About the author
Laura Miller is the author of Occult Hunting and Supernatural Play in Japan, published by University of Hawaii Press. The book examines how, in contemporary Japan, women have been the primary drivers of a broader religious re-enchantment, shaping how shrines, temples, and media industries present themselves to accommodate popular interest in the mysterious and supernatural. Miller uses a deliberately broad definition of occult that takes in ghost stories, fortune-telling, and related supernatural entertainment rather than restricting the term to formal esoteric or magical practice. The book is an academic study of religion, gender, and popular culture rather than a guide to occult practice, aimed at readers interested in contemporary Japanese religion, folklore, and the role women play in shaping popular engagement with the supernatural.
📖 Where to start with Laura Miller
💬 What our editors say about Laura Miller's books
“Miller’s study is a compelling examination of female agency in spiritual matters, yet it may not suit readers seeking traditional dogmatic occult practices or historical esotericism. It is specifically targeted at those…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Occult Hunting and Supernatural Play in Japan
“Miller provides a compelling analysis of how Japanese women are leading a spiritual resurgence by blending ancient traditions with modern charm. The text is intellectually stimulating for those interested in gendered spiritual…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Occult Hunting and Supernatural Play in Japan