November 1, 2025

Sukima-onna: The Women in the Gaps — “What Empty Spaces Need” — A Skit! (Ep. 181)

Japanese Urban Legends, Japanese Folklore

Reading Time: 1 Minute

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a1 05 after taping

a2 drinking

a2 01 fake sarah 1

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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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"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