Discover the chilling legend of the Yamauba of Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan Mountains in this episode of Supernatural Japan. We explore the origins of this fearsome mountain witch (also known as Yamamba), her role in Japanese folklore, and the terrifying stories told by travelers and locals alike. From ancient kaidan to modern sightings, learn why the Yamauba continues to haunt Japan’s northern wilderness. Perfect for fans of yokai, Japanese ghost stories, and supernatural myths.

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious disappearance of French tourist Tiphaine Véron, who vanished in 2018 while visiting the historic city of Nikkō. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, temples, and scenic beauty, Nikkō attracts travelers from around the world—yet Tiphaine’s case remains one of Japan’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. We examine the timeline of her vanishing and some of the theories surrounding what could have happened. Blending true crime, cultural context, and the eerie atmosphere of Nikkō, this episode dives into a case that continues to raise questions about safety, secrecy, and the unknown in Japan.

For more on this case:

Evaporated - Gone With the Gods (with Jake Adelstein):

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-7-the-march-room/id1721239147?i=1000638476484

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This week on Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea meets returning guest and Japan-based writer Phillip Jackson in Osaka’s beautiful Utsubo Park for a rare in-person recording. Phillip takes us deep into the eerie side of Dark Kyoto—far beyond the usual temples and tourist spots—to uncover chilling ghost stories, tragic historical events, and unsettling tales that most visitors never hear. From haunted corners to strange happenings in Japan’s ancient capital, this episode blends rich history with spine-tingling supernatural lore, offering a unique look at Kyoto’s hidden and haunted past.

Check out Phillip Jackson’s work:

https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/

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Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!: https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevin

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the chilling legend of the “Extra Dancer” who appears during Bon Odori festivals in rural Tohoku. Rooted in Japan’s Obon traditions—a time when spirits of the dead are believed to return—we uncover ghostly encounters, cultural history, and eerie first-hand accounts of this mysterious figure who joins the dance but vanishes without a trace. Join us as we dive deep into Japanese folklore, regional customs, and the haunted heart of summer in Tohoku. Perfect for fans of Japanese ghost stories, Obon traditions, and the supernatural.

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to Nara, where over 1,000 free-roaming deer are revered as messengers of the gods and protected as national treasures. Explore the ancient legends that tie these sacred animals to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, discover how Shinto beliefs shaped their divine status, and learn how modern tourism has transformed their relationship with locals and visitors. From mysterious folklore to real-life encounters in Nara Park, we uncover the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Japan’s iconic sacred deer.

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, titled “When the Spirits Return: Japan’s Spooky Summer,” we explore the eerie traditions and ghostly folklore that come alive during Japan’s hottest season. From the haunting Obon Festival—when ancestral spirits are said to return—to chilling kaidan (ghost stories), mysterious summer rituals, and the soothing yet otherworldly sound of fūrin (wind chimes), we uncover how Japanese culture embraces the supernatural during the long summer nights. Join us as we dive into centuries-old beliefs, spooky seasonal legends, and the cultural meaning behind Japan’s summer of spirits.

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Join us for a thrilling new episode of Supernatural Japan as I hike through the hidden, haunted corners of Kyoto with Japan-based paranormal author Phillip Jackson. Together, we explore eerie locations off the tourist path, including the mysterious Mount Oiwa Shrine, abandoned Momoyama Castle, the Tomb of Emperor Meiji, and even a haunted public restroom. We also stop by the lesser-known Nogi Shrine before wrapping up our supernatural adventure at the quirky Kappa Country Brewery and Kappa Museum. Discover Kyoto’s haunted history like never before in this unique blend of folklore, history, and the unexplained.

Check out Phil’s work:

https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/

SEE the adventure on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQ9A0ROnj8&lc=UgwzuXGLyxObzuAapql4AaABAg

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NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey to the mysterious Amakusa Islands, a remote and historically rich archipelago off the coast of Kyushu. Known for their connection to hidden Christian history, samurai rebellions, and ancient folklore, the Amakusa Islands are steeped in ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, and spiritual legends. Join us as we uncover chilling tales of haunted temples, restless spirits from the Shimabara Rebellion, and the lingering presence of persecuted Christian martyrs. Whether you're fascinated by Japanese history, supernatural mysteries, or remote travel destinations, this episode explores the eerie side of one of Japan’s most enigmatic regions.

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In this chilling Supernatural Japan episode, host Kevin O’Shea ventures to the heart of western Tokyo to unravel the dark mysteries of the haunted Doryodo Ruins in Hachioji’s Ōtsukayama Park. Once a serene temple built in 1874 and demolished in the 1980s, the site is now infamous for a horrifying trio of murders—a robbery-slain elderly caretaker in 1963, a young co-ed murdered in 1973, and lingering whispers that hint at yet another tragic incident—all of which contribute to the ruin’s eerie reputation. Blending spine‑tingling history, local ghost sightings, and folklore, this episode delves into reports of distant weeping, lost spirits calling "I’m here," and the supernatural legacy that still haunts one of Tokyo’s most notorious shinrei supotto (haunt spots). Perfect for true‑crime and paranormal podcast fans, this episode explores how unbearable grief and unsolved deaths have turned an abandoned temple into a magnet for ghost hunters and urban explorers alike.

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we delve into the infamous Paraquat Murders (パラコート連続毒殺事件), a shocking true crime case from 1980s Japan that left the nation gripped by fear. Known as the "Vending Machine Murders," these unsolved poisonings involved bottles of tainted beverages left near vending machines across the country, resulting in multiple mysterious deaths. We explore the details of the case, the cultural panic it sparked, and how it evolved into a lasting urban legend that continues to haunt Japan’s collective memory. Tune in for a disturbing blend of true crime and the eerie unknown.

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Email: [email protected]

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NEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/

Support the show