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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.
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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 stations at night. Since she no longer has a lower body, she travels on her hands, dragging her upper torso an…
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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 in places like Sapporo. The tale is a haunting reminder of betrayal, greed, and tragedy. Follow the podcas…
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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 or unwanted dolls, the shrine is steeped in spiritual lore and rituals to comfort these inanimate objects believed to harbor souls. …
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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 his rice fields. After his death, if the land is neglected or mismanaged by its new owners, the Dorotabō ris…
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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 the response, the encounter can lead to dire consequences. This episode also examines various aspects of the …
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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 researching Hibagon for many years and is based in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the author of the book, “Hibagon: Ja…
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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 other unclean spaces. Learn about this bizarre creature in this Supernatural Japan “mini-episode.” Learn abou…
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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 in the very location that is Yokoamicho Park in 1923. Now, it is said to be the site of ghostly figures, myst…
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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 mythology. Learn more about this famous Yokai from Japan, an animal with supernatural powers and a unique sense of …
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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? Tales of murder, kidnapping, zombie-like people, and more are packed into this story. We look at the famous Ja…
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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 people into rivers. Learn a little about their origins and the troubles they can cause. Support the Podcast: patreon.…
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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 their lives after evacuating to Shirokiya Park during a bombing raid. It is said that to this very day, the…
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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 brutally took their own lives. Today, this popular tourist site is said to be one of Japan’s most haunted. I…
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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 Shrine have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman in white near the shrine, particularly at night…
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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 1970s. Much like Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, Mossie is often described as a serpentine creature with humps…
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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 Poltergeist and the haunted Sendagaya Tunnel in Tokyo. Kevin and Phillip also discuss other Japanese folklore…
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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 constructed on land that has a dark past. The site of many dark crimes and executions. During the day it may seem l…
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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 steadily over the past few decades. From the festivals, parades and zombie chases at Tokyo Disneyland and Univer…
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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, South Korea, China, Malaysia and more. Listen to their stories and be inspired by the lives they lead. Appl…
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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 Karasu カラス may get a bad wrap from some, but for others, they are creatures to be revered. LIKE the Facebo…
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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 different reasons. Many are spiritual while others are for a sense of adventure. Kevin is halfway through his …
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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 spiritual while others for a sense of adventure. Kevin is at the halfway point in his walking journey and…
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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 workers, murder victims, and more are said to linger in this place. Is it truly a paranormal hotspot or simply …
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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 Japanese ghost and folk story. Host Kevin O’Shea brings you this traditional tale of ghostly intrigue and a spi…
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The Kansai region of Japan is one with a long history and some of that includes the unexplained and paranormal. In this episode, host Kevin O’Shea is joined by Phillip Jackson, author of Paranormal Kansai. Phillip talks about his writing and shares some haunted tales from various parts of the Kansai Region of Japan. This is an episode not to be mis…
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In November of 1986, a Japan Airlines cargo flight (JAL 1628) would have a bizarre encounter while flying from Paris to Tokyo. Over Alaskan airspace, the captain of the flight would claim to have had a UFO encounter. The JAL 1628 UFO incident would become one of the best-known encounters in UFO history. Join host Kevin O’Shea as he shares this inte…
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In this episode, we look at a place that consistently ends up in Top 10 Most Haunted places in Japan. The Round Schoolhouse in Hokkaido, Japan is said to be a lot more than just a spooky place. In this episode, Kevin O’Shea chats with Rich a YouTube vlogger known as the “MiddleAgedExpat.” Rich traveled to Bibai, Hokkaido to explore the haunted buil…
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The Sennichi Department Store fire in Osaka, Japan in 1973 was the most tragic fire since the end of the Second World War. 118 people lost their lives in a nightclub located in the building. The site is now the home of Bic Camera electronics shop and to this very day, people report ghostly sights and sounds. In episode 1 of the podcast, host Kevin …
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