The story of Oiwa's ghost is a famous tale of domestic horror, but it's also a dark reflection of the real-life terror and deadly rivalries within the Shogun's Harem, where thousands of women competed for the favor of a single man.

In this episode of our podcast, we explore Japan's most famous ghost story, the Yotsuya Kaidan, and the legend of its vengeful spirit, Oiwa. This podcast will first introduce the archetype of the onryō, or wronged woman, a powerful figure in Japanese folklore who returns from death to seek justice. We will then narrate the tragic story of Oiwa—a loyal wife betrayed, disfigured by poison, and murdered by her ambitious husband, only to return as a terrifying specter. The episode examines the historical context of the tale, which originated in Edo-period Japan and was based on real-life events, giving the supernatural horror a chilling connection to reality. This podcast also delves into the story's deeper themes, such as Buddhist concepts of karma and the way supernatural power was the only form of agency available to powerless women. Finally, the discussion will trace Oiwa's lasting legacy, from the "curse" that follows its stage productions to her influence on modern J-horror icons like Sadako from The Ring. We will also explore how the story's themes of jealousy and poison mirror the real-world intrigues of the shogun's harem, the Ōoku.