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Category: Japanese Folklore 

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 […]

Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan’s Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)

What do you say we learn about a frog-riding, vengeful witch and a giant skeleton that wants to pop off your head with its teeth and drink your blood? Two different legends, but somehow connected. In this episode, I dig into the story of Takiyasha Hime and the terrifying Gashadokuro.

Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183)

There's a rabbit on the moon. Its image was placed there by the gods for all creatures to remember the bunny's act of courage and sacrifice. Today let's talk about all kinds of moon related myths and lore, superstitions and beautiful words and phrases.

Hōichi the Earless: A Lafcadio Hearn Reading (Ep. 182)

Today I read to you one of Lafcadio Hearn's most famous stories: "Mimi-nashi Hōïchi" or "The Earless Hōïchi." Why did the blind monk Hōïchi lose both ears in such a horrific fashion? It's a tale of ghost samurai, Buddhist sutras, and a terrible price paid for a moment's oversight.

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
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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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