Kowabana: 'True' Japanese scary stories from around the internet

Curated by horror author and translator Tara A. Devlin, Kowabana: 'True' Japanese scary stories from around the internet is a weekly dive into the unsettling narratives that flourish in the digital corners of Japan. This isn't your typical campfire tale podcast; it's a dedicated translation project, bringing directly to your ears the kind of raw, web-sourced horror stories shared across forums and message boards. Each episode features brand new, exclusive translations, meaning you're hearing these accounts in English often for the very first time. The atmosphere conjured is uniquely potent, moving beyond Western tropes to explore a world where ancient grudge meets modern dread. You'll encounter vengeful onryo spirits, phenomena tied to cursed technology, and whispers from haunted shrines and lonely mountain passes. Tara's delivery and deep understanding of the genre provide the perfect conduit for these tales, balancing chilling narration with the authentic texture of their online origins. For anyone fascinated by the specific craft of Japanese horror-its pacing, its psychological unease, its blend of the folkloric and the contemporary-this podcast serves as an essential and regularly updated archive. It’s a direct line to the stories that genuinely creep out Japanese readers, now meticulously translated and presented for a new audience to experience. Settle in for a regular dose of unease, straight from the source.