Mysterious Japan

謎の日本

Japan’s dark histories and strange mysteries

Ghost Stories

Cryptids

Bizarre History

Urban Legends

Horrific Tales

New episodes released every other Saturday.

Written and Translated by Recognized Japan Expert Dr. Heath A. Havey

Densetsu (“Legends”)

Welcome to “Mysterious Japan,” a biweekly podcast where ethereal and haunting stories of this captivating land come to life. With every tale woven intricately to capture your imagination, your host—a recognized expert of Japan—delves deep into the dark corridors of Japan's history to unearth stories never before presented to the West.

Each story, meticulously researched and crafted, is designed to leave a lasting impact on the minds of listeners. Prepare yourself to be transported to a world where tragedy and lore intertwine, where the supernatural and otherworldly hold sway over the mortal realm.

Journey with us as we explore the hidden depths of Japan's past, where ancient spirits whisper echoes of centuries gone by and mystical creatures roam. Mysterious Japan peels back the layers of time, revealing the concealed corners of this enigmatic country.

Mysterious Japan tells stories of:

  • Dark History and unbelievable yet true events

  • Ghost Stories

  • Tales of the Yokai and other folklore creatures

  • Cryptids of Japan

  • Curses, Hauntings, and Forsaken Places

  • Urban Legends

  • Unbelievable Crimes and Atrocities

  • and much, much more

Among these tales, you will also encounter the heroes who dared to stand up.

From chilling tales of vengeful spirits to encounters with horrific creatures that defy comprehension, Mysterious Japan offers a gateway into a realm brimming with both the macabre and the unforgettable.

Told in a campfire story style, Mysterious Japan resonates as an eerie journey as told by those who experienced them. Embark with us to the shadowlands of Japan, where dark history and fringe folklore collide.

This and much more awaits you in Mysterious Japan.

This podcast contains mature themes including suicide. Listener discretion advised.

What Is Mysterious Japan?

Kappa drawings from mid-19th century Suiko juni-hin no zu. Koga Tōan (1788-1847) and Kurimoto Tanshu (1756-1834). Source: National Diet Library (Tokyo).

Why Listen to Mysterious Japan?

As your host, Heath Havey’s dedication to reconstructing the past and presenting it in a captivating story format sets Mysterious Japan apart. With painstaking research, deep reverence for Japanese tradition, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, these stories allow listeners to experience the dark side of Japan's rich heritage in a way they never thought possible.

You are invited to dive into the secrets buried beneath Japan's veneer of tranquility. Mysterious Japan beckons you to step through its gateway to the dark side of Japan.

Most of these stories have never been told in English, yet they are an integral part of the rich tapestry that is Japanese culture and history.

In the depths of the night, when the moon is but a sliver in the sky, and a chill hangs heavy in the air, a group of brave souls gather around a crackling campfire. The flames dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows upon their faces as their eyes reflect a mixture of anticipation and fear. Tonight, they embark on a journey to the shadowlands of Japan, where dark history and horrific folklore collide.

If you have any interest in Japan, or just crave unbelievable stories of history or horror, you have come to the right place.

Join us on this journey through the shadows as we unearth the darkness that resides within Japan's history and legends. These stories, often whispered in hushed tones, will reveal the depths of human nature and the supernatural beings that lurk just beyond our perception. Mysterious Japan will transport you to a realm where reality and myth intertwine, and where the line between the living and the dead becomes blurred. Each episode will immerse you in a world of spine-chilling fright and captivating wonder.

So gather your courage as we venture together into the shadowlands of Japan. Turn up the volume and listen closely, for these stories must be heard to be believed. Let us navigate the eerie and captivating tapestry of Japanese culture and history, one tale at a time. Warning: You may want to keep the lights on.

Welcome to "Mysterious Japan."

Meet Your Host

Dr. Heath A. Havey is a recognized expert in Japanese law, history and culture. Working as a translator, interpreter, law professor and international lawyer in Japan, he has been closely involved with all things Japan since 1991.

Heath graduated with a degree in Japanese in 1995, received his doctorate in 1998, and was educated in both the US and Japan.

Since his early days in Japan over thirty years ago, Heath gained a fascination with Japanese history and folklore. He has indulged in his passion for these subjects by devoting decades to unraveling the enigmatic stories that have remained hidden from the English-speaking world.

Welcome to his collection of dark tales and macabre history that any aficionado of Japan, or simply any lover of history and horror, must hear. His goal is to bring the Western world compelling tales from Japan never heard by the English speaking world.

From the eerie and grotesque to the whimsical and mischievous, there is something for everyone packed in these stories. Heath peels back the veil to bring these tales to life for the Western listener.

Heath’s exceptional knowledge, combined with his passion for storytelling, elevates this collection to new heights, opening a gateway to the unknown. His meticulous research and tireless dedication bring to light the hidden aspects of Japanese folklore that have remained elusive to the Western world. With his unique blend of history, culture, and horror, he invites you to explore the mysteries and darkness that still lurk within the beating heart of Japan.


  • Founder and Host of

    Mysterious Japan

What People Are Saying

“How can a podcast be so dark and twisted in the best ways and still teach me so much about Japan?”

“If Stephen King were also an expert in Japan and wrote true stories, these are the things I would expect from him. Creepy, scary, and somehow true. Two emphatic thumbs up.”

“After every episode, I just want to ask for more. This is the best podcast on dark folklore since Aaron Mahnke’s LORE.”

“This guy knows Japan and also how to tell a story. Why hasn’t the world heard these fascinating stories before? I thought I knew a lot about Japan. Now I know I was wrong. Heath is the real deal.”