Have you ever woken up frozen, unable to move or speak? You're wide awake—or at least you think you are. You can hear everything around you, but you're completely paralyzed.

In Japan, this experience has a name: kanashibari. And the explanations? They involve a fierce Buddhist deity with a very specific tool, and a freaky-looking yōkai with a thing for pillows.

Come with me as I explore what happens when sleep paralysis meets Japanese folklore.

[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.]

Music by Julyan Ray Matsuura

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

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