Uncanny Japan - Japanese Folklore, Folktales, Myths and Language Podcast By Uncanny Productions cover art

Uncanny Japan - Japanese Folklore, Folktales, Myths and Language

Uncanny Japan - Japanese Folklore, Folktales, Myths and Language

By: Uncanny Productions
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About this listen

Speculative fiction writer, long-term resident of Japan and Bram Stoker Award finalist Thersa Matsuura explores all that is weird from old Japan—strange superstitions, folktales, cultural oddities, and interesting language quirks. These are little treasures she digs up while doing research for her writing.Copyright ©2024 Uncanny Productions Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • 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

    Show more Show less
    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

    Show more Show less
    20 mins
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Absolutely loving this podcast, been a huge blessing on my days having found it, definitely recommend.

Passion, skill, thoughtful, done with love

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I love storys, everything Japan, and fun weird creatures, this podcast has everything. I love this podcast so much! I lean tones of interesting facts and Japanese words every time I listen. Iv almost listened to every episodes and can’t wait every time a new one comes out! I highly recommend this podcast if you like Japanese history, mythology, or just fun/creepy story’s this podcast is for you!

Absolutely Amazing! Yo Kai storys!

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I put it all in the title: the stories are great and well structured her voice is soothing

Well told stories, calm but engaging voice, great audio

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I’m addicted to this podcast and has become a huge part of my night going back and listening to all the older episodes.

Delightful

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She's awesome, great presentation and impressively detailed deep dives on every subject for such short episodes.

Great podcast.

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