Uncanny Japan logo

Category: Japanese Shintoism 

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 […]

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. […]

Putting a Curse on Your Enemies (Ushi no Koku Mairi) (Ep. 52)

Ushi no Koku Mairi means visiting a shrine at the hour of the ox (between 1:00 and 3:00 am). It also means going there so you can put a curse on your enemy. Deriving from the legend of Hashi Hime (The Bridge Princess) and the Noh play Kanawa (The Iron Crown), this peculiar and frightening way of cursing those who have wronged you is definitely next level.
A black-and-white illustration depicting Ushi no koku mairi, a long-haired figure with three candles on the head, writing held up by a string around the neck, standing or floating near a tree. Vertical Japanese text is on the right side of the image.

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.

© Copyright 2026 Uncanny Productions
Buy Me a Coffee at Ko-Fi