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Japanese Myths, Folktales, Folklore and Language

Episodes

The Salt God and the Magic of Salt (Ep. 162)

Have you ever watched a sumo match? On top of a square, packed-earth platform called a dohyo stand two giant wrestlers (called rikishi). They’re wearing nothing but a mawashi — a thirty-foot long, two foot wide thick silk loincloth and have their hair waxed with fragrant binzuke into a beautiful chonmage. Before they enter the […]
A whimsical illustration of a character with pointed ears and colorful clothing, sitting cross-legged in front of a traditional Japanese torii gate. The background features greenery and stone structures, with text overlay reading 'The God of Salt' and 'Episode 62.'

Turbo Granny and Her Fast-Footed Friends (Ep. 161)

Turbo Granny is a Japanese urban legend about a fleet-footed old woman, but did you know she has friends?
An animated elderly woman in a purple outfit runs alongside a speeding gray car, with vibrant trees blurred in the background. The text 'Turbo Granny Ep. 161' is displayed in a playful font.

Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons – Enticing Language (Ep. 160)

Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons — Enticing Language and a Quiz!  Don’t worry. You can’t fail.  Hi! Uncanny Japan here. I took a month off, pre-recorded several episodes, and visited the States to see family and friends. I got back to Japan at the tail end of October. Here it is November 15th or thereabouts […]
A cartoonish illustration featuring a sea pig with fish-like features and a cheerful expression, swimming in waves, alongside a green, dragon-like creature with a playful demeanor, set against a dark background. The title 'Sea Pigs & Dirt Dragons' is prominently displayed at the top.

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

Japan’s Three Great Ghost Stories (Ep. 157)

Japan’s 3 Great Ghost Stories, featuring vengeful female spirits, have captivated audiences for centuries through art from ukiyo-e prints to modern horror films.
Drawings of the three great female ghosts of japan, okiku, otsuyu, and oiwa

Supernatural Trees Part 1: Bloodthirsty and Cursed (Ep. 156)

Japanese folklore features various tree spirits, like Kodama protectors and Jubokko bloodsuckers, with camellias shifting from auspicious to ominous.
A digital illustration of a fantastical forest scene featuring a large, gnarled tree with green and white foliage. There are skulls and hints of blood on the tree trunk, and a dilapidated house is partially visible in the background. The text 'Yōkai Trees' is prominently displayed in orange at the top.
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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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