Podcast
Supernatural Japan
Hosted by Supernatural Japan · EN
Supernatural Japan explores the dark, mysterious, and unexplained side of Japan. Each episode uncovers the country’s most chilling Japanese ghost stories, haunted places, urban legends, yokai, spirits, folklore, true crime, and paranormal mysteries.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Haunted Tunnels of Japan
5d ago00:23:52Tap to summarizeWhy are so many tunnels in Japan considered haunted? In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we descend into three of the country's most notorious haunted tunnels: Kyoto's eerie Kiyotaki Tunnel, Tokyo's Sendagaya Tunnel beneath a cemetery, and the mysterious Old Komine Tunnel in Hachioji. We explore the ghost stories, urban legends, tragic histories, and reported supernatural encounters associated with these dark passageways, while examining why tunnels around the world have become natural settings for ghost stories. From mysterious apparitions and unexplained sounds to Japanese folklore and the psychology of fear, discover why entering a tunnel can feel like crossing into another world. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Yokai, Folklore and Japan with Zack Davisson
1w ago00:51:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea talks to Zack Davisson, award-winning writer, translator, folklorist, and one of the leading English-language experts on Japanese folklore and the supernatural. They discuss his translation work and relationship with the late, great Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, as well as the evolution of yōkai from feared monsters to pop-culture icons. He also tells us about his own writing and role as a folklorist. Zack tells us about his Japan “origin story” and about his upcoming book, “Kaibyō: The Supernatural Cats of Japan.” Kevin and Zack then continue their conversation for another episode over in the Members’ Section on Patreon! To learn more about what Zack is up to, check out: zackdavisson.com To listen to another amazing conversation with Zack, consider becoming a Member @Patreon Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Become a Member: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Release Day Change - Supernatural Japan
1w ago00:03:36Tap to summarizeThe release day for the main episode of Supernatural Japan will now be on Tuesday, and the smaller, companion episodes will be released on Thursdays. Have no fear, you will all get the same number of episodes a month, they will just come out on diferent days from now on. Thanks for being so awesome and so spooky! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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You Might Also Like: Cryptid Cocktail Party
2w ago00:39:46Tap to summarizeThe Black Flash Of Provincetown (The Devil of the Dunes). Dave and Sarge take a look at the high-jumping, flame-spitting, cloaked entity that terrorized Provincetown, MA during the late 1930s/early 1940s. Find Cryptid Cocktail Party on Apple Podcasts Listen to Cryptid Cocktail Party on Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Tokyo's Most Feared Spirit (Taira no Masakado)
2w ago00:17:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the haunting legacy of Taira no Masakado, the legendary 10th-century samurai whose violent death gave rise to one of Japan's most enduring ghost stories. Discover the history behind his rebellion, the terrifying curses linked to his restless spirit, and why his grave in the heart of Tokyo is still respected—and feared—by politicians, business leaders, and locals alike. Is Masakado's ghost still watching over Japan's capital? Cover Art Credit: Matthew Meyer Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Ghosts of Osaka
2w ago00:54:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea and returning guest Phillip Jackson explore the streets of downtown Osaka, Japan, while sharing haunting tales about the area. Phillip shares some dark history about why many say the area around Yodoyabashi in downtown Osaka is haunted. Will they see ghostly hands reaching out from the nearby river? Kevin shares a story about samurai ghosts, paranormal battle sounds, and other ghostly apparitions in Tennoji Park in the south of Osaka, as well as the Whitey Fountain and Woman in Red urban legends connected to Umeda’s labyrinth of underground passages. If you like haunted Japanese history, this is the podcast for you! Website: supernaturaljapan.com Find Phillip Jackson: hiddenpathskyoto.com and Instagram: @kyotoadventure Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Neko Musume: The Cat Daughter Yokai
3w ago00:17:40Tap to summarizeStep into the mysterious world of Japanese folklore as Supernatural Japan explores the legend of the Neko Musume (Cat Daughter) — a supernatural being inspired by Japan’s deep connection with cats, yokai traditions, and shapeshifting creatures. Discover the origins of this strange and fascinating yokai, how Neko Musume has evolved through folklore, manga, and anime, and why cats have long held a special place in Japanese culture. From ancient beliefs about magical cats to modern interpretations of this iconic character, join us for a journey into the darker side of Japan’s supernatural stories, myths, and legends. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Japan’s Mysterious Rock Ship
3w ago00:32:43Tap to summarizeHidden among the hills of Asuka, Nara, Japan, lies the mysterious Masuda Iwafune 益 田 岩 船 - Rock Ship of Masuda — a massive ancient stone monument surrounded by unanswered questions. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, Kevin and his son visit the actual Rock Ship of Masuda with regular guest Phillip Jackson to investigate its strange origins, forgotten history, and the legends surrounding one of Japan’s most fascinating archaeological mysteries. Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Hibagon (ヒバゴン) - Japan’s Bigfoot
Jul 1800:59:13Tap to summarizeWe revisit this classic Supernatural Japan episode. The Hibagon (ヒバゴン) is the Japanese equivalent of the North American Bigfoot. Many believe that it inhabits the areas around Mount Hiba in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. In this episode, we talk to Canadian author Kyle Brink. He has been researching Hibagon for many years and is based in Hiroshima Prefecture. He is the author of the book, “Hibagon: Japanese Bigfoot.” If you are a fan of cryptids and Bigfoot lore, you’ll love this episode! Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The 88 Temples Pilgrimage (Encore Episode)
Jul 1101:39:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the podcast (originally Episodes 7 and 8), we talk to Japan resident, Kevin Tarpey who is walking the famed 88 Temples Pilgrimage on the island of Shikoku. Henry or pilgrims have been walking this route for generations for many different reasons. Many are spiritual while others for a sense of adventure. Kevin shares some of his amazing experiences and stories from his walking journey around Shikoku. Follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof Website: supernaturaljapan.com Supernatural Japan locations map: Google Map Get lots of Premium and Exclusive Content and Ad-free Episodes! Premium membership: @patreon Support on: @BuyMeACoffee Tales from Kevin (my expat diary podcast) Connect with Supernatural Japan: Instagram: @supernaturaljapan Facebook: @SupernaturalJapan BlueSky: @MadForMaple X: @MadForMaple YouTube: @BusanKevin Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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