In this article, the author discussed the intricate relationship between urban spaces, Asian cultures and the presence of ghosts. Unlike Westerners, who typically view ghosts as remnants of the past or manifestations of trauma, Asian cultures view ghosts as an integral part of the universe. It’s common in Asia to believe in the existence of ghosts, in countries like China, Japan and Korea. Therefore, to represent normalcy in Asian cities, the inclusion and accommodation of ghosts become essential.
As a result of rapid urbanisation, people are leaving their traditional rural and natural environments and moving into dense, modern cities. The concept of ghosts is combined with urban life. In some Asian cities, temples or shrines are built to honour ghosts to ensure that they are respected and balanced in the city.
The author then discussed the portrayal of ghosts in different forms of media, focusing on Asian horror films and emphasizing the specificities of Asian cultures. The themes of these films also relate to topics such as loneliness in the city and living with ghosts. It also exemplifies the importance of ghosts as a presence in the urban environment and the importance of maintaining relationships between people.
From a personal perspective, I’m more inclined to believe that ghosts are beings that exist in an alternate dimension. Certainly, there are materialistic people in Asian countries today, but the culture of ghosts is still prevalent, which shows the respect and continuity of the culture of ghosts in Asia.
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