Why do you think people (both in the 18th century, when Akinari was writing, and in our own day) are attracted to ghost stories or tales of the supernatural?
I think people in the 18th century and in our own day are attracted to ghost stories or tales of the supernatural, because it gives people an explanation for the unknown. Human beings are naturally very curious, so when things occur we want to understand why and how they occur. Tales of the supernatural allow us to form ideas as to why things occur, thus satisfying our curiosity and need for knowledge. Furthermore, ghost stories and tales of the supernatural provide an escape from our normal and boring lives. I believe people find happiness and entertainment in tales of the supernatural, because it is simply fun to imagine and ponder what the world could be like if the rules of science and matter did not exist.