Chilling Night – AJC Nōryō Film Event

This annual summer tradition by AJC returns for its second year! Inspired by Japan’s nōryō culture—cooling off through spooky stories on hot summer nights—this unique event blends film, history, and tradition.

This year’s featured film is Hoichi the Earless, the eerie and poetic tale from the 1964 cinematic masterpiece Kwaidan. The event also includes a cultural talk, the Buddhist Sutra witing tribute, optional bento dinner, ghostly photo booth fun, and a Hyakumonogatari ghost storytelling ritual to chill your spine — and your soul. Check out to learn more details about the event and the spooky summer culture.

👻Have a ghost story of your own? A chilling childhood tale? A supernatural experience?We’re collecting scary stories from the community in the spirit of the Japanese tradition Hyakumonogatari (100 Ghost Stories )! (real or imagined) and winning entries stories will be shared at the event!

🎐 What to expect:

📸 Ghost photo booth

🎤 Mini lecture on n the historical & cultural background of Hoichi the Earless

🎞️ Film screening: Hoichi the Earless from Kwaidan (1964)

🕯️ Ghost storytelling from community submissions — the traditional “100 Ghost Stories” ritual from old Japan.

🗣️ Post-screening mingling & informal Hyakumonogatari story circle

🖌️Ghost-Repelling Calligraphy Station: Sutra Writing Tribute

🍺 *Japanese beer and drinks at the indoor bar (*sold separately)

🍱 *Aburi Oshi Sushi dinner bento (*advance order only; ordering link )

Ticket Info (🎟️ Limited seats available)

• General Admission (Advance) $21 -Open seating
• At-the-Door Ticket (if available) $23 - Open seating only; available only if not sold out in advance

✨Special Offer for AJC Members✨

AJC members get $3 off each ticket, plus access to a reserved seating area (see Notes). They also enjoy 5% off sushi bento! Discount codes was sent through the AJC newsletter. Become a new AJC member NOW.

Notes:

• Reserved seating for AJC members is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Become a new AJC member NOW.
• At-the-door tickets will not be available if advance tickets sell out.
• Bento boxes and all drinks are sold separately and not included in ticket.
• Bento boxes advance order only.
• Outside food is NOT allowed.
• Photography will be taken for promotional purposes during AJC events. If you do not wish to have your photos taken, please inform AJC staff in advance.
• Your personal information is handled under the AJC Privacy Policy.
• Solicitation is prohibited. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Host or Publisher Austin Japan Community