The Mysterious Japan

Episode 31: Ikiryo, the Living Doll, Part 2

The shocking and terrifying conclusion to one of the infamous haunted doll stories in Japan, responsible for more deaths, injuries and terror than the Annabelle doll in America.

Episode 30: Ikiningyo Part 1

This episode tells the story of the Ikiningyo, or Living Doll. Generally considered the most horrific of documented doll possessions in modern Japanese history, this tale is part one of the experience of comedian Inagawa, whose horrific experiences with this doll span over two decades. Though perhaps the most well known haunted doll story in Japan, Inagawa's story has never been fully brought to an English speaking audience until now. Taken from his writings and interviews, and from the studio and audience witnesses, this tale rivals anything spawned by the most demented Hollywood scriptwriters.

Episode 29: Haunted Dolls of Japan

Every nation has tales of haunted or cursed dolls. Japan is no exception. This episode explores stories of an urban legend of Licca-chan dolls, Okiku the haunted doll, and Wara-Ningyo, the straw dolls used for curses.

Episode 28: Teke Teke and Kuchisake no Onna

Three urban legends in Japan strike fear into the hearts of middle and high schoolers. Hear these legends and their mysterious origins: Teke Teke, The Slit-Faced woman, and Kashima-san.

Episode 27: The Japanese Bigfoot Part 2--Hibagon

This episode examines stories of the Hibagon, the Japanese Bigfoot believed to reside in the mountains north of Hiroshima.

Episode 26: The Japanese Bigfoot Part 1

Even Japan has legends of a hairy bipedal monster. This episode examines several tales and legends regarding the "Japanese Bigfoot."

Episode 25: Ghosts of Toyama Park

Ghost stories abount in Toyama Park, from spirit orbs to the ghost of a man in the restroom. Tombs of the ancient dead have been found, and the samurai known as the God of War is enshrined in the Shinto Shrine here. Listen to these tales and decide for yourself if Toyama Park is the most haunted place in Japan.

Episode 24: The Demise of Doctor Death

Dr. Ishii plots to destroy America even as his Unit 731 operations kill tens of thousands of Chinese. But perhaps his fall from grace and his last human experiment form the most interesting part of his tale.

Episode 23: The Horrors of Unit 731

Unit 731 rises in Pingfang in World War II to covertly perform human experimentation, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands. The barbarity of their experiments defy human comprehension. Hear the tale of the Japanese doctor who used Chinese prisoners to study frostbite, and his fall from grace decades later. 

Episode 22: The Rise of Doctor Death

Dr. Shiro Ishii became known as Dr. Death for leading thousands to their death in human experimentation during World War II. This episode describes the rise of Dr. Ishii, the formation of what would become the infamous Unit 731 in Manchuria at a place called "The Fortress," and a daring escape by Chinese prisoners that led to the fall of the Fortress.