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Speculative fiction writer, long-term resident of Japan and Bram Stoker Award finalist Thersa Matsuura explores all that is weird from old Japan—strange superstitions, folktales, cultural oddities, and interesting language quirks. These are little treasures she digs up while doing research for her writing.
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Soothing Stories Podcast

Uncanny Productions

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Listen in as speculative fiction writer and Bram Stoker Award Finalist and Clarion West 2015 Graduate Thersa Matsuura reads and shares some great tales. Each episode aims to showcase the most immersive storytelling with both classics and Thersa's own writing accompanied by high quality soundscapes created for hours of relaxation. Also check out her other podcast, Uncanny Japan for Japanese folklore, folktales, cultural tidbits and superstitions!
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Humorous and surreal short stories and audio dramas read and performed by humans. || Multi Dimension Independent Film Festival "Best Podcast Stories" Winner Written and performed by Bram Stoker Award Finalist and Clarion West 2015 Graduate Thersa Matsuura and audio engineer Rich Pav.
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Two tales of travel that went awry. The first is the gruesome story of "Tōdaik" ("The Candlestick Demon") and the second a sillier legend of "Minister Kibi's Adventures in China". [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is …
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Terrie reads Lafcadio Hearn's metaphysical story "Readings from a Dream-book," a collection of ethereal fragments that explore the nature of consciousness, mortality, and cosmic existence. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny …
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Join Thersa on a journey aboard a magical sea turtle down to the underwater palace of Ryūjin, the Japanese Dragon God. Explore the the Ryūgūjō Castle, meet its mythical inhabitants, and delve into the powerful lore surrounding this deity. Discover Ryūjin's abilities to control tides, grant wishes, and ward off evil, and learn practical ways you mig…
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Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay the bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy. Explore the fascinating legends surrounding Japan's most iconic mountain. Discover the extraordinary myth of Konohana Sakuya Hime, the stunningly beautiful goddess of Mt. Fuji who ga…
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Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay for rent and recent hospital bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy. In this episode of Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura explores the culinary rivalry between Kanto (Tokyo region) and Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto area). Discover the fasc…
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* Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay for rent and recent hospital bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy. Join Terrie on a trip to Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion and uncover its lesser-known stories: its real name isn't Kinkaku-ji, it survived multiple lightnin…
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Take a journey through the historical walking routes of old Edo Japan, focusing on the Gokaido (Five Edo Routes). Learn about the political significance of these routes and their role in maintaining peace during the Tokugawa shogunate's 250-year reign. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Tra…
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Meet Fudomyō, the fierce-looking but benevolent Buddhist deity who, despite his intimidating appearance with wild eyes and fangs, exists to help humanity. Learn about this Wisdom King's symbolic elements and the powerful Goma fire ceremony where his purifying flames burn away worldly desires and suffering. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiratio…
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Listen to the story of Bodhidharma, the blue-eyed monk who brought Zen to China, and his legendary feats - from crossing rivers on reeds to meditating until his legs fell off. Learn how his teachings evolved into modern Zen practices, and get practical guidance for starting your own meditation practice. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration f…
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Did you know there is a Shinto kami (god or spirit) of salt? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If …
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Turbo Granny is a Japanese urban legend about a fleet-footed old woman, but did you know she has friends? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese…
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Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons — Enticing Language and a Quiz! [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you…
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Okappa, a young woman living in a town ravaged by disease, encounters a traveling performer, Hanshiro, and his monkey, Fukumimi. WARNING: This story starts out explicit without using explicit language. It's not for children who are old enough to read between the lines. From Thersa Matsuura's Bram Stoker Award-nominated short story collection "The C…
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