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Category: Japanese Culture 

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.

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

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.

Kanto vs Kansai: How Japanese Regional Food Differs (Ep. 167)

What happens when an entire country can't agree on how to make the same dish? In this episode I talk about one of my favorite topics - the Kanto versus Kansai divide that splits Japan right down the middle.
A promotional image for a travel show episode featuring a scenic background of cherry blossoms and a red pagoda, with the text 'Explore! Small Group Adventures Ep. 167' and a map highlighting the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan, discussing the theme 'Kanto vs Kansai: Which Food is Best'.

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

Walking in Old Japan: The Gokaidō Historical Routes (Ep. 165)

In this episode, I'll be taking you on a stroll along the walking routes of Old Edo. There were five main ones, called go-kaidō - the five Edo routes, or the five historical roads of Japan. All five started at the exact same point on the Nihonbashi Bridge in then-Edo, now Tōkyō. Today, let's learn specifically about the two longer ones that led travelers to the old capital of Kyōto, the Tōkaidō and the Nakasendō.
Uncanny Japan logo with a traveler carrying a his wares.

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

Did you know there is a Shinto kami (god or spirit) of salt?
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.'

Moshi Moshi! You’re About to Meet Some Demons! (Ep. 154)

Two fascinating phrases in Japanese that have very creepy origins. What are you really doing when you answer the phone "moshi moshi" anyway?
A person with glowing eyes and horns, wearing a dark outfit, stands on a quiet street with old buildings and dim lights at dusk.
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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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