The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Noroi: The Curse
Entertainment • Film

Noroi: The Curse

Noroi: The Curse is a 2005 Japanese horror film directed by Kōji Shiraishi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Noroi: The Curse is a 2005 Japanese horror film directed by Kōji Shiraishi. Presented in a faux-documentary, found-footage style, it follows paranormal researcher Masafumi Kobayashi as he investigates seemingly unrelated supernatural events linked to the curse of Kagutaba. The film became known for its dense, documentary-like structure and has since gained cult status.

Plot

The film follows Masafumi Kobayashi, a paranormal journalist or researcher who vanishes after compiling footage for a documentary. The narrative pieces together interviews, recordings, and other material to connect several strange events to an ancient curse.

Production

Noroi: The Curse was directed by Kōji Shiraishi and co-written with Naoyuki Yokota. It was produced in Japan and released in 2005 as a Japanese-language horror film.

Style and format

The film is presented as a faux-documentary or found-footage work. Its structure is built from assembled video sources, which gives it a documentary-like and investigative tone.

Reception and legacy

Over time, the film developed a strong reputation among horror fans and is often discussed as a notable example of Japanese found-footage horror. Its cult status is reflected in continued distribution and streaming availability.

Key facts

  • 2005 Japanese horror film directed by Kōji Shiraishi and co-written with Naoyuki Yokota.
  • Centers on paranormal researcher Masafumi Kobayashi investigating supernatural events.
  • Plot links multiple incidents to the legend of the demon Kagutaba.
  • Uses mockumentary and found-footage format.
  • Run time is 115 minutes; has gained cult status over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Noroi: The Curse about?
It follows a paranormal researcher whose documentary investigation of strange incidents leads to a broader supernatural curse linked to Kagutaba.
Who directed Noroi: The Curse?
Kōji Shiraishi directed the film.
When was Noroi: The Curse released?
It was released in 2005.
What genre is Noroi: The Curse?
It is a Japanese horror film, often described as a mystery or thriller and presented in found-footage style.
Who is the main character?
The central figure is Masafumi Kobayashi, a paranormal researcher or journalist investigating the curse.
What is Kagutaba?
Kagutaba is the demonic or folkloric entity associated with the curse at the center of the film's story.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noroi:_The_Curse
    Supports: Director, writers, release year, premise, and cast information.
  2. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noroi:_The_Curse
    Supports: Faux-documentary format, plot premise, and Kagutaba connection.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0930083/
    Supports: Synopsis, director, writers, runtime, and character names.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/noroi-the-curse
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, production company, genre, original language, release date, and runtime.