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Supernatural Japan
Supernatural Japan is a podcast about the weirder side of Japan. Learn about hauntings, ghostly tales, legends, UFOs, and a lot more. Join host Kevin O'Shea and guests as they investigate and research the spookier side of Japan. Sometimes serious, sometimes light-hearted and always interesting, this podcast has a little something for everyone interested in Japan, history, and the supernatural.
Episodes
29 episodes
Lucky Animals in Japan - Part 1 - Swallows and Owls
Today, we’re diving into the world of lucky animals—creatures believed to bring fortune, protection, and prosperity in Japanese culture. From the wise owl to the mystical fox, these animals are more than just symbols; they are deeply wov...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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12:42
Teke Teke テケテケ – The Ghost That Crawls
Teke Teke テケテケ is a Japanese urban legend about the ghost of a Japanese school girl hunting those she can find. She was hit by a train and severed in half. She became an onryo, or a vengeful spirit. She lurks in urban areas and roams train stat...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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8:16
The Legend of Oiran Buchi - Chilling Betrayal at “The Courtesan’s Bridge"
The story of Oiran Buchi, also known as "The Courtesan’s Bridge," is a chilling legend from Japan, specifically associated with a region in Yamanashi Prefecture. However, its eerie reputation has reached far and wide, including being recounted ...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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10:37
Awashima Jinja - Japan’s Shrine for Unwanted (Haunted?) Dolls
In this episode of the Supernatural Japan Podcast, we explore the mystical Awashima Shrine in Wakayama, Japan—a sacred site renowned for its unique connection to dolls and fertility. Known as the resting place for old ...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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9:17
Japanese Yokai: Dorotabo - Muddy Rice-field Monk
In this bite-sized episode, we look at the Dorotabō (泥田坊, "muddy rice field monk"), who is a type of yokai from Japanese folklore. It is believed to be the restless spirit of a farmer who, in life, worked tirelessly to cultivate and care for...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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5:15
Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女) - The Slit-Mouthed Woman
In this episode, we delve into the chilling Japanese urban legend of Kuchisake-ona. We explore the origins of this tale, which tells of a vengeful spirit who approaches individuals, particularly children, asking, "Am I pretty?" Depending on ...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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12:00
Hibagon (ヒバゴン) - Japan’s Bigfoot
The Hibagon (ヒバゴン) is the Japanese equivalent of the North American Bigfoot. Many believe that it inhabits the areas around Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In this episode, we talk to Canadian author Kyle Brink. He has been re...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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54:12
Japanese Yokai: Akaname - The Filth Licker (Bathroom Licker)
The Akaname (垢嘗め) is a yokai from Japanese folklore with a rather unique and unsettling role—it is known as the "filth licker." Its name translates to "scum licker" or "grime licker," and it is said to haunt dirty bathrooms, bathhouses, and oth...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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4:42
Tokyo’s Haunted Yokoamicho Park and Ireido Hall
Nestled in Yokoamicho Park in Tokyo, Japan, stands the Ireido Memorial Hall, a sacred space dedicated to the tens of thousands who perished in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 as well as the Tokyo Air aids of WW2. Thousands of people died ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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14:20
Japanese Yokai: The Tanuki - Japan’s Shapeshifting Trickster
The Tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, is a unique creature in Japanese culture, blending real-world zoology with centuries of rich folklore. Its mythical counterpart is a shapeshifting trickster and a symbol of good fortune in Japanese my...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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14:02
The Inunaki Village 犬鳴村 (Terrifying Japanese Uban Legend)
In this episode, we examine the well-known and terrifying tale of the Inunaki Village in Fukuoka, Prefecture in Japan. Was there a mysterious village locked in time where its residents terrorize any unfortunate soul who stumbles across it? T...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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13:55
Japanese Yokai - Kappa
Japanese Yokai are supernatural creatures or spirits in Japanese folklore and mythology. In this podcast episode, we look at the most iconic Japanese Yokai, the Kappa. Kappa are mischievous and sometimes dangerous, known for pulling peopl...
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Episode 17
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10:41
Haunted Osaka - Shirokita Park
During the final days of World War 2, the city of Osaka suffered greatly from Allied bombing. Many industrial complexes along Osaka’s Yodo River were targeted. On one fateful day, more than a thousand factory workers, women, and children lost t...
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Episode 16
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12:24
The Ghosts of Hachioji Castle
The Hachioji Castle ruins are located near Tokyo, Japan in Hachioji City. In 1590, this was the site of a brutal battle that saw the Hojo Call fall to the powerful forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. To avoid capture, the families of the defenders br...
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Episode 15
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19:01
The Ghost of Kobe's Ikuta Shrine
In this episode we visit the port city of Kobe, Japan. In the heart of the city, in Sannomiya, is Ikuta Shrine. It’s stood there formore than a thousand years and has gone through many changes and at times, some tragic events. Visitors to Ikuta...
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17:21
Mossie, Japan’s Loch Ness Monster
When we think of famous cryptids, Bigfoot, Yeti, and chupacabra come to mind, but Japan has its fair share of mysterious creatures. The first recorded sightings of o mysterious sea serpent-like creature, dubbed Mossie, date back to the early 19...
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Episode 13
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11:55
The Gifu Poltergeist and Spooky Tales with Phillip Jackson
In this Halloween week episode, we chat with Japan-based writer Phillip Jackson. He talks about his new books, Paranormal Japan as well as Tengu and Other Stories. Phillip shares some tales from his latest book including ones about the Gifu ...
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Episode 12
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39:17
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Tokyo’s Haunted Sunshine 60 Building サンシャイン60
Tokyo’s iconic Sunshine 60 Building サンシャイン60, is a landmark familiar to anyone who’s visited the city. It was once the tallest skyscraper in Asia and is still considered, by many, to be the most haunted skyscraper in the world. It was construct...
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Episode 11
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13:22
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Halloween in Japan
It’s “Spooky Season” and we’re back! The Halloween holiday has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (SAH-win), a pagan religious celebration. It's hugely popular in America and Canada, but its popularity in Japan has grown steadi...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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21:01
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Just Asia Podcast - Something for Supernatural Japan Listeners!
International educator and podcaster, Kevin O’Shea brings you some interesting takes on a long life living abroad in Asia. The Just Asia Podcast profiles fascinating expats living across Asia doing amazing things. He talks to people in Japan, S...
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2:31
Crows - Karasu カラス
In Episode 9, host Kevin O’Shea takes a look at an animal that appears in Japanese mythology. Crows are fascinating creatures that exhibit high levels of intelligence. They appear in legends around the world and Japan is no exception. Crows or ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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20:33
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The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 2 (with Kevin Tarpey)
In this episode of the podcast, we complete our conversation with Japan resident, Kevin Tarpey who is walking the famed 88 Temples Pilgrimage on the island of Shikoku. Henry or pilgrims have been walking this route for generations for many diff...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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36:42
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The 88 Temples Pilgrimage - Part 1 (with Kevin Tarpey)
In this episode of the podcast, we talk to Japan resident, Kevin Tarpey who is walking the famed 88 Temples Pilgrimage on the island of Shikoku. Henry or pilgrims have been walking this route for generations for many different reasons. Many are...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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58:52
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The Haunted Yamagami Tunnel
The Yamagami Tunnel is considered a psychic hotspot in Japan by paranormal researchers. Thrill-seekers and investigators from all over Japan make their way to this tunnel outside Atsugi, Kanagawa. Ghostly figures of long-dead construction worke...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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14:02
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The Ghost in the Well (Okiku’s Well)
Overlooking the city of Himeji Castle is Japan’s most breathtaking castle. Within the grounds of Himeji Castle remains the tormented spirit of Okiku, a murdered servant who is said to still be there today. Learn more about this well-known Japan...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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14:41
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