
Uncanny Japan is a podcast about all the more obscure corners of old Japan, from strange superstitions, cultural curiosities, to creepy creatures. Here you can discover all the lesser known gems that author Thersa Matsuura digs up while doing research for her writing. Every episode is uniquely soothing, brought to life by immersive sound design or relaxing binaural soundscapes (ocean waves, autumn... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 202 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureHistory | |||

The cicadas are fading, the bell crickets are singing, and autumn is beginning to creep into Japan. There’s an old saying: aki no hi wa tsurube otoshi—“an autumn day falls like a well bucket”—describing how suddenly darkness arrives this time of year... more
This episode is story time. We’re traveling to the remote Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan for an old Japanese tale collected by Richard Gordon Smith in his 1908 book Ancient Tales and Folk-Lore of Japan.
When young Tokoyo sets out to find her banish... more
In Japan, ghosts don’t wait for October.
Summer—especially the hot, humid weeks around Obon—has long been the season for ghost stories, strange encounters, and deliberately scaring yourself silly.
In this episode of Uncanny Japan, we’ll sit down fo... more
Every Obon, Japan’s ancestral spirits return home—guided by tiny fires and carried on cucumber horses. This year, for the first time, I’m responsible for preparing my father-in-law’s family altar. Join me for cauldron lids, lost ghosts, strange noise... more
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As a Japanese who grew up overseas, this podcast is a great source for me to learn Japanese cultures and customs in a fun way! My favorites are episodes on oshogatsu and obon! Please keep them coming!
Very interesting and relaxing podcast. I like learning more from Japan folktales
I used to live near Lafcadio Hearn’s old home in Kumamoto (author of Kwaidan) and love the darker side of Japanese folklore and history. This podcast is so great to listen to in quiet times and evenings. Wishing the host all the best for navigating her life changes. Stay strong and keep putting your excellent work out there. Maybe the year of the Fire Horse might see the show go weekly.
Where are you
The best way to make a podcast is by using the right tool to create the best content. its you!!
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Apple Podcasts | #205 |
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A soothing, immersive series that explores obscure corners of Japanese folklore, history, and superstition through long-form storytelling and atmospheric sound design. Episodes blend traditional lore with personal memories, behind-the-scenes notes, and practical cultural context, often weaving in regional rituals, historical figures, and modern-day observations. A standout is the deeply crafted, cinematic narration that helps listeners feel transported to temples, coastlines, and festival floors, making esoteric topics approachable and relaxing for curious adults. The show's thoughtful production, archival research, and occasional author-promotional angles are noteworthy, and its niche focus on lesser-known myths and practices offers a dist... more
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1. NOCTURNAL TRANSMISSIONS : dark tales, both old and new, performed by voice artist Kristin Holland
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3. The HorrorBabble Podcast
4. History of Japan
5. Lore
Uncanny Japan launched 10 years ago and published 202 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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