The Okiku-chan doll is believed to contain the spirit of the little girl who once owned her. This is seen by her constantly, slow growing hair.
Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Soothing Stories Podcast. Check out her books including The Carp-Faced Boy on Amazon. If you'd like to help support the pod ... Show More
Apr 7
Tsukimono: Possessed by an Animal (Ep. 187)
What is tsukimono? In Japanese culture, it’s the unsettling idea of possession—when a human or animal spirit attaches itself to you and usually does harm. In this episode of Uncanny Japan, I explore animal possession: foxes, dogs, snakes, and even horses that cling to people for ... Show More
32m 28s
Mar 17
Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan's Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)
A vengeful princess rides a giant toad into battle while a monstrous skeleton tears through castle walls — and these two legends are connected in ways you might not expect. In this episode, I dig into the story of Takiyasha Hime, daughter of the infamous Taira no Masakado, and th ... Show More
21m 57s
Feb 16
Why the Year of the Fire Horse is Dreaded in Japan and Cursed Kimonos (Ep. 185)
2026 is the year of the fire horse—a year that happens only once every 60 years. Across East Asia, it symbolizes transformation, intensity, and bold action. But in Japan? It's feared. Birth rates actually plummet during fire horse years because of a superstition that dates back t ... Show More
16m 25s
Apr 2021
223A-Samurai Legends: The Devil went down to Kyoto
Three connected stories of samurai from medieval Japan. On the first, Kintaro, a buff eight-year-old, discovers his destiny. On the second, Watanabe no Tsuna, a samurai warrior in his prime fights a demon that's been terrorizing a gate in Kyoto, and on the third he's recruited by ... Show More
40m 24s
Jul 2021
RU149: DR MIKITA BROTTMAN ON HER BOOK COUPLE FOUND SLAIN: AFTER A FAMILY MURDER, TRUE CRIME
Dr. Mikita Brottman is a writer, mostly of non-fiction. Her work blends memoir, history, psychoanalysis, and creative speculation. Currently, she's especially interested in reconsidering and interrogating the true crime genre. This interest is at the heart of her two most recent ... Show More
1h 7m
Aug 2023
178.【会話後半】Discovery Chat with Miku from Miku Real Japanese | Rokuyō, Superstitions, and Miku's World Tour Plans
<p>Join us once again as we welcome Miku from Miku Real Japanese. In this episode, we delve into intriguing topics, exploring the concept of "六曜Rokuyō," unraveling the mysteries behind Japanese superstitions, and discussing Miku's upcoming grand world tour plans! </ ... Show More
18m 43s
Feb 2021
214-Japanese Folklore: Take Your Lumps
<p>Two short stories from Japan. On the first, an old man is in a tree surrounded by demons and faced with a desperate choice. On the second, a man has a pet that his wife is not thrilled about, so she makes that known. With scissors.</p>
<p>The creature is a sad cow! Or a vamp ... Show More
32m 58s