November 20, 2025

Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183)

30 minutes

Don't point at the moon—you might wake up without your ears.

In Japan, the moon rabbit isn't just making mochi. Its image was placed there by the gods to honor an act of pure sacrifice, a Buddhist tale that traveled from India through China and transformed along the way.

In this episode we explore Tsukimi moon-viewing traditions, the violent origin of the moon god Tsukuyomi, protective pompous grass rituals, and dozens of poetic names for moonlight—from the "moon you can stand and wait for" to the "moon that rises deep into the night."

Plus: moon-viewing thieves, spirit-attracting moonbeams, and why pointing at the moon might cost you more than you think.

Tsuki wa jōman. The moon is always full.

Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that at no cost to you, if you use and purchase through them I receive a small compensation. This is paid by the retailer. It also helps support me and my artistic endeavors. Thank you.

Follow Uncanny Japan:

Patreon

Uncanny Japan Website

Thersa Matsuura Website

Books on Amazon

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution)

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Credits:

Music by Julyan Ray Matsuura

About SpectreVision Radio:

SpectreVision Radio is a bespoke podcast network at the intersection between the arts and the uncanny, featuring a tapestry of shows exploring creativity, the esoteric, and the unknown. We're a community for creators and fans vibrating around common curiosities, shared interests and persistent passions.

spectrevisionradio.com
linktr.ee/spectrevisionsocial

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more