from occult books and other material that represent tunnels as places where strange phenomena occur (tunnel ghost stories). Through this examination of the survey cases, it became clear that we experience strange phenomena through atmosphere. However, the results suggested that while atmosphere can awaken sensibilities toward “something” and direct our experiences of strange phenomena, it cannot determine the content or meaning of that experience itself. A detailed examination of this point remains a task for future research.
Strange phenomena can never be understood solely through supernatural entities, or folk beliefs. Research on strange phenomena and yokai will likely enter a new phase by examining the atmosphere that directs the experience of strange phenomena.
