Supernatural Japan

How did people in Japan protect themselves from evil spirits, bad luck, and natural disasters? In this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea explores Japanese folklore and protective traditions, from sardine heads hung at doorways and purification with salt to Shōki rooftop guardians, paper figures that carry away misfortune, and earthquake talismans depicting the giant catfish Namazu. Discover the epidemic-fighting origins of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and how folk beliefs and religious rituals helped people seek safety in an unpredictable world. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A beautiful stranger. A dark mountain road. A hunger for human flesh. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea explores Nikusui, the flesh-sucking yōkai of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. Discover the regional folklore recorded by Minakata Kumagusu, the chilling tales of a woman who approaches travelers at night, and an original horror story inspired by her legend. Journey into Japanese folklore, mountain spirits, and supernatural horror—and find out why you should never give her your lantern. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the dark secrets of Nagoya Castle, one of Japan's most iconic historical landmarks, in this Halloween-themed episode of the Supernatural Japan podcast! Join host Kevin O'Shea as we uncover forgotten Japanese ghost stories, mysterious yokai, vengeful fox spirits, and eerie supernatural legends hidden within the castle's 400-year history. Drawing on the fascinating research of Professor Junko Hayashi of Nanzan University, we explore historical accounts of a mysterious chest that must never be moved, a tengu lurking in a pine tree, and strange tales of kitsune seeking revenge against samurai. We'll also investigate modern rumors of ghostly apparitions wandering the castle grounds. From traditional Japanese folklore to haunted castles and unexplained mysteries, this spooky journey into Nagoya Castle's supernatural past is perfect for fans of Japanese history, paranormal encounters, and chilling Halloween ghost stories. Are the spirits of Nagoya Castle still watching over its ancient walls? Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red paper or blue paper? In this spooky-season episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea explores Aka Manto, the Red Cloak—a chilling Japanese urban legend about a mysterious spirit haunting school bathrooms and public toilets. Discover the deadly choices at the heart of this ghost story, the unsettling variations in how to escape, and its roots in Japanese schoolyard folklore. Perfect for Halloween listening, this mini-episode explores how a simple question can turn an ordinary bathroom visit into a nightmare. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could a mysterious big cat be hiding in Japan’s subtropical forests? In this Supernatural Japan mini-episode, host Kevin O’Shea explores Yamapikaryā, the mystery cat of Iriomote Island in Okinawa. Discover the real, endangered Iriomote cat and the unconfirmed accounts of a larger, long-tailed feline sharing its jungle home. Explore the island’s geography, local animal names, tourism mascots, and conservation challenges, alongside comparisons with Britain’s Beast of Bodmin Moor, the Beast of Exmoor, and Tasmania’s thylacine. Join Kevin for a journey through Japanese cryptid legends, rare wildlife, and the intriguing boundary between documented animals and unexplained sightings. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover five of Tokyo’s most famously haunted places in this episode of Supernatural Japan (Originally an episode of Japan Ghost Stories for Patreon). From the vanishing taxi passengers of Aoyama Cemetery and the eerie Sendagaya Tunnel to Oiwa Inari Tamiya Shrine, Sunshine City’s dark prison history, and the legendary curse of Taira no Masakado’s head mound, we explore the history and ghost lore behind locations you can legally visit. Join Kevin for a countdown through haunted Tokyo, where Japanese folklore, vengeful spirits, and unsettling urban legends linger beneath the modern city. The perfect guide for anyone celebrating "Spooky Season" and Halloween in the world's biggest city! Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Japanese ghost stories, haunted places, and the mysteries of Japanese folklore take centre stage in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Host Kevin O’Shea chats with Osaka-based creator Darren Vickers, the storyteller behind the YouTube channel and podcast Did I Wake You? Stories from 3 a.m. We explore his approach to telling eerie stories from Japan, from the ancestral spirits and rituals of Obon to accounts of ghostly encounters following the devastating March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Darren’s work also explores Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Shrine, tragic events at Japanese train stations, and the haunting stories associated with these locations. Join us for a conversation about Japan’s supernatural traditions, the relationship between memory and ghost stories, and the history behind some of the country’s most unsettling tales. Discover more of Darren’s stories and subscribe to Did I Wake You? Stories from 3 a.m. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DidIWakeYou3AM Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you woke up in your own bedroom, unable to move, with someone standing beside your bed? In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore kanashibari, the Japanese name for sleep paralysis. From shadowy figures and footsteps to the terrifying weight on your chest, we look at why the experience feels so real, how REM sleep helps explain it, and why it has become part of Japanese ghost stories. Is the figure beside the futon a yūrei, or a dream that followed you into waking life? Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast, host Kevin O’Shea joins Phillip Jackson to share some tales of haunted places and ghostly stories from around Kansai. Learn about the legend of the slain samurai, Taira no Atsumori, who died on Suma Beach in Kobe. His head remains at the nearby Suma Temple, and his ghost is said to roam the nearby beach. Phillip shares a tale of a ghostly apparition of a samurai and a woman in white appearing in Kyoto's Kazan Tunnel. Philip also discusses Kimon Demon Gates in Japan as well as the ghosts of the Momoyama Castle town pleasure district. This episode features lots of ghosts and haunted tales from Japan.  A perfect episode for those who love dark history and want some eerie tales for Spooky Season. Find all of Philip’s work and arrange a tour with him: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the dark history and ghost stories of Suzugamori Execution Ground, one of Tokyo’s most infamous former execution sites. Located in Shinagawa along the old Tōkaidō road, Suzugamori was once a place of crucifixion, burning, beheading, and public punishment during the Edo period. In this mini episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the chilling legend of the head-washing well, the tragic story of Yaoya Oshichi, reports of shadowy figures and unexplained voices, and the site’s modern reputation as a haunted shinrei spot. From samurai-era executions to eerie paranormal legends, Suzugamori is a haunting reminder that beneath modern Tokyo lies a much darker past. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin is joined by regular Supernatural Japan podcast contributor Phillip Jackson to explore the latest paranormal news in Asia, plus stories about U.S. Marines and a very haunted firebase. Did a Chinese paranormal influencer seal her own fate? They also answer a listener question about the most eerie places they've visited in Japan. You can also learn about supernatural spots they've visited outside Japan and more! Find Phillip’s work: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the haunted history of Shakujii Park in Nerima, Tokyo, where the ruins of a medieval samurai castle overlook the dark waters of Sanpōji Pond. According to legend, after Shakujii Castle fell in 1477, defeated lord Toshima Yasutsune rode his horse—and its magnificent golden saddle—into the pond, while his grieving daughter, Princess Teruhime, followed him to a watery death. Today, visitors report eerie splashing, strange sensations, and sightings of a pale woman near the water. Discover the history of the Toshima clan, the legend of the sunken treasure, and the ghost said to haunt one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric parks. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step beneath the autumn moon and discover the eerie folklore behind Tsukimi, Japan’s traditional moon-viewing festival. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the festival’s ancient origins, offerings of tsukimi dango and pampas grass, the mischievous custom of Otsukimi Dorobō, and the rabbits said to live on the moon. We also examine how modern Japan celebrates with seasonal treats—including McDonald’s famous egg-topped Tsukimi burgers—while uncovering the supernatural beliefs and ghostly atmosphere surrounding the harvest moon. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the dark folklore surrounding higanbana, Japan’s striking red spider lily known as the “flower of death.” In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore its connection to cemeteries, the autumn equinox, Buddhist beliefs about the “other shore,” poisonous bulbs, and chilling superstitions warning people never to pick the flowers or bring them home. We also uncover the unsettling legend of a missing child who returned carrying an armful of higanbana—and learn why this mysterious flower can symbolize death, remembrance, fox spirits, and even heaven. Website: supernaturaljapan.com (Sign up for our FREE newsletter) Instagram: @supernaturaljapan BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into Japan’s most terrifying maritime legend with Supernatural Japan as Kevin O’Shea confronts the Funayūrei (Funayurei)—vengeful drowned spirits, haunted ghost ships, and deadly sea demons said to drag sailors into the abyss. Uncover the chilling truth behind their impossible demands for a ladle, the bottomless hishaku that could save your crew, and the fog, storms, cursed waterways, and Obon nights when these supernatural encounters strike. Explore regional Japanese ghost stories, the terrifying Umibōzu, the legendary Noh play Funa Benkei, and the shocking parallels between Japan’s haunted seas and Eastern Canada’s phantom ships. If you love Japanese folklore, true ghost stories, paranormal mysteries, yokai, haunted oceans, and unexplained supernatural encounters, this is one chilling voyage you won’t want to miss. BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore haikyo—Japan’s abandoned places—in this episode of Supernatural Japan. From deserted hotels to forgotten schools, discover the history behind these ruins, the appeal of urban exploration, and why liminal spaces feel so unsettling. Host Kevin O’Shea examines how YouTube, social media, and ghost stories can turn an empty building into a supposedly haunted location. Learn why abandoned doesn’t mean haunted, alongside essential guidance on legal access, safety, and respectful exploration. BECOME a Ghost by joining us on  @patreon  Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer Scares in Japan In this episode of Supernatural Japan, Japan’s “spooky season” is coming to an end! Listen to host Kevin O’Shea and writer Phillip Jackson talk about summer chills in Japan and the end of the Obon season. Although Halloween is the time when people in many parts of the world tell ghost stories and tune into the paranormal, summer- specifically Obon- is when the veil between the spirit world and our world is thinnest in Japan. Learn about spooky places, haunting connections to nature, the Kyot Gozan Okuribi, and more. Find Phillip’s work: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, I catch up once again with Hibagon researcher Kyle Brink to hear the latest developments in his ongoing search for Japan’s legendary wild man. We revisit the mystery of Hibagon, the Bigfoot-like creature reportedly seen in Hiroshima’s Mount Hiba region since the 1970s, and explore Todd’s latest research, investigations, sightings, and theories. If you’re fascinated by Japanese cryptids, Bigfoot, mysterious creatures, Japanese folklore, and unexplained phenomena, you won’t want to miss this episode. Kyle’s Book: “Hibagon: Japan’s Bigfoot” (Amazon) Kyle’s YouTube channel Connect with Kyle: fecmohawk@gmail.com Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are so many tunnels in Japan considered haunted? In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we descend into three of the country's most notorious haunted tunnels: Kyoto's eerie Kiyotaki Tunnel, Tokyo's Sendagaya Tunnel beneath a cemetery, and the mysterious Old Komine Tunnel in Hachioji. We explore the ghost stories, urban legends, tragic histories, and reported supernatural encounters associated with these dark passageways, while examining why tunnels around the world have become natural settings for ghost stories. From mysterious apparitions and unexplained sounds to Japanese folklore and the psychology of fear, discover why entering a tunnel can feel like crossing into another world. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea talks to Zack Davisson, award-winning writer, translator, folklorist, and one of the leading English-language experts on Japanese folklore and the supernatural. They discuss his translation work and relationship with the late, great Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, as well as the evolution of yōkai from feared monsters to pop-culture icons. He also tells us about his own writing and role as a folklorist. Zack tells us about his Japan “origin story” and about his upcoming book, “Kaibyō: The Supernatural Cats of Japan.” Kevin and Zack then continue their conversation for another episode over in the Members’ Section on Patreon!  To learn more about what Zack is up to, check out: zackdavisson.com To listen to another amazing conversation with Zack, consider becoming a Member @Patreon  Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Become a Member: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The release day for the main episode of Supernatural Japan will now be on Tuesday, and the smaller, companion episodes will be released on Thursdays. Have no fear, you will all get the same number of episodes a month, they will just come out on diferent days from now on. Thanks for being so awesome and so spooky! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Black Flash Of Provincetown (The Devil of the Dunes). Dave and Sarge take a look at the high-jumping, flame-spitting, cloaked entity that terrorized Provincetown, MA during the late 1930s/early 1940s.  Find Cryptid Cocktail Party on Apple Podcasts Listen to Cryptid Cocktail Party on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the haunting legacy of Taira no Masakado, the legendary 10th-century samurai whose violent death gave rise to one of Japan's most enduring ghost stories. Discover the history behind his rebellion, the terrifying curses linked to his restless spirit, and why his grave in the heart of Tokyo is still respected—and feared—by politicians, business leaders, and locals alike. Is Masakado's ghost still watching over Japan's capital? Cover Art Credit: Matthew Meyer Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea and returning guest Phillip Jackson explore the streets of downtown Osaka, Japan, while sharing haunting tales about the area. Phillip shares some dark history about why many say the area around Yodoyabashi in downtown Osaka is haunted. Will they see ghostly hands reaching out from the nearby river? Kevin shares a story about samurai ghosts, paranormal battle sounds, and other ghostly apparitions in Tennoji Park in the south of Osaka, as well as the Whitey Fountain and Woman in Red urban legends connected to Umeda’s labyrinth of underground passages. If you like haunted Japanese history, this is the podcast for you! Website: supernaturaljapan.com Find Phillip Jackson: hiddenpathskyoto.com and Instagram: @kyotoadventure Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the mysterious world of Japanese folklore as Supernatural Japan explores the legend of the Neko Musume (Cat Daughter) — a supernatural being inspired by Japan’s deep connection with cats, yokai traditions, and shapeshifting creatures. Discover the origins of this strange and fascinating yokai, how Neko Musume has evolved through folklore, manga, and anime, and why cats have long held a special place in Japanese culture. From ancient beliefs about magical cats to modern interpretations of this iconic character, join us for a journey into the darker side of Japan’s supernatural stories, myths, and legends.    Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hidden among the hills of Asuka, Nara, Japan, lies the mysterious Masuda Iwafune 益 田 岩 船 - Rock Ship of Masuda — a massive ancient stone monument surrounded by unanswered questions. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, Kevin and his son visit the actual Rock Ship of Masuda with regular guest Phillip Jackson to investigate its strange origins, forgotten history, and the legends surrounding one of Japan’s most fascinating archaeological mysteries. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We revisit this classic Supernatural Japan episode. 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: Japanese Bigfoot.” If you are a fan of cryptids and Bigfoot lore, you’ll love this episode!  Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast (originally Episodes 7 and 8), 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  shares some of his amazing experiences and stories from his walking journey around Shikoku.  Follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we revisit a classic Supernatural Japan episode. Host, Kevin O’Shea, chats with Japan-based writer Phillip Jackson. He talks about his new book, 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 and some of their favorite spooky podcasts, including The Uncanny Podcast, The Battersea Poltergeist, The Witch Farm, Morbid Podcast, and The Nighttime Podcast. Check out Phillip’s website for books and tours: Hidden Paths Kyoto: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore one of the most unsettling yokai in Japanese folklore—the noppera-bō (のっぺらぼう), the infamous faceless spirit said to appear as an ordinary person before revealing a smooth, featureless void where a human face should be. Delving into Edo-period ghost stories, cultural symbolism, and psychological horror, we uncover how these faceless beings reflect deep fears of identity loss, misrecognition, and the uncanny in everyday life. From the legendary Akasaka “Mujina” encounter to modern interpretations in Japanese urban legend and horror culture, this episode reveals why the noppera-bō continues to haunt imaginations as a symbol of quiet, existential terror that hides in plain sight. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we investigate the chilling 1975 Kofu Incident in Yamanashi Prefecture, where two schoolboys reported seeing strange orange lights descend into a quiet vineyard—only to later claim a close encounter with a landed craft and a humanoid figure. Often compared to global “close encounter” cases, the Kofu Incident has become one of Japan’s most debated UFO mysteries, supported by alleged landing-site traces, multiple witness accounts, and decades of ongoing speculation from UFO researchers. We break down what the boys saw, what investigators found in the vineyard, and why skeptics still question every detail of the story. Was it a misidentified aircraft, childhood misperception, or something far stranger breaking through the winter sky over rural Japan? Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Check out the Graveyard Tales episode “Mt. Fuji” where they discuss The Kofu Incident: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mt-fuji/id1294529191?i=1000765372585 Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious world of Yūrei, Japan’s legendary ghosts and restless spirits. Discover the origins of Yūrei in Japanese folklore, the traits that set them apart from Western ghosts, and the cultural beliefs that have shaped their stories for centuries. From vengeful spirits seeking justice to tragic souls unable to move on, we examine some of Japan’s most famous Yūrei tales and their lasting influence on horror films, ghost stories, and popular culture. Join us as we uncover the haunting legends behind Japan’s most iconic supernatural beings. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the legend of the Azuki Arai, a mysterious Japanese yōkai said to haunt rivers and mountain streams, endlessly washing red azuki beans in the darkness. Feared for the eerie sounds it makes at night, this strange spirit has appeared in folklore across Japan for centuries. Discover the origins, regional stories, and cultural meaning behind one of Japan’s most unusual supernatural creatures Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious world of Zashiki Warashi, Japan's legendary child spirits said to bring good fortune, prosperity, and protection to the homes they inhabit. Discover the origins of these beloved yokai in Japanese folklore, hear chilling and heartwarming stories of families who claimed to encounter them, and learn why sightings of Zashiki Warashi are often linked to luck, wealth, and sudden misfortune when they disappear. From traditional inns famous for their resident spirits to centuries-old legends passed down through northern Japan, join us as we uncover the fascinating history and supernatural mysteries surrounding one of Japan's most enchanting ghostly beings. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of these remarkable monks, the temples where their preserved bodies remain today, and the supernatural stories that surround them. Were they holy men who transcended mortality, or do their silent remains still watch over the living? Join us as we uncover one of Japan's most fascinating and eerie spiritual traditions. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Utsuro Bune legend, in which fishermen discover a bizarre vessel adrift at sea carrying a mysterious humanoid unlike anyone they had ever seen. Often considered Japan's earliest UFO story, it is just one of many intriguing cases Ryan examines as he uncovers the enduring mysteries, folklore, and possible UFO encounters woven throughout Japan's history. Somewhere in the Skies is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more, visit: www.somewhereintheskies.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 in plain sight across Japan’s streets? Join us as we explore the origins, cultural impact, and supernatural twists behind one of Japan’s creepiest modern legends. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 supernatural encounters that continue to fuel sightings across the country. Perfect for fans of Japanese urban legends, ghost stories, yokai lore, and paranormal podcasts. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 folklore, hauntings, and insider stories, this episode reveals the supernatural side of one of Tokyo’s most iconic nightlife districts. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, history, and ghostly romance, this episode dives into why Ohatsu Tenjin remains one of Japan’s most powerful spiritual sites for love, loss, and lingering spirits. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 history, meaning, and eerie energy of one of Japan’s most unforgettable festivals. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 locations, and urban legends. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 forces around us. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, supernatural tales, and mysterious creatures. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Prefecture this Golden Week, the enigmatic Rock Ship of Masuda in Nara, and a strange, mysterious deer that has been visiting Phillip’s yard. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, haunted history, and supernatural tales, this episode blends local legend with spine-tingling storytelling. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Contact Phillip Jackson for amazing guided historical walking tours of Kyoto, Japan. Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the work of famed yokai artist Shigeru Mizuki. Blending history, superstition, and storytelling, this episode explores one of Japan’s most unsettling supernatural encounters—perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, urban legends, and ghost stories. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 significance. Perfect for fans of Japanese mythology, ghost stories, and supernatural adventures, this episode will transport you straight to one of Japan’s most enchanting islands. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: Apple Podcasts - Spotify Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 crime, cultural insight, and eerie urban legends, this episode reveals why some homes in Japan come with more than just a bargain price. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Weird in the Wade - Episode 44 - Pub Ghosts (Kevin O’Shea segment included) on Apple Podcasts, BBC Sounds  Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Some of the sources mentioned in this episode: Akiya Mart website Japan Today article about Oshima Teru Nippon (dot) com article about Jiko Bukken Oshima Teru (Japanese Website) Oshima Land (English Website) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 context, this episode uncovers the chilling truth behind the Kunekune legend in Japan. Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Website: supernaturaljapan.com Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 folklore. Are these ghost trains echoes of past tragedies, or something more unexplained? Perfect for fans of Japanese urban legends, true ghost stories, and paranormal travel, this episode dives deep into one of Japan’s most haunting mysteries. Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Website: supernaturaljapan.com Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ohkanda, a long-term Tokyo resident and content creator who shares her own eerie experience inside Sunshine 60, along with fascinating insights into the hidden history of the area. From the shadowy legacy of the site itself to connections with Tokyo’s notorious Golden Gai, this episode explores the deeper, often overlooked layers of Tokyo’s supernatural side—perfect for fans of Japanese urban legends, haunted places, and true crime history. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Follow our guest, Riki Ohkanda, on X Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Tsuchinoko just a misidentified animal… or something far more mysterious? Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 toll is said to vanish or be driven mad. Over time, the story blended real incidents (including a notorious 1990s murder in the area) with urban-myth elements—ruined buildings, a mysterious stone gate, and malevolent spirits—making Inunaki a popular and chilling subject in Japanese horror and internet creepypasta. To get FULL access to Japan Ghost Stories and a lot more: https://www.patreon.com/JustJapanPodcast97 Supernatural Japan Podcast: supernaturaljapan.com Links to Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee were well! Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Jorōgumo lures, traps, and devours her victims — and why her legend still thrives in modern anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 haunt this island? Discover the chilling folklore and paranormal mysteries of Japan’s Island of Exile. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 haunting past of this sacred site, the tragic stories of the forgotten souls buried there, and the eerie ghost sightings that persist to this day. Blending true history, cultural context, and spine-tingling supernatural encounters, this episode reveals why Jōkan-ji is considered one of Japan’s most haunted locations—and why some spirits may never have truly left. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, dark history, and real-life hauntings, this is an episode you won’t forget. BRAND NEW Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 crimes, and ghost stories connected to these secretive spaces. Why do abandoned love hotels attract paranormal tales and urban explorers? Step inside Japan’s most unusual haunted locations — if you dare. BRAND NEW Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Listen to my (host Kevin O’Shea) expat life diary podcast, “Tales from Kevin”: @TalesFromKevin Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 uncovered, or does the shadow of the Wednesday Strangler still linger in Japan’s forgotten countryside? BRAND NEW Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 appearances as part of Team Believer on the hit Uncanny podcast, Peter brings his unique perspective on the supernatural to the show. In this episode, he shares insights into his work in writing and podcasting and recounts a terrifying story about travelers who unknowingly book a haunted Airbnb in Kyoto filled with eerie dolls. If you love Japanese ghost stories, paranormal podcasts, and true creepy encounters in Japan, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to: “Into the Fog With Peter Laws”: https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheFog BRAND NEW Website: supernaturaljapan.com Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 was blamed for disasters in the ancient capital. Discover why ceremonies to appease these feared ghosts continue to this day, and don’t miss Kevin’s announcement of the brand-new Supernatural Japan Premium membership on Patreon for listeners who want even more supernatural content. BRAND NEW Website: supernaturaljapan.com Connect with Phil Jackson in Kyoto: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content! Premium membership: @patreon  Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Connect with Supernatural Japan: Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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, examine the gruesome execution that shocked feudal Japan, and uncover the chilling ghost stories said to haunt Nanzen-ji’s peaceful temple grounds today—perfect for fans of Japanese history, haunted places, and dark folklore. OUR NEW WEBSITE! https://supernaturaljapan.com/ Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.com/ Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 symbolism, and rural folk practices into a rich tapestry of supernatural history that reveals how deeply the natural world shaped Japan’s spiritual imagination and its enduring legends. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast (my weekly diary-style podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 dives deep into how history and horror intertwine—and why these stories continue to haunt us today. Perfect for fans of paranormal podcasts, true crime, and eerie historical storytelling. Souther Gothic (Spotify) and (Apple Podcasts) Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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, and why Oiwa remains one of the most powerful and feared spirits in Japanese folklore. From classic kabuki to modern J-horror, discover how the Legend of Oiwa continues to shape Japan’s obsession with ghosts, revenge, and the supernatural. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 modern ghost legends. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, urban legends, yokai, and supernatural horror. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 traditions, Setsubun: Driving Out Demons, Welcoming Fortune reveals the supernatural meanings behind one of Japan’s most enduring cultural rituals. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 hauntings and other unexplained phenomena.  Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Find Phillip Jackson’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phillip-Jackson/author/B07K4YHPZB?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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!!!! Learn about some silly and creepy supernatural Japanese beasties in this episode of Supernatural Japan.  Check out the book that inspired this episode: Strange Japanese Yokai: A Guide to Weird and Wonderful Monsters, Demons and Spirits  Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes): https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 supernatural intertwine at one of Japan’s most famous castles. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes): https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 phenomenon reveals about belief, folklore, and the unknown. Why This Rural Japanese Town is a UFO Hotspot Abroad in Japan video: https://youtu.be/aqvBLl2wKmU?si=imdpyHNlEw60BK_O Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 mythology. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast (with host Kevin O'Shea): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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, sports folklore, and modern Japanese urban legend, this episode uncovers the true story behind one of Japan’s strangest curses. Also included is an interview that host Kevin O’Shea did with BBC Radio in 2016 about why Japanese people eat KFC for Christmas!  Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 traditions, and mysterious supernatural beings. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 busiest transit hubs on Earth—remains a hotspot for supernatural intrigue. Perfect for fans of Japanese urban legends, haunted locations, and unexplained phenomena. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 episode uncovers one of Kobe’s most enduring urban legends. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 supernatural tales of spirits, divine meetings, and wandering hitodama along the Izumo coast. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, yokai, Shinto history, and Japan’s hidden, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 remains one of Japan’s most unsettling urban legends. Perfect for fans of Japanese hauntings, cursed places, and true ghost stories. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 culture. Perfect for fans of Japanese mythology, haunted artifacts, and strange supernatural tales. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 icon of Japan’s “school ghost” phenomenon. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 expats alike, revealing how history and culture shape Korea’s supernatural beliefs. From eerie cemeteries to centuries-old ghost tales, this episode uncovers the haunting side of Korean tradition and modern life. Get your copy of Supernatural Encounters in South Korea: https://www.darksideofseoul.com/store/ Follow Shawn on Instagram: https://instagram.com/shawn.morrissey Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 Japan’s most powerful supernatural legends. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 still haunts Japan’s pop culture today. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 guardians, and the supernatural history of Tokyo’s most atmospheric graveyard. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 young patients, and the haunting atmosphere that still lingers among its decaying halls. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast (My diary style podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast (My personal diary podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 travelers can expect during Japan’s Halloween season. Perfect for fans of Japanese culture, travel, and the supernatural. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 to spark fear and fascination in Japan. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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 other modern strongmen, including Martins Licis, are working to revive awareness of chikara ishi and reconnect people with this unique part of Japan’s heritage. Whether you’re interested in Japanese folklore, history, or strength sports, this episode uncovers the cultural legacy and supernatural aura surrounding Japan’s “power stones.” Follow David on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonbei_power/featured See the Strength Unknown episode with Martins Licks and David Dunlap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CEjK9haKSQ&t=577s Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a text 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’s legendary journey upstream, and the spiritual significance they continue to hold in Japan today. Follow the podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social X: https://x.com/MadForMaple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapan Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Tales from Kevin Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563 Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevin NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/ Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.com Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices