Uncanny Japan Podcast By SpectreVision Radio cover art

Uncanny Japan

Uncanny Japan

By: SpectreVision Radio
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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 crickets, rice field frogs) all recorded right here in Japan. Thersa Matsuura is a writer, folklorist, and graduate of the Clarion West workshop. Drawing on her over thirty-five years of living in Japan, she is the author of The Book of Japanese Folklore. Her horror short story collection (The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales) was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. Her forthcoming works include the Yokai Oracle Deck (Fall, 2025) and Legends of Japanese Mythology (Eyes Wide Editions, 2026). SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring the anomalous, the luminous, and the numinous. We’re a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. ⁠spectrevisionradio.com⁠ ⁠linktr.ee/spectrevision⁠Copyright ©2025 Uncanny Productions Art Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Ofuda & Omamori: Lucky Talismans & Charms

    Ofuda & Omamori: Lucky Talismans & Charms
    Apr 21 2026
    After exploring animal spirit possession last episode, Thersa turns to the Japanese ways of staying safe, getting a little lucky, and maybe even finding love through ofuda and omamori, talismans and charms filled with divine power and everyday hope. With birdsong in the background and stories woven throughout, the episode ends on a quietly unsettling note that has ushi no koku mairi (cursing your enemies) vibes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Tsukimono: Possessed by an Animal (Ep. 187)

    Tsukimono: Possessed by an Animal (Ep. 187)
    Apr 7 2026
    What is tsukimono? In Japanese culture, it’s the unsettling idea of possession—when a human or animal spirit attaches itself to you and usually does harm. In this episode of Uncanny Japan, I explore animal possession: foxes, dogs, snakes, and even horses that cling to people for reasons both known and unknowable. What causes it? How can you tell if someone is possessed? And what happens when superstition crosses into real-world harm? I talk about real eerie (and sometimes silly) historical accounts to my own deeply personal experience. I also look at the strange, the supernatural, and the very human consequences of this fascinating belief. Perfect for listening while relaxing, walking, or drifting off to sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan's Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)

    Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan's Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)
    Mar 17 2026
    A vengeful princess rides a giant toad into battle while a monstrous skeleton tears through castle walls — and these two legends are connected in ways you might not expect. In this episode, I dig into the story of Takiyasha Hime, daughter of the infamous Taira no Masakado, and the terrifying Gashadokuro. How did a princess become a sorceress? What kind of magic involves frogs? And is that famous skeleton in Kuniyoshi's print really what everyone thinks it is? I even found the actual spell she used to summon the skeleton. Should I read it aloud? [Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that at no cost to you, if you use and purchase through them I receive a small compensation. This is paid by the retailer. It also helps support me and my artistic endeavors. Thank you.] Follow Uncanny Japan Patreon Uncanny Japan Website Thersa Matsuura Website Books on Amazon YouTube Facebook Instagram Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution) Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Credits Music by Julyan Ray Matsuura About SpectreVision Radio SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring creativity, the esoteric, and the unknown. We're a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions. spectrevisionradio.com linktr.ee/spectrevisionsocial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
All stars
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Okay, the first couple of minutes I thought the voice was a little creepy because I thought the narrator sounded like a snake lady. Then, after listening for 15 minutes I was super intrigued. The Japanese words that are taught in English in this podcast is such valuable information, the folklore in general is amazing and explained beautifully. I’m happy to finally find something that is both entertaining and informative. Seriously, I went through 4 bad books that were incredibly boring on Japanese folklore. I was very hesitant because I don’t listen to podcasts and thought I’d give it a try, sooo glad I did. Thank youuu!!!! 🙏🏻

Unexpectedly Good

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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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