Podcast Episodes

Japan's Most Famous Ghost: My Retelling of Oiwa and the Yotsuya Kaidan

Season 9 Episode 179

It's October. Time to pull a blanket around your shoulders, light a candle against the dark, and listen to a good old-fashioned ghost story.

There are many versions of the tragic tale of Japan's most…

Published on 10 hours ago

Sanshi: The Three Body-Parasite Problem

Season 9 Episode 178

I finally got to go on a walk again after all the oppressive August heat. I live around rice fields, mostly. There are some houses, of course, along the main road, and then every so often, a knee-hig…

Published on 3 weeks ago

A Handful of Deadly Beach Beauties

Season 9 Episode 177

Japan's summer heat is inescapable, driving people to seek relief at the beach. But what if I told you there are supernatural dangers lurking along Japan's 14,125 islands that make rip currents seem …

Published on 1 month ago

Introducing Uncanny Japan

Uncanny Japan is a podcast about all the more obscure corners of old Japan, from strange superstitions, cultural curiosities, to creepy creatures. Here you can discover all the lesser known gems that…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Japanese Afterlife Guide: Navigate Buddhist Hell & Death

Season 9 Episode 176

So, you've died in Japan. Let me help you navigate the underworld and if we can, avoid the nastiest hells.

What does Japanese Buddhism suggest happens after death? I found these traditional afterl…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Taira no Masakado: The First Samurai's Flying Head & Tokyo's Cursed Shrine

Season 9 Episode 175

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night wondering who Japan's first samurai was? And then maybe wondering if severed heads can actually fly? Well, that's exactly what I want to talk to you …

Published on 2 months ago

Saiō ga Uma: The Old Man's Horse & Finding Peace with Uncertainty

Season 9 Episode 174

It's very strange, but this ancient Japanese proverb "Saiō ga Uma" has been popping up in my thoughts a lot lately. I kept hearing it mentioned, so I thought I'd share what I discovered.

"Saiō ga Uma…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

Susanoo: Japan's Storm God - Chaos to Redemption

Season 9 Episode 173

Ever wonder what happens when a Japanese god has serious anger management issues? This is the second episode in my Myth Tales series, and I want to share what I discovered about Susanoo, the storm de…

Published on 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Tsuyu: Japan's Dreaded Fifth Season - Rain, Mold, and Yokai Spirits

Season 9 Episode 172

Don't let anyone tell you Japan has four distinct seasons. You'll hear that a lot. But it's not true. Japan actually has five seasons. Everyone forgets tsuyu, the rainy season, and all that entails.

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago

Tōdaiki: The Candlestick Demon & Tang Dynasty Diplomatic Horror

Season 9 Episode 171

Think modern travel is stressful? At least you probably won't end up transformed into a living candlestick by dark magic.

I've always been fascinated by stories about people who leave home and never …

Published on 5 months ago