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Japanese Myths, Folktales, Folklore and Language

Episodes

Fudomyō: The Unshakable One and Fire Ceremonies (Ep. 164)

Meet Fudomyō, the fierce-looking but benevolent Buddhist deity who, despite his intimidating appearance with wild eyes and fangs, exists to help humanity. Learn about this Wisdom King's symbolic elements and the powerful Goma fire ceremony where his purifying flames burn away worldly desires and suffering.
A scenic image of a traditional Japanese pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms, with text promoting 'Explore! Small Group Adventures' and highlighting 'Goma Fire Ritual,' featuring an illustration of a deity holding a sword and sitting amidst flames.

Bodhidharma Zazen (Ep. 163)

Zen: from Baby to How to Meditate Hey hey, my name is Thersa Matsuura, author of The Book of Japanese Folklore  and podcaster here at Uncanny Japan, my little space where I tell you about the more obscure nooks and crannies of Japanese culture. Today’s show is part of a really fun mini-series that has […]

The Salt God and the Magic of Salt (Ep. 162)

Have you ever watched a sumo match? On top of a square, packed-earth platform called a dohyo stand two giant wrestlers (called rikishi). They’re wearing nothing but a mawashi — a thirty-foot long, two foot wide thick silk loincloth and have their hair waxed with fragrant binzuke into a beautiful chonmage. Before they enter the […]
A whimsical illustration of a character with pointed ears and colorful clothing, sitting cross-legged in front of a traditional Japanese torii gate. The background features greenery and stone structures, with text overlay reading 'The God of Salt' and 'Episode 62.'

Turbo Granny and Her Fast-Footed Friends (Ep. 161)

Turbo Granny is a Japanese urban legend about a fleet-footed old woman, but did you know she has friends?
An animated elderly woman in a purple outfit runs alongside a speeding gray car, with vibrant trees blurred in the background. The text 'Turbo Granny Ep. 161' is displayed in a playful font.

Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons – Enticing Language (Ep. 160)

Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons — Enticing Language and a Quiz!  Don’t worry. You can’t fail.  Hi! Uncanny Japan here. I took a month off, pre-recorded several episodes, and visited the States to see family and friends. I got back to Japan at the tail end of October. Here it is November 15th or thereabouts […]
A cartoonish illustration featuring a sea pig with fish-like features and a cheerful expression, swimming in waves, alongside a green, dragon-like creature with a playful demeanor, set against a dark background. The title 'Sea Pigs & Dirt Dragons' is prominently displayed at the top.

Story Time: “Go-Away Monkey” (Ep. 159)

Okappa, a young woman living in a town ravaged by disease, encounters a traveling performer, Hanshiro, and his monkey, Fukumimi.
monkey wearing kimono wearing chain on ankle, large tengu mask

Japan’s Three Great Ghost Stories (Ep. 157)

Japan’s 3 Great Ghost Stories, featuring vengeful female spirits, have captivated audiences for centuries through art from ukiyo-e prints to modern horror films.
Drawings of the three great female ghosts of japan, okiku, otsuyu, and oiwa
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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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