Supernatural Japan

Discover the chilling legend of the Okiku Doll in this episode of Supernatural Japan. Explore the mysterious Japanese doll whose hair is said to grow on its own, the origins of this eerie tale, and the folklore that surrounds it. From historical context to spine-tingling stories, we uncover why the Okiku Doll continues to captivate and haunt Japan.

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Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast)

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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

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Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast)

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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.

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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

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Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast)

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

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X: @MadForMaple

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Email: [email protected]

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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

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Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast)

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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

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Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast)

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

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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

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Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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

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Premium membership: @patreon 

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Connect with Supernatural Japan:

Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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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

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Premium membership: @patreon 

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Connect with Supernatural Japan:

Instagram: @supernaturaljapan

Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan

BlueSky: @MadForMaple

X: @MadForMaple

YouTube: @BusanKevin

Email: [email protected]

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