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Japanese Myths, Folktales, Folklore and Language

Episodes

Japan’s Most Famous Ghost: My Retelling of Oiwa and the Yotsuya Kaidan (Ep. 179)

There are many versions of the tragic tale of Japan's most famous ghost, Oiwa-san. But in this episode, let me tell you my own retelling of her classic tale. Just a heads up—it is a ghost story with a little body horror mixed in.
Illustration of a ghostly figure with a lantern, set against a vibrant background.

Sanshi: The Three Body-Parasite Problem (Ep. 178)

You're not gonna believe this, but you have not one, not two, but three worms or parasites writhing around in your body right now, actively trying to kill you, but not in the way you think.
Mystical creatures and a floating figure in a colorful, surreal scene.

A Handful of Deadly Beach Beauties: Iso Onna, Nure Onna, Nure Onago (Ep. 177)

The summer heat in Japan is shattering and inescapable. Why not go to the beach to cool off? I'll tell you why not. Because there's something lurking on the coasts that is far more dangerous than any rip current.
Spectral figure with devil mask against a sunset backdrop

Japanese Afterlife Guide: Navigate Buddhist Hell & Death (Ep. 176)

So, you've died in Japan. Let me help you navigate the underworld and if we can, avoid the nastiest hells. In this episode, I explore the complex afterlife journey awaiting in Japanese Buddhist tradition.
King of Hell Enma Daio with crown and armor in flames

A Cursed Severed Head: Taira no Masakado (Ep. 175)

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night wondering who the first samurai was? Today I'm going to tell you about the fierce, legendary Taira no Masakado—and yes, we'll get into flying severed heads and curses too.
Illustration of Taira no Masakado with bold features and red accents

Saiō ga Uma: The Old Man’s Horse (Ep. 174)

In this episode, I explore the ancient Chinese parable that became a Japanese proverb: "Saiō ga Uma" (塞翁が馬) - the story of an old man whose horse's disappearance leads to an unexpected chain of fortune and misfortune. It's very strange, but recently it's been popping up in my thoughts a lot, so I thought I'd share this 2,000-year-old tale.
Mythical horse with green hair in a Japanese setting

Susanoo: Japan’s Storm God – Chaos to Redemption (Ep. 173)

It's time for another deep dive into myth tales - and I'm kind of intrigued with Amaterasu's brother, Susanoo, the god of storms and sea. He's an absolute nutter, and I love him. Join me as I explore his wonderfully chaotic mythology from cosmic tantrums to heroic dragon slaying.
Susano'o holding a sacred tree in a mountainous setting

Tsuyu: The Dreaded Fifth Season in Japan (Ep. 172)

In this episode, I explore Japan's forgotten fifth season - tsuyu, the dreaded rainy season that brings relentless humidity, mold, and gray skies, but also beautiful hydrangea blooms and fascinating rain spirits.
Rainy scene with hydrangeas, kimono-clad figure, and karakasa kozo yokai.
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About The Uncanny Japan Podcast

Speculative fiction writer, long-term resident of Japan and Bram Stoker Award finalist Thersa Matsuura explores all that is weird from old Japan—strange superstitions, folktales, cultural oddities, and interesting language quirks. These are little treasures she digs up while doing research for her writing.

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