Botan Dōrō: Lafcadio Hearn's Japanese Ghost Love Story (Ep. 158)
A young samurai loses a shuttlecock over a garden fence and finds something far more dangerous: a beautiful woman who leads him into her home, serves him wine, and dances for him. When he discovers sh...
15 Okt 202424min
Japan's Three Great Ghost Stories: Okiku, Oiwa, and Otsuyu (Ep. 157)
Japan's three great ghost stories feature the onryō (vengeful ghosts) of Okiku, Oiwa, and Otsuyu. These tales have captivated audiences for centuries through ukiyo-e woodblock prints, kabuki theater, ...
1 Okt 202415min
Japanese Supernatural Trees: Bloodthirsty Kodama & Cursed Jubokko (Ep. 156)
Walk through a Japanese forest alone and feel that ancient presence watching you. Maybe it's kodama, the protective tree spirits that appear as ghostly lights. Or perhaps it's something more dangerous...
16 Sep 202418min
Japanese Caterpillar Cult: The Tokoyo no Kami Uprising of 644 CE (Ep. 155)
In 644 CE, a man named Ōfube-no-Ō starts a new religion in Shizuoka Prefecture. His claim? A caterpillar living in mandarin orange trees is the god of eternal life. Worship it properly, and you'll gai...
1 Sep 202412min
Moshi Moshi! You're About to Meet Some Demons! (Ep. 154)
Two fascinating phrases in Japanese that have very creepy origins. What are you really doing when you answer the phone "moshi moshi" anyway? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you ...
15 Aug 202419min
The Tragic (or not?) Tale of Anchin and Kiyohime (Ep. 153)
The Tale of Anchin and Kiyohime is an epic story of love, betrayal, and transformation into a serpent dragon, but there are several versions of this classic. [This description contains Amazon affili...
30 Jul 202420min
Hokkaido Yōkai and Mythical Creatures (Ep. 152)
The northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, also has its own brand of yōkai and mythical creatures. Here I talk about seven of them. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on...
17 Jul 202416min
Chopsticks: Godly Tools or Death Bringers? ( Ep. 151)
Discover the intricacies of Japanese chopstick etiquette and lore. Learn about godly chopsticks, taboos that can bring death, and the concept of 'wa' (harmony) in Japanese culture. Avoid social faux p...
27 Jun 202422min
