Hey hey, this is Thersa Matsuura and you’re listening to Uncanny Japan the podcast about the more obscure corners of Japanese culture. Mysterious yōkai, fascinating folktales, endearing superstitions and more.
So it’s almost Halloween and I promised to read Lafcadio Hearn’s Botan Doro, or The Peony Lantern. You’ll remember I talked a bit about last episode when I read my article in Sothybys about Japan’s sandai kaidan, or three great ghost stories.
So here it is. A heads up, though. Of the three stories, the one about Oiwa and Okiku and Otsuyu, today’s story about Otsuyu is the lesser known. Why? Not because it is a lesser story, but because it involves a little, um, necrophilia. Ghostaphila?
Hearn’s words are gorgeous and nuanced and I don’t think young listeners will catch exactly what’s going on, but you might want to give it a listen just in case.
I want to express my appreciation to you for your fascinating and enlightening podcast.
Also, my quite hyperactive grandson, who will not be still for rhyme or reason, will sit motionless and listen to every word you speak on our car rides, and if I forget, will ask me to put the Japanese lady on whenever we go anywhere.
When my wife or other kids are in the car they complain that my radio is broke because it’s making an horrible wailing static sound but we’re entranced by your voice and refuse to turn it off.
I know you won’t ask us to do anything bad and I hope your at peace wherever you are, “Japanese Lady.”
Ah, that’s so sweet of you and your grandson╰(*´︶`*)╯♡. I hope the *podcast magic* eventually works on the rest of the family and passengers as well *･゜ﾟ*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)’･*･゜ﾟ･*. Sending happy wishes to your and yours as well. Thank you! I’ve been having a bad week and you made me feel much better.