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Category: Japanese Culture 

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)

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.'

Turbo Granny: Japanese Urban Legend of the Highway Phantom (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.

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

Today I'm going to read you an article I wrote for Sotheby's about the Nihon Sandai Kaidan, or Japan's three great ghost stories. And those stories are about the three lovely ladies, Okiku, Oiwa, and Otsuyu. Let me tell you about not just these ghostly, vengeful spirits, but about the artists who depicted them as well.
Drawings of the three great female ghosts of japan, okiku, otsuyu, and oiwa

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.

Chopsticks: Godly Tools or Death Bringers? ( Ep. 151)

Discover the intricacies of Japanese chopstick etiquette and lore. Learn about godly chopsticks, taboos that can bring death, and the concept of 'wa' (harmony) in Japanese culture. Avoid social faux pas and deepen your understanding of this seemingly simple yet complex utensil.
Hands holding and stretching mochi over a decorative plate placed on a sketchbook with pen drawings of people and food.
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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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