Episode 13 · 25 min · Twisted Tales with Heidi Wong

The Crimes Behind Japan’s Curse Legends (The Grudge Explained!)

Published Dec 29, 2025by Crime HouseHorror · True crime

One candle for every story

1 - told, candle out
2 - told, candle out
3 - told, candle out
4 - told, candle out
5 - told, candle out
6 - told, candle out
7 - being told, candle burning
8 - still to tell, candle lit
9 - still to tell, candle lit
10 - still to tell, candle lit
11 - still to tell, candle lit
12 - still to tell, candle lit
13 - still to tell, candle lit
14 - still to tell, candle lit
15 - still to tell, candle lit
16 - still to tell, candle lit
17 - still to tell, candle lit
18 - still to tell, candle lit
19 - still to tell, candle lit
20 - still to tell, candle lit
21 - still to tell, candle lit
22 - still to tell, candle lit
23 - still to tell, candle lit
24 - still to tell, candle lit

Story 13 of 44. 12 told, 31 still waiting.

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About this episode

A curse born in blood. A spirit fueled by rage. And three ghosts who never rest. Heidi Wong uncovers the real Japanese ghost stories behind The Grudge and Ju-On — from Okiku’s haunted well to Oiwa’s poisoned face and Otsuyu’s deadly lantern. Head over to our Twisted Tales YouTube channel to WATCH this episode: If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Twisted Tales to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Twisted Tales is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crime House Daily, Killer Minds, Murder True Crime Stories and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social YouTube: @crimehousestudios Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia Twisted Tales is hosted by Heidi Wong Instagram: @itsheidiwong TikTok: @itsheidiwong

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The Crimes Behind Japan’s Curse Legends (The Grudge Explained!)

About this episode

Next in the series

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