EPISODE GUIDE

season two:

THE TERRORS OF TWO VOLCANOES

IWO JIMA

World War II airplane flying over a volcanic island with a large crater visible below.
Two men seated at a table with a microphone, appearing in a black and white photo with a grainy texture.

EPISODE 10: HOLDOUTS OF IWO JIMA

The harrowing tale of survival and self-deception of two World War II Japanese soldiers amid a violent battle for this volcanic island.

Produced, written and translated by Heath A. Havey

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EPISODE 11: THE GHOSTS OF IWO JIMA

With tens of thousands dead on this island, the Japanese consider Iwo Jima a sacred island. Rules have been established to keep the spirits at peace and to avoid having them follow visitors back to the mainland. Ghost stories on the island are pervasive. Listen to those ghost stories and tales that have terrified Japanese and U.S. military visitors to the island.

MIHARA

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EPISODE 12: THE DARK lEGENDS OF MIHARA

Japanese ukiyo-e style artwork depicting a mythical giant figure emerging from waves, a boat with people in traditional garments, and a coastal village with trees and buildings.
Japanese artwork depicting a mythical warrior figure with oni demons

Listen to three tales of legend involving Yokai, a famous shaman, and 25 young men who sought revenge against a ruthless warlord. All three tales give rise to the belief that the island of Izu Oshima, and its volcano Mihara, are haunted places of tatari.

Wooden sign with Japanese text and a kappa illustration in a garden setting.

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EPISODE 13: MIHARA’S LEGACY OF SELF-IMMOLATION

Release Date: February 23, 2024

Japanese newspaper with articles and a black-and-white photo of a woman smiling, dressed in traditional attire.

In 1933, two young women face a Japan intolerant of their lesbianism. One of them decides to throw herself into the Mihara volcano. She could never anticipate the wave of thousands of people over the next four years who would throw themselves into the lava belching volcano. These are the rejected of society, the forbidden loves, and those feeling persecuted by Japanese homogeneous standards.

And the business people on the island capitalize on this tragedy. Thousands visit the volcano each day to see who will throw themselves into the crater. News crews arrive. Global news covers the story. Izu Oshima becomes known as “Suicide Island” and Mihara becomes known as the “Suicide Volcano.” The government tries countless measures to stop the plague of suicides.

Hear these stories and more on Episode 13.

EPISODE 14: THE CURSE OF MIHARA

Release Date: March 8, 2024

Episode 14 follows the results of the so-called “Plague of Suicides,” where thousands each year plunged to their deaths into the molten crater of Mount Mihara in the 1930s, while tens of thousands crowded around the crater to watch and unethical businessmen exploited the tragedy.

Hear the incredible tales of rescue efforts, including the inspirational tale of Nobu Jo, who spent her life trying to prevent outcast women from taking these drastic actions, and giving hope despite the many death threats and tragedies facing her own life by unscrupulous men.

But beyond the horrific center of this volcano, curses were placed by many on the island. Some believe these curses led to an unbelievable airplane crash right into the side of the volcano. Others believe the ghosts of those who died in the volcano can be seen. And one such ghost is believed to have been caught on a news team's camera during a powerful eruption in the 1980s.

Is the island and its volcano cursed? Do the dead still roam the trees and the rim of the caldera? Listen now and judge for yourself.

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What people are saying

“As authentic and scary as it gets for Japan. Like nothing I’ve ever heard before.”