Why the Year of the Fire Horse is Dreaded in Japan and Cursed Kimonos (Ep. 185)
About this episode
This episode explores the fear surrounding the Year of the Fire Horse in Japan and the tragic story of a cursed kimono linked to a devastating fire.
2026 is the year of the fire horse—a year that happens only once every 60 years. Across East Asia, it symbolizes transformation, intensity, and bold action. But in Japan? It's feared. Birth rates actually plummet during fire horse years because of a superstition that dates back to Edo-era Japan. What does a cursed kimono that burned down 70% of a city have to do with this? And why was a young girl named Oshichi burned at the stake in 1666? Come with me as I explore the tragic story behind this uniquely Japanese superstition, the Great Fire of Meireki that killed over 100,000 people, and what the saying "if it burns down, we'll build again" means for embracing change during difficult times. [Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that at no cost to you, if you use and purchase through them I receive a small compensation. This is paid by the retailer. It also helps support me and my artistic endeavors. Thank you.] Follow Uncanny Japan Patreon Uncanny Japan Website Thersa Matsuura Website Books on Amazon YouTube Facebook Instagram Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution) Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Credits Music by…
Topics covered
- Year of the Fire Horse
- Japanese superstition
- Edo-era Japan
- Great Fire of Meireki
- cursed kimonos
Keywords
- transformation
- intensity
- bold action
- birth rates
- superstition
More episodes of Uncanny Japan
- Ofuda & Omamori: Lucky Talismans & Charms
- Tsukimono: Possessed by an Animal (Ep. 187)
- Takiyasha Hime & the Gashadokuro: Japan's Frog-Riding Witch & Giant Skeleton (Ep. 186)
- Osechi: Japanese New Year Food Traditions (Ep. 184)
- Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183)
- Hōichi the Earless: A Lafcadio Hearn Reading (Ep. 182)
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