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Japanese Myths, Folktales, Folklore and Language

Episodes

Tōdaiki: The Candlestick Demon & Tang Dynasty Diplomatic Horror (Ep. 171)

What happens when diplomatic missions go terrifyingly wrong? I'll tell you two fascinating tales of Japanese envoys to Tang Dynasty China - one horrific transformation, and one clever magical triumph. Both reveal the incredible risks of ancient cultural exchanges.
Demon with candlestick head in Japanese setting

Lafcadio Hearn’s “Readings from a Dream Book”: Mystical Meditations on Consciousness (Ep. 170)

In this episode, I share something we all might need right now - a little break from reality through this very dreamy and sometimes nightmarish Lafcadio Hearn piece "Readings from a Dream Book." Against soothing Pacific Ocean waves, I read this shockingly relevant meditation on consciousness, impermanence, and existence itself.
Skeletal figure in water with big wave 'Uncanny Japan Ep. 170' text

Ryūjin: Harnessing the Power of Japan’s Undersea Dragon God (Ep. 169)

Come and walk with me along a beach. Let's journey together, down to the bottom of the ocean to an underwater dragon palace called the Ryugu, owned and lorded over by Ryūjin, the dragon god.
Close-up of Ryūjin, the Japanese dragon god, with striking red eyes and intricate scales.

Mt. Fuji: A Fire Resistant Princess and a Sword Licking Mystic (Ep. 168)

In this episode, I share the legend of Princess Konohanasakuya-hime and how Mount Fuji got its name, plus a story about a mystic who had a very strange way of testing swords.
Mount Fuji with a old fashioned tanuki in a Japanese-inspired design

Kanto vs Kansai: How Japanese Regional Food Differs (Ep. 167)

What happens when an entire country can't agree on how to make the same dish? In this episode I talk about one of my favorite topics - the Kanto versus Kansai divide that splits Japan right down the middle.
A promotional image for a travel show episode featuring a scenic background of cherry blossoms and a red pagoda, with the text 'Explore! Small Group Adventures Ep. 167' and a map highlighting the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan, discussing the theme 'Kanto vs Kansai: Which Food is Best'.

The Golden Pavilion Has Weird Ghosts (Ep. 166)

In this episode, I'll be taking you on a journey to visit the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. I'll tell you about its real name, lightning strikes, arson attack, and some pretty weird monk spirits that show up in photos.
Golden Pavilion reflecting in a pond

Walking in Old Japan: The Gokaidō Historical Routes (Ep. 165)

In this episode, I'll be taking you on a stroll along the walking routes of Old Edo. There were five main ones, called go-kaidō - the five Edo routes, or the five historical roads of Japan. All five started at the exact same point on the Nihonbashi Bridge in then-Edo, now Tōkyō. Today, let's learn specifically about the two longer ones that led travelers to the old capital of Kyōto, the Tōkaidō and the Nakasendō.
Uncanny Japan logo with a traveler carrying a his wares.

Fudomyō: The Unshakable One and Fire Ceremonies (Ep. 164)

Meet Fudomyō, the fierce-looking but benevolent Buddhist deity who, despite his intimidating appearance with wild eyes and fangs, exists to help humanity. Learn about this Wisdom King's symbolic elements and the powerful Goma fire ceremony where his purifying flames burn away worldly desires and suffering.
Uncanny Japan logo with Fudomyo deity illustration
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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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