by YUKINO Yoshi (03 June 2006)

Ever hated someone so much you'd just wish them to hell?

A rumour has been doing the rounds lately, that if you post your grudge on a mysterious web page that is only accessible at the stroke of midnight, ENMA Ai -- the mysterious "Jigoku Shoujo" -- will appear before you, offering you a straw waraningyou doll.

Untie the string around the doll's neck, and she will drag your tormentor down to Hell. But only if you agree to her terms first: that when you die, you shall spend the rest of eternity in Hell as well....

A 26-episode TV series produced by Aniplex and Sky PerfecTV/Well Think, Jigoku Shoujo is a dark psychological suspense that centres around individuals with grudges who seek the help of the urban legend, Jigoku Shoujo, to exact their revenge. However, the line between right and wrong is never clear in the story's morally ambiguous world. What is clear, though, is that the show is very much about people, as is it's brand of horror.

�g[Jigoku Shoujo] is like a kaleidoscope,�h notes NOUTOU Mamiko who plays ENMA Ai (Jigoku Shoujo). �gIt allows me to feel the emotions and thoughts of different people.�h

First conceived in 2003, the series was almost never made because the producers didn�ft think there was a market for it. Moreover, they weren�ft comfortable with the morbid idea of literally cursing someone to hell. It was only after publisher Kodansha decided to adopt the idea for its manga series that the anime was made.

Directed by Takahiro OOMORI, not only did Jigoku Shoujo proved more popular than imagined, the series also garnered an impressive four per cent in average ratings (highest being 4.8%) -- this considering that it was played at a late timeslot. Its success has now led to a second season, currently being produced.

FREETYPE takes a closer look into this unending world of hate and grudges....

INTRO MAIN CHARACTERS JIGOKU TSUUSHIN EPISODE GUIDE