Uncanny Japan logo

Category: Japanese Stories 

Story Time: “Readings from the Dream Book” by Lafcadio Hearn (Ep. 170)

Terrie reads Lafcadio Hearn's metaphysical story "Readings from a Dream-book," a collection of ethereal fragments that explore the nature of consciousness, mortality, and cosmic existence.
A graphic featuring a stylized skull with cartoonish eyes and a mischievous grin, surrounded by crashing ocean waves. The text UNCANNY JAPAN is prominently displayed at the top, with Ep. 170 and the subtitle Readings From a Dream Book featured below.

Story Time: “Go-Away Monkey” (Ep. 159)

Okappa, a young woman living in a town ravaged by disease, encounters a traveling performer, Hanshiro, and his monkey, Fukumimi.
monkey wearing kimono wearing chain on ankle, large tengu mask

A Delightful Dive into Meiji Era Yokai News (Ep. 137)

Today I’m going to do something a little different, again. I’m going to give you some real yōkai and paranormal news. Not current news, but stories that were actually published in newspapers during the late 1800s — and not in tabloids either, but in regular ol’ papers. And they are absolutely delightful to read.
Colorful drawing of a giant green turtle labeled HERO near a castle-like structure with Nijō written on it, with a sad person on the left side and trees in the background under a bright sun.

“The Other Side” A Creepy Japanese Ghost Story (Ep. 135)

"The Other Side" is a ghost story I wrote using some of the more common Japanese scary tropes. Put on some headphones and turn out the lights and let me tell you a story.
Dimly lit brick tunnel with arched ceiling and a series of lights leading into the distance.

“Concerning Tea”… a reading (Ep. 129)

Learn about the history of tea and the tea ceremony in Japan, its origins in Buddhist rituals, and its later development into an art form. Listen to stories about the famous tea masters Rikyu and the legendary monk Daruma.
painting of a cup of cold green tea teapot nearby
1 2 3

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 2025 Uncanny Productions
Buy Me a Coffee at Ko-Fi