Books, Audiobooks & Anthologies

Books

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— Coming Soon —

Dark Tales from Japan: Japanese Horror Stories of Yōkai, Ghosts, and the Supernatural

— Horror —

Explore the uncanny world of Japan with this chilling collection. Horror meets folklore in this haunting volume of thirty retold, reimagined, or entirely new stories inspired by Japanese yōkai and folklore.

— Out Now —

Legends of Japanese Mythology: Meet the Heroes, Spirits, Monsters, and Yōkai of Japanese Folklore (Legends of Past)

— Middle Grade —

The stunningly illustrated anthology takes you on an adventure through time to a world of mystical power, battles, quests, and intrigue. Featuring the otherwordly artwork of Tomii Masako and enchanting text from the host of the popular podcast Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura, this collection of timeless tales is perfect for all lovers of Japanese mythology and folklore.

The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth

— Fun-Sized Encyclopedia with Stories —

Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: a fascinating journey through Japan’s folklore through profiles of the legendary creatures and beings who continue to live on in pop culture today.

From the sly kitsune to the ogreish oni and mischievous shape-shifting tanuki, learn all about the origins of these fantastical and mythical creatures. This gorgeous package is complete with stained edges and stunning four-color illustrations. With information on their cultural significance, a retelling of a popular tale tied to that particular yokai, and how it’s been spun into today’s popular culture, this handsome tome teaches you about the stories and histories of the beings that inspired characters in your favorite movies, animes, manga, and games.
Adventure, mystery, and amazing tales await in The Book of Japanese Folklore.

The Yōkai Oracle Deck

— Oracle Cards —

Unlock ancient wisdom of Japan with this captivating oracle deck inspired by The Book of Japanese Folklore. Perfect for those fascinated by the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and spiritual seekers alike, this collection offers a getaway to the mystical realms of kami, spirits, yōkai, folk heroes, and other mystical beings of Japanese folklore.

The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales

— Horror Story Collection — audio only, at the moment

Having not received royalties from the original publisher and having gotten the rights reverted back to me, I’m currently revisiting The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales (my second short story collection). I’m updating the stories, adding commentaries, and a handful of new tales to the mix. Stay tuned! I do own the rights to the audio version, however, and that is available to listen to.

The Robe of Feathers and Other Stories

In my first collection of short stories I played with a genre I called mythical realism.
“In Japan, the line that divides myth from reality is not merely blurred, it is nonexistent. Superstitions, legends, and folk myths are passed down through generations and pervade daily living.

When a child playing near a river fails to return home, it is whispered that she was swept away by an adzuki arai, or Bean Washer. When a man boarding a ship hears the ringing of an unseen insect, it is announced that a funadama (Boat Spirit) is present and so the auspicious harbinger of smooth seas and abundant catch is celebrated. Even something as innocuous as waking up to find your pillow at the foot of your bed is thought to be the trick of a makura gaeshi, otherwise known as a Pillow Turner. Nothing is as simple as it seems. Your neighbor isn’t merely an eccentric old woman; she might very well be a shape-shifting, grudge-harboring Water Sprite.

The Japanese examine life and living with the keenest eyes and the most vivid of imaginations. Thersa Matsuura has captured that essence in

Audiobooks

The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth

The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales

The Wife Who Didn’t Eat

A farmer in old Japan prays to the gods for a wife, someone who is kind, beautiful, and hardworking. What would be even better is if she didn’t eat at all, saving him both money and food. Imagine his surprise when just such a woman shows up at his house one night.

But all is not perfect. The gods have quite the sense of humor, and the farmer soon learns what kind of monster he is living with. But is it too late?

“The Wife Who Didn’t Eat” is author Thersa Matsuura’s retelling of a classic horror-tinged Japanese folktale, “Kwazu Nyobo”. Here she reads her version of the story followed by a short commentary with some of her research notes and thoughts on the tale.

Both the short story and commentary come in at just under one hour.