In the intricate tapestry of the supernatural, where the veil between worlds thins, sometimes the most ordinary desires can unleash the most extraordinary—and terrifying—phenomena. Imagine yearning for a touch of the mystic, only for that desire to twist reality in a way that frightens not just strangers, but your closest friends. This is the unsettling premise at the heart of Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube Episode 4, an installment that delves into the classic Japanese yokai of the Rokurokubi with a chillingly relatable modern twist.
The Allure of Psychic Powers and Miki’s Obsession
The fourth episode, aptly titled “Yokai Potter’s Neck” (or “The Monster Rokurokubi” in some translations), zeroes in on the character of Miki Hosokawa. Having witnessed the formidable psychic abilities of their teacher, Meisuke Nueno, affectionately known as Nube, Miki becomes utterly captivated by the prospect of gaining similar powers herself. This newfound fascination rapidly evolves into an intense obsession.
A Deep Dive into Delusion
Miki’s pursuit of psychic prowess isn’t a casual hobby; it consumes her. She immerses herself in magazines and online videos, allowing her imagination to run wild with the possibilities. This absorption is so profound that she even sacrifices precious sleep, delving deeper into her delusions. This intense focus, perhaps unknowingly, sets the stage for the bizarre events that are about to unfold.
The Manifestation of the Rokurokubi
One fateful day, Miki experiences what she believes to be a vivid dream of flying through the sky, completely uninhibited. She revels in this newfound freedom, unaware that her nocturnal escapades are far from mere dreams. Her classmates, however, begin to notice something profoundly strange about her behavior. They stare at her with expressions ranging from fright to outright disgust, hinting at an ominous transformation.
The Terrifying Truth of the Elongated Neck
The unsettling truth is revealed: Miki is experiencing the phenomenon of the Rokurokubi. In Japanese folklore, the Rokurokubi is often depicted as a human who, typically while sleeping, has their neck inexplicably elongate, allowing their head to float freely. In Miki’s case, her spiritual self, specifically her head, detaches and wanders while her physical body remains asleep. This bizarre separation allows her head to phase through walls and move independently, leading to some truly disturbing and comical moments.
Unintended Consequences: Voyeurism and Alarm
Initially, Miki is oblivious to the reality of her situation, believing she is merely remote viewing. She even uses this strange ability for somewhat mischievous purposes, like sneaking glances at math test answers or, more disturbingly, spying on her friends in vulnerable situations like bathing or using the toilet. Her friends, unaware of Miki’s delusion, are understandably terrified by the sight of her bob-cut head winding through corridors on an increasingly lengthening neck. This grotesque spectacle, combined with her voyeuristic tendencies, alienates her classmates, transforming their perception of her from a charmingly dense girl to a horrifying yokai.
Nube’s Intervention and the Resolution
The escalating fear among the students eventually brings Nube into the fold. As the only psychic teacher in Japan, known for his “demon hand” that resides in his left arm and his dedication to protecting his students from supernatural threats, it is his responsibility to address the anomaly.
A Misunderstood Attempt at Help
The climax of the episode sees Nube confronting Miki in the school’s gym. In a scene that highlights Nube’s direct, albeit sometimes socially awkward, approach to dealing with yokai, he threatens to “end things painlessly” with his demon hand. This understandable freaks out Miki, who now finds herself ostracized and perceived as a monster by everyone around her. The situation underscores Nube’s need to refine his communication skills, as his intentions, while protective, are often misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with the supernatural world he inhabits. Ultimately, Nube successfully helps Miki, though the exact method of returning her spiritual head to her body is a critical point of resolution.
The Broader Context of Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube
Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube is a renowned manga series written by Makura Shou and illustrated by Takeshi Okano, which was serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” from 1993 to 1999. The story centers on Meisuke Nueno, the titular “Hell Teacher,” who utilizes his supernatural abilities and the power of his demon hand to protect his students at Domori Elementary School from various yokai and paranormal occurrences.
The Anime’s Enduring Appeal
The series has seen multiple adaptations, including a TV anime that originally aired from 1996 to 1997, an anime movie, and original video animations (OVAs). The new 2025 anime series, from which this Episode 4 hails, marks the first new anime production for the franchise in approximately 26 years. This revival has garnered significant attention, partly due to the return of original voice actors Ryotaro Okiayu as Nube and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Tamamo Kyosuke. The 2025 series is produced by Studio Kai and directed by Yasuyuki Ōishi, with Yoshiki Ōkusa handling series composition and Yū Yoshiyama designing the characters. Evan Call is responsible for the music. The series is airing in two split cours, with the first cour having premiered on July 2, 2025, and the second cour set for January 2026. It is broadcast on TV Asahi’s “IMAnimation W” block, and internationally, it is available on platforms such as Netflix, ANIME GENERATION, Anime Onegai, and the It’s Anime YouTube Channel, among others.
Episode Release and Availability
Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube Episode 4 premiered on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:45 PM JST, broadcasting on TV Asahi and other local networks. For international viewers, the episode became available for streaming on various platforms soon after its Japanese broadcast, including Netflix, ABEMA, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. The simulcast schedule means that in some regions, the episode would have become available on July 17. This episode continues the tradition of the series, offering a blend of horror, humor, and supernatural action, all wrapped around moral lessons and the unique bond between Nube and his students.
