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Japanese Myths, Folktales, Folklore and Language

Episodes

Ushi Oni: The Bloodthirsty Cow Demon (Ep. 117)

There are a lot of legends and stories about the ushi oni, a dreadful yōkai that has the head of an ox and the body of a giant spider, with blades on its feet.
Traditional Japanese painting of Ushioni, a monstrous spider with menacing facial features and large fangs, set against a parchment-like background.

Shichifukujin: Your Personal Lucky God (Ep. 116)

Which of the Seven Lucky Gods is your patron deity and what does it mean?
The Laughing Buddha Hotei

Six New Year’s No-Nos (Ep. 115)

In old Japan there were six rules, six things you weren't allowed to do on the first three days of the New Year. How do you score on the Six No Nos List?
Ukiyoe image of two men fighting with Mount Fuji and rising sun in background

Temple Statues: Why All the Red Bibs? (Ep. 114)

While strolling through the grounds of a Japanese temple or shrine you have no doubt seen the endearing sight of a statues decked out in red bibs. But why?
A forest scene with numerous stone fox statues wearing red bibs.

Karasu: Japanese Crows, Myths and Superstitions (Ep. 113)

The myth and superstition around Japanese crows/karasu is long and fascinating, and sometimes quite weird.
Ink painting of a crow on a branch with calligraphy

Goshuin: Temple or Shrine Stamps (Ep. 112)

Goshuin are special stamps you can get when you visit a shrine or temple. In this episode I'll tell you what exactly they are, how to get them, and the manners involved.
Goshuin, Japanese calligraphy and red stamps on a folded paper with wooden background.

Creepy Story Time: Hashihime / The Bridge Maiden (Ep. 111)

My version of a creepy Japanese legend called Uji no Hashi Hime/The Maiden of the Bridge.
Hashihime in white clothing stands on the water with a large dark silhouette and swirling red forms in the background. Structures resembling bridges and glowing lights are seen among the darkness.

Ōkami: Japanese Wolf Part 2 Legends and Lore (Ep. 110)

In part 2 of the ōkami, the Japanese wolf, I talk more about the legends and lore behind the beautiful beast.
Statue of Japanese Wolf from Daikouji Temple on Haruno Mountain
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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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