Junji Ito is a master of horror manga, with a career spanning back to 1987. His work is renowned for its macabre tales and iconic illustrations that leave readers chilled to the bone. Despite the difficulty in narrowing down his extensive collection, this article will highlight 13 of his most terrifying stories, ranging from ghost stories to modern fables.
For those looking for a scare beyond the page, the article also suggests checking out the Junji Ito Netflix series or exploring other horror anime options. With his talent for weaving haunting tales, Junji Ito has solidified his place as one of the most well-known horror storytellers of his generation.
1. The Mystery of the Haunted House
The town was turned upside down with the arrival of a haunted house, which quickly became the talk of the town. What started as derision soon turned to terror as each new visitor entered its doors.
Two young boys became entangled in the proprietor’s twisted games after they tried to sneak in for free. They explored the ghoulish halls and discovered a true house of horrors, one filled with victims who claimed to be the owner’s family.
The haunting tale has a dark comedy to it, which comes from one of Ito’s recurring characters, the scheming creeper Souichi Tsujii. However, there’s nothing funny about his heinous crimes. The Mystery of the Haunted House is a wild ride that will delight fans of haunt culture.
2. Uzumaki
Uzumaki is a renowned horror manga series created by Junji Ito, and is considered one of his best works. The story is set in the fictional town of Kurouzu-cho, which is plagued by a supernatural curse that manifests itself in the form of spirals.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Kirie Goshima, and her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito, as they witness the spirals’ destructive effects on the town’s inhabitants.
What makes Uzumaki stand out is Ito’s unique style of artwork, which brings the spirals to life in a terrifying manner. The manga explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the transformation of the mundane into something grotesque. The impact of Uzumaki is evident from the numerous adaptations it has inspired, including two video games, a live-action movie, and an upcoming anime series.
4. Used Record
Used Record is a spine-tingling tale about a mysterious vinyl record that has a hypnotic effect on its listeners. The story revolves around Ogawa, who becomes obsessed with the record after purchasing it, and her friend Nakayama, who also falls under its spell upon hearing it. As the only copy of the record, the girls are tragically drawn into a spiral of obsession and addiction.
What makes this story particularly haunting is its relatability. Many of us have experienced the allure of a song that we can’t stop listening to, but Used Record takes this concept to a supernatural level. The story is expertly crafted by Ito, with intricate details and a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
Overall, Used Record is a must-read for horror fans who enjoy a well-crafted and eerie story.
5. Tomie
Tomie, created by Junji Ito, is one of his most famous characters. She is known for her striking beauty and terrifying ability to come back to life after being murdered. Tomie’s story can be read in a collected edition of her tales, which span from her earliest to most recent appearances. Each tale is darker and more twisted than the last, making her a haunting and memorable character.
Tomie’s true face is ever-shifting, which adds to her terrifying nature. Despite her beauty, it is near impossible to capture it in an image without revealing her true face. Despite this, Tomie has become a popular figure in pop culture, appearing on stickers, tattoos, and t-shirts.
Overall, Tomie is a complex and fascinating character that has captured the attention of readers and fans alike.
6. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
The Hikizuri siblings are a peculiar group of individuals who take pleasure in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. They are the subject of Ito’s bleakly humorous slice-of-life story, which depicts their unhinged behavior and the unfortunate people who cross their path.
The siblings are generally hapless, but their schemes can have deadly consequences. In Lovesickness, readers are introduced to an old school friend of their most beautiful member and a photographer who fall victim to their antics. It’s clear that the Hikizuri siblings are not to be trifled with, and one wouldn’t want to be invited to their dinner table.
7. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
In Junji Ito’s Lovesickness collection, the story of Ryusuke, a teenage boy who moves back to his hometown after years away, serves as a haunting example of the curse of love.
Upon his arrival, a trend of young women seeking out “crossroads fortunes” begins, leading to the brutal murders of school girls. The mystery of who is responsible for the murders and how it connects with Ryusuke’s past is a chilling tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
The story introduces one of Ito’s scariest creations and highlights his talent for weaving together complex narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The use of the train as a setting adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story, creating a sense of isolation and unease.
8. The Hanging Balloons
The Hanging Balloons is a horror manga story written by Junji Ito. It is considered one of his scariest stories due to its bizarre and claustrophobic nature. The story revolves around the unexpected suicide of a celebrity school girl, which inspires a series of copycat deaths. People begin to report seeing giant balloons in the sky, which are actually the inflated heads of the deceased individuals.
These balloons are not ordinary balloons as they have metal nooses swinging beneath them instead of strings. Reports claim that the balloons are chasing those whose faces they resemble, and if they catch up with them, they hang them. The story creates a psychedelic night terror that is both eerie and terrifying.
The Hanging Balloons is an example of Ito’s ability to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The story is both bizarre and horrifying, leaving readers with a sense of unease long after they have finished reading.
9. Village of the Siren
In the film Village of the Siren, directed by Ito, Kyochi receives an unusual phone call from his parents, which prompts him to return home. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the once lively village has become a ghost town, with life revolving around a mysterious factory of unknown origin. The village is also plagued by strange and all-consuming sirens that emanate from the factory each night.
The film features elements of folk horror, including strange rituals, unusual cults, and the occult. The death count is high, with a rarely seen demographic of victims. The bleak homecoming and eerie atmosphere make for a chilling viewing experience.
10. Greased
Yui’s family restaurant by Mount Fuji has become a breeding ground for grease that has accumulated over time. Yui is concerned about the effects of the grease, but her brother Goro embraces it. He even drinks the cooking oil from the bottle, which results in large, grotesque pustules on his face. This obsession with grease is the central theme of Ito’s most stomach-churning tale. The story revolves around Yui’s struggle to survive in an environment where grease is slowly taking over. The tale is not for the faint of heart, and readers must mentally prepare themselves before reading it. The story is a testament to the power of obsession and the dangers of indulging in it.
11. I Don’t Want to be a Ghost
Shigeru’s life takes a drastic turn after he picks up a mysterious woman from the side of the road. Despite her bloodied and disoriented state, Shigeru is smitten by her beauty and begins a secretive affair with her. However, he soon realizes that his lover’s desires are much darker than he could have ever imagined. She often appears covered in blood and claims to “love his ghosts.” Shigeru’s infatuation blinds him to the danger he’s in until it’s too late. He realizes that he doesn’t want to become a ghost and must find a way to escape the clutches of his lover before it’s too late.
Summary
Junji Ito is a renowned Japanese horror manga artist, known for his chilling and surreal stories. Some of his best works include Uzumaki, Tomie, and Gyo. Uzumaki is a story about a town cursed by spirals, while Tomie follows the life and death of a beautiful girl who has the ability to regenerate. Gyo is a tale of a fish invasion that threatens humanity. Each of these works showcases Ito’s unique style of horror and has earned him a dedicated following among manga enthusiasts.