Yokai - Uncanny Japan Podcast

Adorable Tanuki: Fluffy, Shape-Shifting, and Lucky! (Ep. 72)

March 15, 2021 | Yokai

Tanuki are those adorable, magical animals you find all through Japanese history. They're in folktales, art, legend, and even in modern day manga and anime. On today's episode I'll talk about these furry, shape-shifting critters, touching on all the well known facts as well as some more obscure ones.

#Uncannytober: Oct 6

Baku: The Eater of Dreams (Ep. 65)

November 30, 2020 | Yokai

The baku is a Japanese mythical creature that, when invited, slips into your room at night to gobble up your nightmares.

Baku by Katsushika Hokusai. Detailed illustration of a lion with a flowing mane and intricate fur texture, drawn on a parchment-colored background.

Yokai Related Sayings (Becoming a Tengu) (Ep. 54)

June 18, 2020 | Yokai, Japanese Language

What if someone told you that you were turning into a tengu, one of those red-faced, long-nosed goblins? What would they mean? In this episode of Uncanny Japan, I talk about a handful of Japanese sayings that are based on yokai.

fuda iriya kishimoujin. Red stamp with Chinese characters surrounded by black handwritten characters on white paper.

Close Encounter With An Amabie (Ep. 49)

April 1, 2020 | Yokai

An amabie is a Japanese yokai that is said to have predicted a plague and then encouraged people to share its image to protect them from that previously predicted plague. Or something like that. The amabie has recently been re-remembered all over Japanese social media with people posting their own adorable depictions of that long-haired, beak-faced, three-footed creature and wishing the current plague (Covid-19) to go away.

The Kappa’s Fart (Ep. 48)

March 15, 2020 | Yokai

A kappa is a small, scrawny, aquatic yokai with a parrot-like beak, a tortoise-style shell on its back, and an indentation on the top of its head full of water. They're found in rivers, lakes, ponds, and even coastal areas. But what do they do? While recently kappa have been rebranded to be very kawaii, that hasn't always been the case. Listen to the newest episode of Uncanny Japan to find out how heinous these slimy critters can be.

The Guest Room Child (Zashiki Warashi) (Ep. 47)

February 27, 2020 | Yokai

During sleep paralysis have you ever the feeling of a ghost child crawling on top of you? If so, you've probably experienced a zashiki warashi (Guest Room Child). But don't worry, they're not bad. In fact, they're the bringer of good luck and fortune.

#Uncannytober: Oct 10

Drawing of Zashiki-Warashi, a girl with long black hair, large dark eyes, and red lips, wearing traditional clothing with a background filled with handwritten text.

Kanashibari and the Pillow Flipper (Makura Gaeshi) (Ep. 46)

February 11, 2020 | Yokai

The makura gaeshi or pillow flipper, was thought to cause kanashibari--sleep paralysis. It happens when you believe you've woken up in bed, but you're actually somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. You’re aware of the room around you, but there's a subtle change in the air. You try to move, but you’re frozen. You try to call out, but you can’t make a sound. It’s a terrifying experience.

Statue of fudo-miyou, a fierce deity with a dark blue face, yellow eyes, fangs, and curly hair, holding a sword, surrounded by a vibrant orange flame backdrop.

Haunted Artifacts (Tsukumogami) (Ep. 44)

December 24, 2019 | Yokai

In Japan when an inanimate object reaches its 100th birthday and perhaps it was mistreated, or lost, or thrown away, it gains a soul and might possibly start playing tricks on people. This is called tsukumogami, or haunted artifacts. In this episode of Uncanny Japan, I talk about the tsukumogami and some traditional ones you could run across on a dark spooky night.

#Uncannytober: Oct 9

Oni Kara Denwa: The Ogre App to Discipline Your Child (Ep. 37)

July 21, 2019 | Yokai, Japanese Superstitions

Ever since I saw a mother discipline her child by threatening to call an oni/ogre, I've been wanting to do talk about this. Then I found out it really is a thing, an app called Oni Kara Denwa (A Call From an Oni, or as it's translated in Japanese: Ghost Call)

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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.

"Thersa's voice is so calming and pleasant, combined with incredibly interesting stories, told with excitement you can feel. It's just truly my favorite podcast to listen to. You really can't explain how perfect this podcast is. A million out of ten stars."
Passingbirds
Apple Podcasts, USA
"I think most podcasts I listen to can use a bit of cutting down. Uncanny Japan almost always leaves me wanting at least a few minutes more!"
joemuse
Apple Podcasts, USA
"I love listening to Uncanny Japan before I go to sleep. Thersa's soothing voice and background noise makes you feel like you're in the countryside of Japan hearing these stories yourself."
Kade Stanford
Apple Podcasts, USA
“I was never really into podcasts until I tried this one. I absolutely ADORE the beautiful soundscapes in the background and Thersa has a very calming and captivating voice. I also really like the bedtime stories for Patrons too. Definitely recommend giving this podcast a listen if you love Japanese folktales. Now it’s my favorite podcast!”
korppi8
Apple Podcasts, USA
"Thersa must have the most soothing voice in the world. On top of that, the podcast is so thoughtfully and lovingly curated, you just can't wait for the next one to come out."
TheGreatScoops
Apple Podcasts, USA
"I love hearing your insights and how you are vulnerable with your listeners by explaining situations where you learned the information. I think it's really wonderful."
japanfan1235
Apple Podcasts, USA
"This podcast is enchanting. Thersa, our hostess, with a voice gentler than a dove's (and a soundscape and music to match) tells tales which evoke a world so magical, darkly poetic and beautiful that Japan and its past seem utterly perfect and perfectly beguiling. I can't get enough of Thersa's world and I suspect you won't either."
Moonlitvioletta
Apple Podcasts, Great Britain
"It can be hard to find firsthand information on Japanese folklore, traditions, and language for non-native speakers; this podcast presents a rare opportunity to learn about this endlessly fascinating country in a fun and easy way."
Draig-dw-i
Apple Podcasts, USA
"As someone who isn't usually interested in history podcasts but interested in Japanese culture, Thersa keeps me interested with well-researched topics that are different than you'd find on a travel channel. With the wonderful background sounds of her surroundings, it covers some dark content while keeping a calm feel to it."
xtaxorx
Apple Podcasts, USA
"Always such interesting stories and commentary! Thersa's calm and clear voice, audio quality and most importantly subject matter always make this podcast one of the highlights of my month."
Elle.f.Hunt
Apple Podcasts, USA
"This is a fantastic bite-sized podcast that sheds light onto details about Japan that are off the usually discussion. These stories shed light into not only Japanese culture, but also idioms and quirks that have made their way across the globe. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in culture and interesting research that entice you to learn more!"
AAAwesome
Apple Podcasts, USA
“I simply love this podcast. I’m a fan of Japan and folklore and this is a great mix of the two. The tales are well researched and incredibly well told. Thersa Matsura’s voice is relaxing and the production quality of the podcast is very high. Can’t get enough of this one!”
jlandkev
Apple Podcasts, Japan
"I just discovered this podcast. As a person interested in Japanese culture, history, myths and folklore, I found this podcast amazing. I'm only a couple of episodes in and it has already become one of my favorite podcasts. Thank you Thersa for doing these, I really enjoy them!"
Malone Hasco
Apple Podcasts, Finland
"Professionally read, researched and produced. Please continue--I look forward to every episode and story. Thank you Terry--you are brilliant and talented and the music by your son is super."
Happy Bodhi
Apple Podcasts, Australia
"With natural background settings and a voice which was made for storytelling, Thersa evokes imagery of old woodblock paintings brought to life through her lesser-known and incredibly interesting tales. I'm so glad I found her podcast!"
Debra Ray
Apple Podcasts, Great Britain
"I look forward so much to each episode. I love how special and unique (and strange) each episode is, a real tiny treasure."
Samrulzsamrulz
Apple Podcasts, Austria

Category: Yokai