Uncanny Japan

Discover the history of ohaguro, a traditional practice in Japan where people blacken their teeth. Dating back to the Yayoi era, Ohaguro was first practiced only by the aristocracy but eventually spre...

16 Apr 202322min

Bloom and Gloom or Cherry Blossom Folk Beliefs or Sakura: The Wonderful and the Worrisome Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Soothing Stories P...

31 Mar 202325min

Today we're going to talk about a yokai I've always be quite fond of, a little fella called Akaname or the Scum Licker! Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podc...

17 Mar 202314min

Shippei Taro is both a folktale and a nanafushigi (strange occurance). I'll tell you all about this local legend as well as read you my translation of the famous story. Uncanny Japan is author Thersa...

1 Mar 202324min

Explore the parallel world or ikai, and how it is inhabited not just by ghosts or spirits but also by yokai. Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The...

15 Feb 202321min

The Ushi Oni is a Japanese legend of an ox-headed demon/ogre. It has different appearances but is often depicted as a giant spider with ox head, soft body and red horns. They are commonly found near w...

31 Jan 202323min

Which of the Seven Lucky Gods is your patron deity and what does it mean? Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Soothing Stories Podcast. Check ou...

15 Jan 202322min

No cleaning for three days straight. No knives. No fire. And definitely no fighting with your family. Sound impossible? There were the six strict rules Japanese people followed during oshōgatsu—the N...

30 Des 202218min