Sadako appears as a young woman whose face is hidden under her long black hair, and she wears a white dress that has water stains on it that is also frayed at the end. This appearance is typical of "yūrei". Specifically, Sadako is a type of "yūrei" known as an "onryō", bound by a desire for vengeance. In "Sadako 3D", Sadako appears as her human self while still displaying traits of an "onryō", in addition to the standard yūrei appearance. "Ring: Kanzenban" was the only rendition that differs from a traditional "yūrei" appearance. She is shown similarly as a young woman with Testicular Feminization Syndrome, yet her hair rarely covers her face and is frequently portrayed nude as opposed to a white garment. Sadako is also an amalgamation of two famous Japanese ghosts, Oiwa and Okiku. From Oiwa, Sadako takes the single, misshapen eye. From Okiku, the style of murder, of being thrown down a well and then having the ghost rise from the well to seek vengeance.