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Category: Japanese Buddhism 

All That Flows: Benzaiten, White Snakes, and Human-Headed Serpents

Beginning:  What do you think about white snakes? How about human-headed snake deities? Did you know that both of those are connected with Benzaiten, the Buddhist patron goddess of literature, music, wealth and femininity? Well, they are. And let me tell you all about it on today’s show.  Intro:  Hey hey, this is Thersa Matsuura […]

Everyone Has a Throat Buddha: Nodohotoke and a Story: “The Buddha Bone” (Ep. 189)

In this episode, I talk about the nodo-hotoke, or “throat Buddha”—a phrase that means one thing while you’re alive and something quite different after death. We’ll look at the Buddha bone found after cremation in Japan, the funeral ritual of placing bones into the urn with long chopsticks, and the beliefs and taboos surrounding it. Then I’ll read my dark story “The Buddha Bone,” originally published in Weird Horror Issue 7. Content warning: this episode discusses death, cremation, and funeral customs.

Ofuda & Omamori: Lucky Talismans

Since the last episode was all about animal spirits (like foxes, snakes, and horses) that can get a little possess-y and cause disease and ill fortune, I thought why not do a show on keeping yourself safe from harm, the Japanese way. I think we can all use a little protection and auspiciousness these days. […]

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.

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

The Golden Pavilion Has Weird Ghosts (Ep. 166)

In this episode, I'll be taking you on a journey to visit the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. I'll tell you about its real name, lightning strikes, arson attack, and some pretty weird monk spirits that show up in photos.
Golden Pavilion reflecting in a pond

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.
Uncanny Japan logo with Fudomyo deity illustration

Bodhidharma and Daruma Dolls: Zen Buddhism Origins (Ep. 163)

This episode takes you on a journey that involves supernatural balance, a touch of kung fu fighting, cringeworthy acts of concentration, a lucky toy that heals disease and helps you achieve your dreams, and will end delightfully in a moment of sheer, utter unadulterated and quite literal zen.

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

Sumo wrestlers throw salt before matches. Funeral guests receive purifying salt packets. Tiny salt pyramids guard shop entrances. In Japan, this mineral connects to a 2,000-year-old deity who protected an entire region from tsunami waves and taught the nation how to extract salt from seaweed.
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.'
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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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