Uncanny Japan - Myths, Folktales, Superstitions, History and Language

I've had quite a few requests via email, DMs, and reviews for a show on Japanese urban legends. Episode #23 is in answer to those requests. Here are two urban myths that have always intrigued me: The Slit-Mouthed Woman (kuchisake onna) and The White Thread That Comes from Your Ear (mimi kara shiroi ito). Notes: Intro and Outro music is provided by Julyan Matsuura. He also does the music beds for my Bedtime Stories (available on Patreon).

Here are the last four Buddhist Hot Hells for your enjoyment. There is extreme heat, much screaming, and a flaming rooster. Also, I was able to catch a local summer festival on the binaural mics. That is very cool.

The first of two podcasts this month, Episode 21: Screaming and Crushing in Four Buddhist Hells, is just about that, four of the eight Buddhist Hot Hells. Come listen to what happens when you kill a mosquito, commit mutiny, or convince your drunken friend to do your evil bidding. Also, you don't want to lie, lest an oni pull your tongue out with red hot pliers. Look. That's what it says right up there.

The third Monday of July is Umi no Hi (海の日), Marine Day, so this month on Uncanny Japan I decided to talk about three otherworldly ocean creatures: Ship Goddesses, Boat Ghosts, and Sea Monks. Funa dama (船霊), funa yurei (船幽霊), and umi bozu (海坊主). This month's Bedtime Story (over on Patreon) is a folktale I translated called: The Umbrella Sea Monster.

The Heavenly Demon (Amanojaku) + Bedtime Story! (Ep. 19)

The God of Smallpox (Housougami) (Ep. 18)

Granny Dumping Mountain (Ubasute Yama) (Ep. 17)

Playing Hide and Seek by Yourself (Hitori Kakurenbo) (Ep. 16)

Inviting a Friend to Die (Rokuyo) (Ep. 15)

Living Buddhas-kinda… (Sokushinbutsu) (Ep. 14)

Teachers Running (Shiwasu) (Ep. 13)

Tricky Numbers (Goro Awase) (Ep. 12)

The Devil’s Gate (Kimon) (Ep. 11)

Hungry Ghosts (Gaki) (Ep. 10)

Obon Part Two-Sending Away Fires (Okuribi) (Ep. 9)