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Discover the hidden folklore of Japan’s most mystical flora in this episode of Supernatural Japan, where we explore the ancient beliefs surrounding magical plants like bamboo, mugwort, sakura, cedar, wisteria, and foxglove, and uncover how these plants were once thought to ward off evil, attract spirits, grant protection, or even curse the living, blending Shinto traditions, Buddhist symbolism, and rural folk practices into a rich tapestry of supernatural history that reveals how deeply the natural world shaped Japan’s spiritual imagination and its enduring legends.

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast (my weekly diary-style podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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In this special crossover episode of Supernatural Japan, host Kevin O’Shea sits down with Brandon Schexnayder, creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Southern Gothic. Together, they explore chilling folklore, haunted history, and the dark truths behind some of the American South’s most unsettling legends. From ghost stories and urban myths to real-life tragedies, this interview dives deep into how history and horror intertwine—and why these stories continue to haunt us today. Perfect for fans of paranormal podcasts, true crime, and eerie historical storytelling.

Souther Gothic (Spotify) and (Apple Podcasts)

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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Meet Japan’s most famous ghost in this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, as we dive into the terrifying legend of Oiwa from Yotsuya Kaidan. Betrayed, poisoned, and murdered, Oiwa returns as a vengeful onryō, haunting her husband and driving him into madness. Explore the dark origins of this Edo-period ghost story, the real-world curses surrounding its stage and film adaptations, and why Oiwa remains one of the most powerful and feared spirits in Japanese folklore. From classic kabuki to modern J-horror, discover how the Legend of Oiwa continues to shape Japan’s obsession with ghosts, revenge, and the supernatural.

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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Meet Turbo Granny (ターボババア) — one of Japan’s creepiest urban legends. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the terrifying yokai said to sprint alongside cars, haunt dark roads and tunnels, and chase victims at impossible speeds. Discover the origins of the Turbo Granny myth, real-life encounter stories, and why this bizarre spirit remains one of Japan’s most unsettling modern ghost legends. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, urban legends, yokai, and supernatural horror.

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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.social

X: https://x.com/MadForMaple

Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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Love, Lies, and Death: Japan’s Black Widows explores chilling true crime cases including Chisako Kakehi, Kanae Kijima, and other infamous Japanese “black widows” who murdered their partners for money and control. This episode of Supernatural Japan examines the psychology, cultural context, and shocking betrayals behind Japan’s deadliest relationships.

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, explore the mysterious origins of Setsubun, Japan’s traditional festival for driving out demons and welcoming good fortune. Learn about oni folklore, bean-throwing rituals (mamemaki), ehō-maki customs, and how families, schools, and temples celebrate this seasonal turning point. Blending Japanese folklore, Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, and modern traditions, Setsubun: Driving Out Demons, Welcoming Fortune reveals the supernatural meanings behind one of Japan’s most enduring cultural rituals.

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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

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

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, join us as we explore supernatural paths less traveled in Yawata City in Kyoto, Japan. Host Kevin O’Shea and writer Phillip Jackson explore supernatural sites located in Yawata and on Otokoyama. They visit a house reputed to be haunted, a traditional cemetery, and various shrines and temples on the mountain. A location connected to tales of hauntings and other unexplained phenomena.

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Find Phillip Jackson’s books:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phillip-Jackson/author/B07K4YHPZB?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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

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You’ve heard of Yokai in Japan. They are supernatural beings, spirits, and strange phenomena from Japanese folklore, encompassing monsters, demons, ghosts, shapeshifters, and enchanted objects. Some are better known than others. The Kappa, Tanuki, and Tengu are well-known, but some are not. How about the Yokai that touches your bottom when you visit the toilet, or one that drinks pee!!!! Learn about some silly and creepy supernatural Japanese beasties in this episode of Supernatural Japan.

Check out the book that inspired this episode:

Strange Japanese Yokai: A Guide to Weird and Wonderful Monsters, Demons and Spirits

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Email: supernaturaljapan@gmail.com

Tales from Kevin Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563

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

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