Supernatural Japan
Explore the dark side of Japan with the Supernatural Japan Podcast — where chilling true crime, eerie urban legends, and spine-tingling folklore come together. Each episode dives deep into Japan’s haunted history, mysterious disappearances, yokai encounters, and unsolved cases that blur the line between myth and reality. Perfect for fans of paranormal podcasts, Japanese culture, and true crime. Subscribe now and uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows of Japan.
Episodes
Japan’s Haunted Okiku Doll
Discover the chilling legend of the Okiku Doll in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Explore the mysterious Japanese doll whose hair is said to grow on its own, the origins of this eerie tale, and the folklore that surrounds it. From historical context to spine-tingling stories, we uncover why the Okiku Doll continues to captivate and haunt Japan.
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The Haunted Legacy of Japan's Mummy Priests
Deep in Japan's Tohoku region, a small number of Buddhist monks undertook one of history's most extreme spiritual journeys—self-mummification. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious world of the Sokushinbutsu, the self-mummified priests who endured years of harsh ascetic practices in pursuit of enlightenment beyond death. Discover the history, beliefs, and haunting legacy
FEED DROP: Somewhere in the Skies - UFOs in Ancient Japan
Summary: Inspired by his travels across Japan, Ryan Sprague explores the country's fascinating history of UFOs, mysterious aerial phenomena, and supernatural legends. From ancient texts and sacred traditions to stories passed down through generations, Japan's rich folklore is filled with accounts of strange objects in the sky and unexplained encounters. At the heart of this episode is the famous U
The Girl on the Crossing Sign (Urban Legend)
n this eerie episode of Supernatural Japan, we investigate the chilling urban legend behind Japan’s famous pedestrian crossing signs — the mysterious story of the “Girl on the Crossing Sign.” According to legend, the iconic blue-and-white sign was inspired by a real photograph of a kidnapped child walking beside her captor. Was it simply a dark rumor, or is there something more unsettling hidden i
The Headless Riders of Japan
In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the terrifying urban legends and ghostly folklore surrounding Japan’s infamous Headless Riders. From phantom bikers speeding down lonely mountain roads to spirits seeking revenge after deadly motorcycle accidents, these eerie tales have haunted Japan for decades. Discover the origins of these legends, real-life inspirations, and the supern
The Ghosts of Golden Gai
Explore the haunted alleys of Tokyo’s Golden Gai in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Returning guest Riki Ohkanda guides us through the district’s gritty history, ghostly legends, and its transformation into a nighttime tourist hotspot. We also uncover the eerie connection to Taira no Masakado, one of Japan’s most infamous spirits, and how his legend still lingers in modern Tokyo. Packed with f
Japan’s Most Haunted Love Story (Ohatsu Tenjin)
Step into the heart of Osaka’s Umeda district and uncover the haunting legend of Tsuyu-no-Tenjinja Shrine, better known as Ohatsu Tenjin. In this Supernatural Japan episode, we explore the shrine’s 1,300-year history, its ties to the scholar-deity Sugawara no Michizane, and the tragic 1703 love-suicide of Ohatsu and Tokubei—immortalized in the famous bunraku play Sonezaki Shinju. Blending folklore
Mud and Terror - Japan’s Paantu Festival
Dive into one of Japan’s strangest and most chilling traditions—the Paantu Festival of Miyako-jima in Okinawa. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, discover why mud-covered, masked figures roam the streets, terrifying children and “blessing” villages in a centuries-old ritual of purification and protection. Is it folklore, fear-based discipline, or something more supernatural? Explore the histor
Haunted Toyama Park: Tokyo’s Ghostly Secrets
Discover the chilling past of Toyama Park in Tokyo in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Once linked to the dark experiments of Unit 731 and the site of tragic events, the park is said to be haunted by restless spirits. We explore its eerie history, local ghost stories, and the lingering supernatural presence that continues to fascinate visitors. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, haunted loc
The Keukegen - The Filthy Yokai
Dive into the eerie world of the Keukegen, a mysterious Japanese yokai known for spreading illness and bad luck. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the origins of this shaggy, unsettling creature, its appearances in historical texts, and its role in modern pop culture, including GeGeGe no Kitaro. Discover the lessons this unique yokai teaches about care, neglect, and the unseen forc
More Haunted Tales from Kyoto
Explore the chilling and mysterious side of Japan in this episode of Supernatural Japan: More Haunted Tales from Kyoto. Join host Kevin O’Shea as he chats with regular contributor and Kyoto-based writer Phillip Jackson, uncovering eerie stories from the Kannonji Gate of 100 Beatings near Nijo Castle and the Cursed Mansion of Yoshioka Gondayu. We also dive into the Tsuchinoko Festival in Gifu Prefe
Betobeto-san the Invisible Yokai (Mini-episode)
Discover the eerie legend of Betobetosan, one of Japan’s most mysterious yokai, in this chilling mini-episode of Supernatural Japan. Said to follow travelers at night with the unmistakable sound of footsteps—beto beto—this invisible spirit has haunted roads from Nara to Shizuoka for generations. Learn the folklore behind Betobetosan, how to escape its presence, and how it was popularized through t
Enoshima - Japan’s Dragon Island
Explore the mystical island of Enoshima in this episode of Supernatural Japan, where ancient dragon legends come to life. Discover the story of the five-headed dragon, the sacred shrines, and the supernatural myths that have shaped local culture for centuries. From breathtaking coastal views to haunted tales hidden in Enoshima’s caves, we dive into the island’s folklore, history, and spiritual sig
Jiko Bukken: The Haunted Real Estate of Japan
Discover the chilling world of jiko bukken—Japan’s infamous “accident properties”—in this episode of Supernatural Japan. From apartments marked by suicide, murder, or unexplained deaths to the lingering stigma that drives prices down, we explore the dark reality behind these haunted listings. Why do these properties carry such fear, and how can buyers uncover their hidden histories? Blending true
The Kunekune: Twisting Terror in the Fields
Explore one of Japan’s strangest and most unsettling urban legends in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We dive into the eerie mystery of the Kunekune—a distant, white, writhing figure said to appear in open fields on hot summer days. What happens if you stare too long? Is it a spirit, a psychological phenomenon, or something far more dangerous? Blending folklore, modern encounters, and cultural
Phantom Trains and Haunted Tracks
Step aboard Japan’s eeriest railways in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea explores the legends of phantom trains, haunted stations, and ghostly encounters on the tracks. From the mysterious lore surrounding rural lines to spine-tingling stories linked to places like Kokudo Station and Kintetsu Nara Station, discover why Japan’s rail network is steeped in supernatural f
Sunshine 60 Hauntings - Dark Tokyo Tales
Dive back into the chilling mystery of Sunshine 60 in this gripping new episode of Supernatural Japan, where we revisit one of Tokyo’s most infamous haunted locations. Rising over Ikebukuro, this towering building sits on a site steeped in a dark and unsettling past—fueling decades of ghost stories and paranormal encounters. In this episode, host Kevin O'Shea has an exclusive interview with Riki O
Tsuchinoko — Japan’s Hidden Cryptid
Uncover the mystery of the Tsuchinoko—Japan’s strangest and most elusive cryptid—in this eerie episode of Supernatural Japan. With its snake-like body and bulging midsection, this bizarre creature has sparked decades of sightings, folklore, and real-life searches across rural Japan. We explore its origins, eyewitness encounters, and the cultural fascination that keeps the legend alive. Is the Tsuc
April Patreon Teaser - Legend of the Inunaki Village (Japan Ghost Stories Podcast)
The Legend of Inunaki Village tells of a remote, cursed settlement in Fukuoka Prefecture that was sealed off after its residents rejected the modern world and declared they would follow their own laws. According to the tale, in the 1970s, a tunnel near the village was the site of a brutal murder and subsequent supernatural occurrences; anyone who enters the abandoned village or hears its gate’s t
Jorōgumo - The Binding Bride
A beautiful woman waits by a misty waterfall… but she’s no human. In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into the legend of the Jorōgumo — Japan’s deadly spider-woman yōkai. Explore her Edo-period origins, eerie encounters at Jōren Falls, and terrifying tales like Genbe the fisherman and Samurai Hiroshi. Blending folklore, history, and horror, this episode uncovers how the Jorōgum
Hachijo’s Banished Souls
Far out in the Philippine Sea lies Hachijōjima—a remote island once used to exile disgraced nobles and powerful figures. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore its dark history, from the legendary banishment of Minamoto no Tametomo to eerie modern hauntings. At the abandoned Hachijō Royal Hotel, ghostly encounters and unsettling stories linger. Why do the spirits of the exiled still hau
Jōkan-ji — The Ghostly Throw-Away Temple
Step into one of Tokyo’s darkest hidden histories in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, as we explore Jōkan-ji—infamously known as the “Throw-Away Temple.” Located in the historic Yoshiwara district, this unassuming temple holds the remains of thousands of women, many of them courtesans who lived and died in hardship, disease, and isolation during Japan’s Edo period. We uncover the haunt
Haunted Love Motels
In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie world of Japan’s haunted love motels. Learn the surprising history of Japanese love hotels, their rise during the economic Bubble era, and how some later became abandoned haikyo ruins. From the infamous Seline Love Motel in Nagano to the mysterious “haunted room” legend of the Akasaka Love Hotel, we uncover chilling urban legends, real cr
The Wednesday Strangler: Murder and Mystery in Rural Japan
In the 1970s, a quiet corner of rural Japan was shaken by a series of chilling murders. The killer struck on the same day each week, earning a terrifying nickname — the Wednesday Strangler. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore a disturbing true crime case from Saga Prefecture, the investigation that gripped the nation, and the mysterious suspect at the center of it. Was the truth ever
Into the Fog…in Japan
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British author, podcaster, and reverend Peter Laws joins this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan to discuss his fascinating career exploring the dark side of belief, horror, and the unexplained. Known for his book The Frighteners: Why We Love Monsters, Ghosts, Death & Gore, the Matt Hunter thriller series, his atmospheric YouTube channel Into the Fog with Peter Laws, and his appear
Vengeful and Powerful Spirits
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Celebrate the 100th episode of Supernatural Japan as returning contributor Phillip Jackson shares chilling tales from Kyoto, diving into the eerie tradition of goryō worship—the vengeful spirits of wronged nobles. This episode explores the tragic story of Prince Sawara, brother of Emperor Kanmu, who was accused of an assassination plot, exiled to Awaji Island, and whose angry spirit wa
The Ghost Who Was Boiled Alive
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Dive into one of Kyoto’s darkest legends in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan as we explore the haunted history of Nanzen-ji, where legendary outlaw Ishikawa Goemon was supposedly boiled alive after a failed assassination attempt on Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Was Goemon truly a Robin Hood–style hero or a criminal whose story grew in the telling? We separate history from folklore, ex
Japan’s Magical Plants
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Discover the hidden folklore of Japan’s most mystical flora in this episode of Supernatural Japan, where we explore the ancient beliefs surrounding magical plants like bamboo, mugwort, sakura, cedar, wisteria, and foxglove, and uncover how these plants were once thought to ward off evil, attract spirits, grant protection, or even curse the living, blending Shinto traditions, Buddhist s
The Ghosts of Southern Gothic
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In this special crossover episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea sits down with Brandon Schexnayder, creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Southern Gothic. Together, they explore chilling folklore, haunted history, and the dark truths behind some of the American South’s most unsettling legends. From ghost stories and urban myths to real-life tragedies, this interview dive
Japan’s Most Feared Ghost
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Meet Japan’s most famous ghost in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, as we dive into the terrifying legend of Oiwa from Yotsuya Kaidan. Betrayed, poisoned, and murdered, Oiwa returns as a vengeful onryō, haunting her husband and driving him into madness. Explore the dark origins of this Edo-period ghost story, the real-world curses surrounding its stage and film adaptations,
Turbo Granny: The Ghost You Can’t Outrun
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Meet Turbo Granny (ターボババア) — one of Japan’s creepiest urban legends. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the terrifying yokai said to sprint alongside cars, haunt dark roads and tunnels, and chase victims at impossible speeds. Discover the origins of the Turbo Granny myth, real-life encounter stories, and why this bizarre spirit remains one of Japan’s most unsettling mode
Love, Lies, and Death: Japan’s Black Widows
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Love, Lies, and Death: Japan’s Black Widows explores chilling true crime cases including Chisako Kakehi, Kanae Kijima, and other infamous Japanese “black widows” who murdered their partners for money and control. This episode of Supernatural Japan examines the psychology, cultural context, and shocking betrayals behind Japan’s deadliest relationships.
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Setsubun: Driving Out Demons, Welcoming Fortune
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, explore the mysterious origins of Setsubun, Japan’s traditional festival for driving out demons and welcoming good fortune. Learn about oni folklore, bean-throwing rituals (mamemaki), ehō-maki customs, and how families, schools, and temples celebrate this seasonal turning point. Blending Japanese folklore, Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, and modern t
Paranormal Exploring in Kyoto
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, join us as we explore supernatural paths less traveled in Yawata City in Kyoto, Japan. Host Kevin O’Shea and writer Phillip Jackson explore supernatural sites located in Yawata and on Otokoyama. They visit a house reputed to be haunted, a traditional cemetery, and various shrines and temples on the mountain. A location connected to tales of haunti
Gross Yokai You’ve Never Heard Of
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You’ve heard of Yokai in Japan. They are supernatural beings, spirits, and strange phenomena from Japanese folklore, encompassing monsters, demons, ghosts, shapeshifters, and enchanted objects. Some are better known than others. The Kappa, Tanuki, and Tengu are well-known, but some are not. How about the Yokai that touches your bottom when you visit the toilet, or one that drinks pee!!
The Ghost of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
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Explore the haunted legacy of Japan’s most powerful warlord in The Ghost of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This episode of Supernatural Japan dives into Hideyoshi’s dramatic rise from peasant to ruler, the turbulent history of Osaka Castle, and the lingering ghost stories said to haunt its grounds today. From shadowy apparitions to restless warrior spirits, uncover how history, ambition, and the
The Monster of Lake Ikeda: Issie
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Journey to southern Kyushu in this episode of Supernatural Japan as we explore Issie, the mysterious monster said to lurk beneath the waters of Lake Ikeda. Discover eyewitness sightings, local folklore, and comparisons to other Japanese lake monsters as we uncover how geography, legend, and the supernatural collide in one of Japan’s most enduring cryptid mysteries.
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Shogatsu - Shrines, Spirits and Japan’s New Year
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Celebrate Shōgatsu, Japan’s most important holiday, in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Explore New Year traditions, shrine visits, sacred foods, and the hidden spiritual beliefs behind Japan’s fresh start—from welcoming ancestral spirits to driving away misfortune. Discover how folklore, Shinto, and the supernatural shape the heart of Japan’s New Year celebrations.
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Strange Skies in Japan: UFOs in Fukushima
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Discover one of Japan’s strangest destinations in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We travel to UFO no Sato (UFO Village) in Fukushima and explore the Iino UFO Museum, a town famous for decades of UFO sightings, mysterious lights, and close encounter stories. From postwar sightings to modern pop culture, this episode examines why Iino became Japan’s UFO hotspot and what the phenomen
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
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Dive into the supernatural roots of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Discover some of the real folklore behind the demons, blades, and Taishō-era legends that shaped the hit anime. From cultural symbolism to hidden mythological influences, we uncover the deeper stories that power this global phenomenon. Perfect for anime fans and lovers of Japanese
The Curse of the Colonel
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the bizarre Curse of the Colonel—the legend claiming a KFC Colonel Sanders statue doomed the Hanshin Tigers after fans threw it into Osaka’s Dōtonbori River in 1985. Discover the team’s passionate fan culture, the chaotic championship celebration, and why many believe the missing statue haunted the Tigers for decades. A mix of history,
The Namahage: Terrifying Oni of Winter
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Dive into the legend of the Namahage, one of Japan’s most iconic winter spirits, in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore the origins of these fearsome oni-like figures from rural Akita, their role in the famous Namahage Sedo Festival, and how this ancient folklore tradition continues to shape modern Japanese culture. Perfect for listeners who love Japanese mythology, regional
The Shinjuku Ghost Train
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Discover the chilling legend of the Shinjuku Ghost Train in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore Tokyo, Japan’s most famous phantom commuter, its eerie origins, late-night sightings, and the unsettling variations of the tale that continue to haunt travelers. From underground mysteries to global ghost train legends, this episode dives into why Shinjuku Station—one of the busie
The Ghosts of Kobe City Hall
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Explore the chilling ghost stories of Kobe City Hall in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Discover how the Great Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake shaped Kobe, Japan’s tragic past, and learn why staff, security guards, and visitors continue to report eerie sightings, phantom footsteps, and unexplained shadows within the building. Blending local history with modern paranormal accounts, this ep
Izumo Taisha: Where the Gods Gather
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Step into one of Japan’s most mysterious and sacred places in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore Izumo Taisha, the ancient grand shrine of Shimane Prefecture—home of powerful legends, ghost stories, and the annual Kamiarizuki, when every god in Japan gathers in Izumo. Discover the shrine’s deep ties to Shinto mythology, its towering ancient architecture, and the supernatura
The Cursed Ruins of Kamome Manor (かもめ荘)
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Journey into the dark legends of Kamome Manor (かもめ荘) in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan. Explore the abandoned seaside residence said to be cursed, haunted by restless spirits, mysterious disappearances, and eerie sightings that locals refuse to talk about. Discover the history, rumors, and supernatural folklore surrounding these ruined halls, and learn why Kamome Manor rem
Japan’s Cute Ghosts: Haunted Lanterns and Shoes
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Explore the eerie world of Tsukumogami in this episode of Supernatural Japan as we uncover the legends of the Chōchin-obake, the haunted paper lantern, and the mischievous Bakezōri, the runaway straw sandal. Learn the folklore, origins, and cultural significance of these everyday objects-turned-yōkai, and discover how they appear in Japanese ghost stories, anime, manga, and modern pop
Hanako-san: The Terrifying Bathroom Ghost
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Step into the eerie world of Japan’s most famous school ghost — Hanako-san, The Terrifying Bathroom Ghost. In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the origins of this haunting urban legend, from post-war ghost stories to modern sightings in school bathrooms across the country. Discover why Hanako-san has terrified generations of students and how she became a cultural
Supernatural Encounters in South Korea
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In this special episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to South Korea to explore real ghost stories and Korean folklore. Host Kevin O’Shea talks with writer and folklorist Shawn Morrissey, author of Supernatural Encounters in South Korea and guide for the Dark Side of Seoul walking tours.
Shawn shares chilling paranormal encounters and haunted legends gathered from Koreans and expat
The Mystery of Kisaragi Station
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A woman boards a late-night train—and vanishes into another world. In this eerie episode, Supernatural Japan explores the chilling legend of Kisaragi Station, Japan’s most famous internet ghost story. Was it a hoax, a glitch in reality, or something supernatural? Step aboard and decide for yourself.
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Ghosts of Mount Unzen
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to Mount Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture—one of Japan’s most haunted and tragic places. From volcanic eruptions and the Christian martyrdoms of the Edo era to modern ghost sightings near the mountain’s hot springs, Mount Unzen’s dark past lingers in the mist. Discover how history, faith, and folklore intertwine to create one of Ja
The Human-Faced Dog – Legend of the Jinmenken
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore one of Japan’s most unsettling urban legends—the Jinmenken, or Human-Faced Dog. From eerie Edo-period sightings to modern reports of ghostly, talking dogs speeding down Tokyo highways, the Jinmenken continues to blur the line between folklore and fact. Discover its mysterious origins, cultural symbolism, and how this bizarre creature st
The Ghosts of Old Yanaka Cemetery
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie legends and lingering spirits of Tokyo’s historic Yanaka Cemetery. Once home to samurai graves, artists, and Meiji-era elites, Yanaka is said to harbor restless ghosts and mysterious energies that have haunted locals for generations. Discover how Japan’s deep respect for the dead intertwines with tales of hauntings, temple gua
The Haunted Kaizuka Sanatorium
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie ruins of the Kaizuka Children’s Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Osaka — one of Japan’s most mysterious abandoned hospitals. Once a medical facility for sick children, it now stands as a chilling haikyo (urban ruin) shrouded in ghost stories and local legends. Discover the tragic history of Japan’s tuberculosis era, the isolation of
The Okuri-inu: The Dark Guardian of Mountains (Japan's Dogman)
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we follow the eerie footsteps of the Okuri-inu, the “sending-off dog” said to stalk travelers on Japan’s lonely mountain paths. Is it a protector—or a predator? Discover the origins of this wolf-like yokai, its ties to Shinto mountain worship, and the ancient rituals used to stay safe when something unseen walks behind you.
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The Mermaid of Enjuin Temple — Japan’s Mummified Mystery or Hoax?
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A centuries-old mermaid mummy rests in Enjuin Temple, Okayama—said to bring luck, warning, or eternal life. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into the strange tale of this relic, the legend of Yao Bikuni, and Japan’s long tradition of yokai hoaxes and supernatural curiosities from the Edo era. Discover the truth behind one of Japan’s most haunting maritime mysteries.
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Halloween in Japan: Cosplay, Crowds, and Caution
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Discover how Japan celebrates Halloween in Supernatural Japan: Halloween in Japan – Cosplay, Crowds, and Caution. From massive Shibuya street parties to family-friendly parades and spooky themed cafés, this episode explores how Japan blends Western traditions with unique local culture. We’ll also look at recent restrictions in Tokyo, the impact of the Itaewon tragedy in Korea, and what
The Setagaya Family Murders (Japan's Most Baffling Crime)
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The Setagaya Family Murders remain one of Japan’s most shocking unsolved crimes. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we uncover the brutal 2000 slaying of the Miyazawa family in Tokyo, the chilling evidence left behind, and the eerie supernatural theories that surround the case. A haunting blend of true crime, Japanese history, and the paranormal.
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The Ghosts of Okunoin Cemetery and Kōyasan
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to the sacred mountaintop of Koyasan in Wakayama and explore Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest and most haunted graveyard. Discover ghostly legends, eerie encounters, and the deep spiritual history of this mysterious site, where thousands of souls rest and folklore comes alive.
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The Teigin Incident and the Ghost of Sadamichi Hirasawa
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Discover the dark mystery of the 1948 Teigin Incident—Japan’s most infamous mass poisoning—and the ghost of Sadamichi Hirasawa, the man many believe was wrongfully convicted. Was he a killer, or a victim who still haunts Japan’s history? Explore the crime, the legend, and the supernatural in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan.
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The Dark Ghosts of Okinawa’s U.S. Bases
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we uncover the chilling ghost stories of U.S. military bases in Okinawa. From the bloodied Marine who haunts Camp Hansen’s Gate 3 to the abandoned and infamous Kadena Air Base Building 2283, these legends reveal how war, tragedy, and history shaped the island’s supernatural side. Discover why Okinawa is one of Japan’s most haunted places.
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Onibi – The Ghostly Fires of Japan
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie world of Onibi (鬼火) — mysterious ghostly flames said to appear in Japan’s forests, mountains, and graveyards. Are they wandering spirits, trickster yokai, or natural phenomena mistaken for the supernatural? Join us as we uncover the folklore, cultural meaning, and chilling legends behind these strange blue fires that continue
Chikara Ishi (力石) - Japanese Power Stones
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea sits down with Japan-based American strongman David Dunlap to explore the fascinating history of chikara ishi (力石) — Japan’s legendary strength stones. Once central to village life, festivals, and rites of passage, these massive lifting stones are an almost forgotten tradition of Japanese strength culture. David shares how he and
The Lucky Turtle and the Brave Carp
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mystical world of Japan’s most auspicious animals: the turtle (kame) and the carp (koi). Discover how these creatures symbolize longevity, resilience, and good fortune in Japanese culture, from ancient myths and folktales to their presence in modern shrines, gardens, and celebrations. We dive into legends of divine turtles, the koi’
Sugisawa Village: The Vanished Settlement
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Discover the chilling mystery of Sugisawa Village, one of Japan’s most infamous urban legends, in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore the eerie origins of this “vanished village” in Aomori Prefecture, its deep ties to Tōhoku ghost traditions, and the unsettling rumors of mass murder and government cover-ups. Hear how this haunting tale endures through horror films, games, an
The Terrifying Mountain Witch of the Daisetsuzan Mountains
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Discover the chilling legend of the Yamauba of Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan Mountains in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore the origins of this fearsome mountain witch (also known as Yamamba), her role in Japanese folklore, and the terrifying stories told by travelers and locals alike. From ancient kaidan to modern sightings, learn why the Yamauba continues to haunt Japan’s north
The Mysterious Vanishing of Tiphaine Véron
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious disappearance of French tourist Tiphaine Véron, who vanished in 2018 while visiting the historic city of Nikkō. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, temples, and scenic beauty, Nikkō attracts travelers from around the world—yet Tiphaine’s case remains one of Japan’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. We ex
Tales from “Dark Kyoto”
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This week on Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea meets returning guest and Japan-based writer Phillip Jackson in Osaka’s beautiful Utsubo Park for a rare in-person recording. Phillip takes us deep into the eerie side of Dark Kyoto—far beyond the usual temples and tourist spots—to uncover chilling ghost stories, tragic historical events, and unsettling tales that most visitors never h
The Extra Dancer: Ghosts of Obon in Tohoku
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the chilling legend of the “Extra Dancer” who appears during Bon Odori festivals in rural Tohoku. Rooted in Japan’s Obon traditions—a time when spirits of the dead are believed to return—we uncover ghostly encounters, cultural history, and eerie first-hand accounts of this mysterious figure who joins the dance but vanishes without a tra
Messengers of the Gods: The Sacred Deer of Nara
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to Nara, where over 1,000 free-roaming deer are revered as messengers of the gods and protected as national treasures. Explore the ancient legends that tie these sacred animals to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, discover how Shinto beliefs shaped their divine status, and learn how modern tourism has transformed their relationship with locals and
When the Spirits Return: Japan’s Spooky Summer
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, titled “When the Spirits Return: Japan’s Spooky Summer,” we explore the eerie traditions and ghostly folklore that come alive during Japan’s hottest season. From the haunting Obon Festival—when ancestral spirits are said to return—to chilling kaidan (ghost stories), mysterious summer rituals, and the soothing yet otherworldly sound of fūrin (wind
Hiking Haunted Kansai: A Paranormal Adventure
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Join us for a thrilling new episode of Supernatural Japan as I hike through the hidden, haunted corners of Kyoto with Japan-based paranormal author Phillip Jackson. Together, we explore eerie locations off the tourist path, including the mysterious Mount Oiwa Shrine, abandoned Momoyama Castle, the Tomb of Emperor Meiji, and even a haunted public restroom. We also stop by the lesser-kno
The Haunting of the Amakusa Islands
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to the mysterious Amakusa Islands, a remote and historically rich archipelago off the coast of Kyushu. Known for their connection to hidden Christian history, samurai rebellions, and ancient folklore, the Amakusa Islands are steeped in ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, and spiritual legends. Join us as we uncover chilling tales of h
The Doryodo Ruins – Murders and Ghosts at the Temple
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In this chilling Supernatural Japan episode, host Kevin O’Shea ventures to the heart of western Tokyo to unravel the dark mysteries of the haunted Doryodo Ruins in Hachioji’s Ōtsukayama Park. Once a serene temple built in 1874 and demolished in the 1980s, the site is now infamous for a horrifying trio of murders—a robbery-slain elderly caretaker in 1963, a young co-ed murdered in 1973,
The Vending Machine Murders – Japan’s Paraquat Poisonings
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we delve into the infamous Paraquat Murders (パラコート連続毒殺事件), a shocking true crime case from 1980s Japan that left the nation gripped by fear. Known as the "Vending Machine Murders," these unsolved poisonings involved bottles of tainted beverages left near vending machines across the country, resulting in multiple mysterious deaths. We expl
The Ominato Ghost Ship and the Spirits of the Ukishima Maru
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we set sail into the eerie waters of Aomori Prefecture to uncover the legend of the Ominato Ghost Ship—a spectral vessel said to haunt the bay near Mutsu City, Japan. Linked by whispers to the tragic wartime sinking of the Ukishima Maru, this modern urban legend blends historical mystery with supernatural horror. Join us as we delve into
Japan's Terrifying Murders - The Blue Blanket Butcher
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we delve into the horrifying true crime case of the Blue Blanket Butcher (青い毛布の殺人者, Aoi Mōfu no Satsujinsha)—a gruesome unsolved mystery that shook Japan more than 100 years ago. Discover the dark story of a killer who lured victims under the cover of night, leaving behind mutilated bodies wrapped in a distinctive blue blanket. We examine
Ghosts at the Gate: Kobe's Haunted Foreign Cemetery
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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie legends and ghost stories surrounding the Kobe Foreign Cemetery (神戸外国人墓地), a historic graveyard nestled in the hills of one of Japan’s most international cities. Discover the mysterious hauntings reported by locals and visitors alike, and learn how Kobe’s unique past as a port city opened to the West gave rise to this
The Ghost of Hozenji Yokocho: Osaka’s Hidden Spirit
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Discover the chilling legend of the ghost of Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow, lantern-lit alleyway hidden in the heart of Osaka’s Namba district. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the haunted history of this iconic backstreet, including eerie sightings near Hozenji Temple, local urban legends, and Osaka’s long-standing connection to the supernatural. Learn why Hozenji Yokocho
Kitsune: Fox Spirits of Fortune and Folklore
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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious world of the Kitsune, Japan’s legendary fox spirit. Discover how these shape-shifting creatures bridge the gap between myth and reality—revered as protectors, feared as tricksters, and closely linked to the Shinto deity Inari. We dive into the history, folklore, and modern-day sightings of Kitsune, as well as the cultural
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