Ringu (Hideo Nakata, 1998) & Jisatsu saakuru/Suicide Club (Sion Sono, 2002)

I recently watched a pair of Japanese horror/suspense films (Suicide Club, Ringu) and found it interesting at how many characteristics in common. For example, the VICTIMS in both movies were school aged girls and boys. In both films there was a CURSE (though not necessarily labeled as such) which is channeled through electronic media: in Suicide Club a pop band sends messages subliminally through the TV, PCs, and CDs - the mysterious originator of the curse communicates through cell phones; in Ringu the curse is transmitted through TV via VHS – the mysterious originator of the curse also communicates through a phone. There is an originator of the CURSE in both films who is/was a child or children. Adults are ultimately drawn into the curse because their own children or relatives are victims. In both films there is an apparent resolution which turns out to be false. A solution is found in the real world that is false; why - because the issue is truly a spiritual one. SPIRITUALITY does come into play in both films but is not played up. There is a sense that there is a dark or otherly realm where these curses, if you will, stem from. EVIL is not the term that is used in either film. Actually there seems to be some sympathy for whatever deity might be causing the curse - definitely this is so in Ringu. SUPERSTITION does come into play. Each film opens with children telling superstitious tales which turn out to be true. Curses, boogie men and secret societies seem to exist because the children first, and later the adults, start to believe. What I am left wondering is... What is the deeper spiritual fuel (in Japanese culture) for these superstitious tales? How do Japanese look at technology in spiritual terms? Both of these films portray the channeling of spirits through technology. While no direct references to Buddhism are made in either film there is certainly and underpinning of spiritual unrest which leads to a break in the peace. Any insights you have are welcome. What is also interesting with Ringu is that it was later adapted by Hollywood and has enjoyed an immense cult following. I have not seen this version. I assume it has all the accutraments of recent American horror films. Ironically, the Japanese film Ringu has no blood and gore to speak of; in fact most of the suspense scenes are reliant on music and lighting.