How to find and identify your own Yokai (Ep. 118)
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
Ushi Oni: The Bloodthirsty Cow Demon (Ep. 117)
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
Shichifukujin: Your Personal Lucky God (Ep. 116)
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
Six Japanese New Year Rules: Ancient Oshōgatsu Taboos (Ep. 115)
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
Temple Statues: Why All the Red Bibs? (Ep. 114)
While strolling through the grounds of a Japanese temple or shrine you have no doubt seen the endearing sight of a statues decked out in red bibs. But why? Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. He...
16 Des 202221min
Karasu: Japanese Crows, Myths and Superstitions (Ep. 113)
The myth and superstition around Japanese crows/karasu is long and fascinating, sometimes quite weird. Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Sooth...
1 Des 202223min
Goshuin: Temple or Shrine Stamps (Ep. 112)
Goshuin are special stamps you can get when you visit a shrine or temple. In this episode I'll tell you what exactly they are, how to get them, and the manners involved. Uncanny Japan is author Thers...
18 Nov 202228min
Creepy Story Time: Hashihime / The Bridge Maiden (Ep. 111)
My version of a creepy Japanese legend called Uji no Hashi Hime/The Maiden of the Bridge. Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Soothing Stories P...
31 Okt 202231min
