Supernatural Japan

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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 conti...

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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.

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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 Ja...

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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...

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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 fo...

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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...

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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...

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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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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we set sail into the eerie waters of Aomori Prefecture to uncover the legend of the Ominato Ghost Ship—a spectral vessel said to haunt the bay near Mutsu City, Japan. Linked by whispers to the tragic wartime sinking of the Ukishima Maru, this modern urban legend blends historical mystery with supernatural horror. Join us as we delve into the disturbing details behind the sightings, the spiritual unease that surrounds the site, and the lingering presence of restless souls lost at sea. If...

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we delve into the horrifying true crime case of the Blue Blanket Butcher (青い毛布の殺人者, Aoi Mōfu no Satsujinsha)—a gruesome unsolved mystery that shook Japan more than 100 years ago. Discover the dark story of a killer who lured victims under the cover of night, leaving behind mutilated bodies wrapped in a distinctive blue blanket. We examine the cultural fallout, police investigation, and chilling rumors of hauntings associated with the crime scenes. Join us as we uncover the facts, folklore, and lingering supernatural whispers surrounding one of Japan’s most distur...

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the eerie legends and ghost stories surrounding the Kobe Foreign Cemetery (神戸外国人墓地), a historic graveyard nestled in the hills of one of Japan’s most international cities. Discover the mysterious hauntings reported by locals and visitors alike, and learn how Kobe’s unique past as a port city opened to the West gave rise to this resting place for foreign souls. With rich historical context and spine-tingling tales, this episode is perfect for fans of Japanese ghost stories, haunted locations, and cultural history.

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Discover the chilling legend of the ghost of Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow, lantern-lit alleyway hidden in the heart of Osaka’s Namba district. In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the haunted history of this iconic backstreet, including eerie sightings near Hozenji Temple, local urban legends, and Osaka’s long-standing connection to the supernatural. Learn why Hozenji Yokocho’s charm hides a darker side, and why some believe the restless spirit of a woman still lingers in the shadows. If you’re drawn to ghost stories, hidden temples, and the mystery of old Japa...

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the mysterious world of the Kitsune, Japan’s legendary fox spirit. Discover how these shape-shifting creatures bridge the gap between myth and reality—revered as protectors, feared as tricksters, and closely linked to the Shinto deity Inari. We dive into the history, folklore, and modern-day sightings of Kitsune, as well as the cultural significance of the real-life fox in Japan. Whether you're a fan of Japanese mythology, the supernatural, or hidden cultural gems, this episode offers a captivating journey into one of Japan’s most iconic...

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In this gripping episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the chilling events of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin Gas Attack carried out by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo. Host Kevin O'Shea sits down with Japan-based university educator Brian Waters to discuss the cult’s apocalyptic beliefs, the terrifying morning of March 20th, and the lasting psychological and societal impact on Japan. This episode blends true crime, dark history, and the eerie undercurrents of Japan’s modern spiritual movements. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of Japan’s most shocking domestic terror attacks—subscribe...

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, titled "Ghosts of the Tsunami 3/11," we explore the haunting aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami through the lens of local ghost stories and spiritual phenomena. Discover the eerie reports of phantom taxi passengers, wandering spirits, and supernatural encounters tied to the tragic events of March 11, 2011. Blending real-life accounts, Japanese folklore, and cultural insights, this episode delves deep into how grief, trauma, and belief shape the lingering presence of the dead in post-disaster Japan. Perfect for fans of Japanese ghost stories, urban legends, and true p...

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we delve into the tragic and chilling story of the Myojo 56 Building Fire, one of Japan’s deadliest unsolved arson cases, which claimed 44 lives in Tokyo’s notorious Kabukicho red-light district in 2001. Beyond the immense loss, locals speak of strange occurrences and lingering spirits associated with the building’s dark past. We investigate the fire’s mysterious circumstances, the urban legends that arose, and the ghost stories that continue to haunt this part of Shinjuku. Tune in for a riveting mix of true crime, paranormal lore, and Japanese...

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In the next episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into a bizarre and unsettling story that’s recently made headlines across Asia. Host Kevin O’Shea sits down with journalist Jay Allen, founder of Unseen Japan, to discuss his investigation into a decades-old manga (私が見た未来 - The Future I’ve Seen) that has resurfaced and sparked fear among Hong Kong tourists. The comic warns of a massive tsunami set to strike Japan in July—an eerie prophecy that’s gone viral and convinced some travelers to cancel their trips. Is this a case of uncanny foresight, mas...

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the terrifying legend of the Gashadokuro—the giant, fleshless skeleton said to roam the countryside at night, hunting unsuspecting travelers. Discover the dark origins of this bone-rattling yokai, born from the restless spirits of the dead, and learn how it ties into Japan’s feudal history, folklore, and spiritual beliefs. Whether you're a fan of Japanese mythology, yokai stories, or true supernatural tales, this spine-tingling deep dive into the Gashadokuro is not to be missed. Tune in now and uncover the truth behind one of J...

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we explore the unsolved 1994 Inokashira Park dismemberment case, where a Tokyo salaryman's body was found meticulously cut into 30 pieces and scattered across a serene urban park. Blending true crime and Japanese folklore, the episode delves into police investigations, surgical precision theories, yakuza rumors, and the eerie legends tied to the haunted Benzaiten Shrine and cursed swan boats. Discover how modern hauntings, ghost sightings, and spiritual unrest continue to fuel the park’s dark reputation. Perfect for fans of Japanese true crime, urban legends, and paranormal mysteries.

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In this chilling episode of Supernatural Japan, we journey beyond Japan to explore the infamous Shih Chung Branch School in Penang, Malaysia—one of Southeast Asia’s most haunted locations. Once a colonial-era school turned Japanese military headquarters during World War II, this abandoned building is said to echo with the cries of tortured souls and ghostly apparitions. Discover the dark history, eerie legends, and spine-tingling paranormal encounters that have made the Shih Chung Branch School a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. Tune in as we unravel the supernatural secrets hidden with...

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In this episode of Supernatural Japan, we dive into the mysterious legend of the Hollow Ship of Hitachi, one of Japan’s earliest recorded UFO sightings from 1803. Was it an alien encounter, a strange foreign vessel, or something even more mysterious? We explore the historical records, the strange details of the ship and its occupant, and how this bizarre event fits into both Edo-period folklore and modern UFO theories. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind one of Japan’s most intriguing supernatural mysteries! 🚀

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