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Category: Japanese Folklore 

Sukima-onna: The Women in the Gaps — “What Empty Spaces Need” — A Skit! (Ep. 181)

A full-length audio drama about Tim, an American expat trapped in an abandoned Japanese house, stalked by Sukima-onna—the woman who watches from gaps.

Ame-onna – Rain Woman’s Original Ghost Story (Ep. 180)

In this Halloween special episode, I explore the rain woman yokai's evolution from Toriyama Sekien's courtesan metaphor to a grief-stricken mother searching for her stolen child. Then I share my original story "Rain for Days" - because Ame-onna never had her own ghost story until now.
Uncanny Japan episode featuring Ame Onna, the Rain Woman ghost story

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.

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

Tōdaiki: The Candlestick Demon & Tang Dynasty Diplomatic Horror (Ep. 171)

What happens when diplomatic missions go terrifyingly wrong? I'll tell you two fascinating tales of Japanese envoys to Tang Dynasty China - one horrific transformation, and one clever magical triumph. Both reveal the incredible risks of ancient cultural exchanges.
Demon with candlestick head in Japanese setting

Ryūjin: Harnessing the Power of Japan’s Undersea Dragon God (Ep. 169)

Come and walk with me along a beach. Let's journey together, down to the bottom of the ocean to an underwater dragon palace called the Ryugu, owned and lorded over by Ryūjin, the dragon god.
Close-up of Ryūjin, the Japanese dragon god, with striking red eyes and intricate scales.

Mt. Fuji: A Fire Resistant Princess and a Sword Licking Mystic (Ep. 168)

In this episode, I share the legend of Princess Konohanasakuya-hime and how Mount Fuji got its name, plus a story about a mystic who had a very strange way of testing swords.
Mount Fuji with a old fashioned tanuki in a Japanese-inspired design

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.
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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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