• Myth Tales Vol. 2: The Wonderfully Unhinged Susanoo (Ep. 173)
    Jun 9 2025

    This second installment of Myth Tales dives into the wild, chaotic life of Susanoo — Japan's tempestuous god of storms and sea. From being birthed out of a sneeze to slaying a monstrous eight-headed dragon, Susanoo’s mythos is as thrilling as it is unhinged.

    If you like gods with a flair for drama and destruction (and a redemption arc to boot), you’ll love this episode.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    25 mins
  • Tsuyu: The Dreaded Fifth Season in Japan (Ep. 172)
    May 24 2025

    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...

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    20 mins
  • Tōdaiki: The Truly Horrific Tale of the Candlestick Demon (Ep. 171)
    May 7 2025

    Two tales of travel that went awry. The first is the gruesome story of "Tōdaik" ("The Candlestick Demon") and the second a sillier legend of "Minister Kibi's Adventures in China".

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    20 mins
  • Story Time: "Readings from the Dream Book" by Lafcadio Hearn (Ep. 1 70)
    Apr 22 2025

    Terrie reads Lafcadio Hearn's metaphysical story "Readings from a Dream-book," a collection of ethereal fragments that explore the nature of consciousness, mortality, and cosmic existence.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    26 mins
  • Harnessing the Power of the Dragon God: Ryūjin (Ep. 169)
    Apr 8 2025

    Join Thersa on a journey aboard a magical sea turtle down to the underwater palace of Ryūjin, the Japanese Dragon God. Explore the the Ryūgūjō Castle, meet its mythical inhabitants, and delve into the powerful lore surrounding this deity. Discover Ryūjin's abilities to control tides, grant wishes, and ward off evil, and learn practical ways you might connect with the spirit of the Dragon God, from ancient prayers to modern talismans.

    Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    21 mins
  • Mt. Fuji: A Fire Resistant Princess and a Sword Licking Mystic (Ep. 168)
    Mar 22 2025

    Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay the bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy.

    Explore the fascinating legends surrounding Japan's most iconic mountain. Discover the extraordinary myth of Konohana Sakuya Hime, the stunningly beautiful goddess of Mt. Fuji who gave birth amid flames, and the bizarre tale of En no Gyōja, a mountain ascetic with supernatural powers who could hop between mountain peaks and lick swords. Beyond the folklore, learn practical information about climbing Fuji-san, why Hakone offers some of the best views, and cultural insights about Japan's most sacred peak.

    Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    16 mins
  • A Kanto Vs Kansai Culinary Journey (Ep. 167)
    Mar 6 2025

    Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay for rent and recent hospital bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy.

    In this episode of Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura explores the culinary rivalry between Kanto (Tokyo region) and Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto area). Discover the fascinating differences in flavors, preparation methods, and cultural attitudes that shape Japan's regional cuisines - from miso soup bases to tempura batters, unagi cutting techniques, and the contrasting takes on beloved dishes like okonomiyaki and tamagoyaki.

    Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    17 mins
  • The Golden Pavilion Has Weird Ghosts (Ep. 166)
    Feb 22 2025

    * Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay for rent and recent hospital bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy.

    Join Terrie on a trip to Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion and uncover its lesser-known stories: its real name isn't Kinkaku-ji, it survived multiple lightning strikes, and visitors claim to capture photos of ghostly monks sunbathing on its golden roof. From samurai architecture to modern-day supernatural tales, this episode unravels the temple's fascinating history.

    Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore.

    [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.]

    Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon.

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb
    Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura
    Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social
    Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/
    Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thersa-Matsuura/e/B002CWZ73Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1500180689&sr=8-1

    Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan

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    13 mins