About this episode

This episode explores the everyday magic words and protective spells of childhood in Japan.

Two little boys find a dead bird on a mountain path. One accidentally touches it with his shoe, and suddenly the invisible contagion begins. Fingers cross. A circle is made. A hand chops through it. “Engacho!” In this episode of Uncanny Japan, we explore the everyday magic words and protective spells of childhood in Japan. There’s engacho, used to cut away contamination, bad luck, and all things spiritually “yucky.” There’s kuwabara kuwabara, a charm against thunder and lightning. Tsuru kame tsuru kame cancels out bad omens, while yubikiri genman turns a pinky promise into something surprisingly violent. And finally, chichin pui pui makes pain fly away. Part playground game, part folk magic, part tiny exorcism, these little phrases show how children turn fear, disgust, pain, danger, and promises into ritual. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics covered

• childhood magic
• Japanese folklore
• protective spells
• rituals
• cultural practices

Keywords

• Engacho
• kuwabara kuwabara
• Tsuru kame tsuru kame
• yubikiri genman
• chichin pui pui
• childhood spells
• Japanese culture

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Uncanny Japan, Engacho, kuwabara kuwabara, Tsuru kame tsuru kame, yubikiri genman, chichin pui pui

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