Junji Ito stands as a singular figure in the world of storytelling, captivating audiences worldwide since his professional manga debut in 1987. Renowned for his macabre tales and chillingly iconic creations, Ito has established himself as one of the most celebrated horror storytellers of his time. His beautifully illustrated comics delve into deep, devastating secrets, each story uniquely haunting and horrifying its readers.
Junji Ito Collections
### Alley
5See it at Amazon
### Uzumaki: Deluxe Edition
15See it at TargetSee it at Amazon
### Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition
7See it at Amazon
### Mimi's Tales of Terror
0See it at Amazon
### Remina
1See it at Amazon
### Shiver
0See it at Amazon
### Gyo: Deluxe Edition
5See it at Amazon
### Smashed
2See it at Amazon
### Lovesickness
2See it at AmazonNarrowing down Junji Ito's extensive collection to just 13 of his most bone-chilling stories was a daunting task. While many of his scariest short stories can be found online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some, like "Tomie" and "Uzumaki," follow specific narratives, while others, such as "Shiver" and "Smashed," are themed collections of standalone stories.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From eerie ghost stories and heart-wrenching gothic horror to grotesquely bizarre modern fables, here are the 13 most terrifying tales from the master of horror manga, Junji Ito.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Ito often explores the theme of love as a curse. The first story in his Lovesickness collection exemplifies this. We meet Ryusuke on a train, returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by the prospect. As the narrative unfolds, we learn the devastating reason behind his apprehension. His return coincides with a trend of young women seeking "crossroads fortunes," and soon, the bodies of schoolgirls who asked for these fortunes begin to appear, brutally murdered. Who is responsible, and how is it linked to Ryusuke's past? This chilling mystery introduces one of Ito's most terrifying creations.
12. Village of the Siren
In this tale of folk horror, Ito crafts another bleak homecoming. After receiving a strange phone call from his parents and seeing an ominous apparition, Kyochi decides to visit his family. Upon arrival, he finds his once lively village transformed into a ghost town, centered around a mysterious factory from which eerie sirens emanate each night. If you're a fan of stories about strange rituals, cults, and the occult, this tale is sure to captivate. It also pushes boundaries with a high death count and an unusual demographic of victims.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
Shigeru's life changes dramatically when he picks up a beautiful, wandering woman from the roadside. Initially concerned about her bloodied and disoriented state, he's reassured by her explanations. Days later, they begin a secretive affair despite Shigeru's impending fatherhood. Blinded by her beauty, Shigeru overlooks her frequent appearances covered in blood and her unsettling claim of loving his "ghosts." Her true, dark desires are revealed far too late for Shigeru.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
One of Ito's more humorous creations, this story follows a dysfunctional set of siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Over two tales in Lovesickness, we encounter some of the unfortunate individuals who cross their path, including an old school friend and a photographer. While their antics can be deadly, the Hikizuri siblings are often hapless, making their dinner invitations particularly unappealing.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
A haunted house turns a town upside down, shifting from derision to terror as each visitor enters. Two young boys get entangled in the proprietor's twisted games after sneaking in. Inside, they discover a house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. Featuring Ito's recurring character, Souichi Tsujii, this tale blends dark comedy with heinous crimes, appealing to fans of haunt culture.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" showcases one of his most deranged narratives. Risa, brought home by her friend Makata due to amnesia, becomes haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth behind these visions involves Makata's family's bizarre traditions, revealed in Ito's signature disturbing style. This family reunion is unforgettable, though you'll wish it weren't.
7. Uzumaki
Perhaps Ito's most famous work, "Uzumaki" is a classic for good reason. This supernatural tale centers around the town of Kurouzu-cho, haunted by spirals. Ito's distinctive linework transforms the mundane into the terrifying, exploring themes of obsession and paranoia. The impact of "Uzumaki" is evident in its multiple adaptations, including video games, films, and an eagerly awaited anime. You can read our review of the first episode of the Uzumaki anime for more insights.
6. Fashion Model
Unlike many of Ito's slow-burn horrors, "Fashion Model" introduces its monster early on. When a young man becomes obsessed with a model whose mouth is filled with dagger-like teeth, his life spirals out of control. As he and his friends cast for a student film, the model reemerges, leading to brutal and real terror. This tale is a standout entry in Ito's and monster horror's canon.
5. Tomie
Ito's most iconic creation, Tomie, is a stunningly beautiful woman who, after being murdered by her classmates, reappears the next day to continue terrorizing readers and lovestruck men. The collected edition of Tomie tales offers a dark journey through her various appearances. Her shifting true face is nightmarish, yet Ito's striking illustrations have made her a pop culture staple. Even those unfamiliar with Ito's work may recognize Tomie from stickers, tattoos, or t-shirts.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets have always been a creepy element in horror, and Ito capitalizes on this in "House of the Marionettes." The story follows Kinuko, who befriends the son of a puppeteer family and becomes wary of a large marionette named Jean-Pierre. Years later, after marrying Haruhiko, they return to his family home and make a horrific discovery. This classic Ito tale is full of shocks and surprises.
3. Used Record
"Used Record" is an eerie and atmospheric tale of a record that hypnotizes its listeners. When Ogawa buys the vinyl, she becomes obsessed, as does her friend Nakayama. The pair's fixation leads them down a tragic path, with the story's terror rooted in the relatable experience of being consumed by a song. Ito's masterful storytelling makes this tale as addictive as the song at its center.
2. Greased
Yui, who lives above her family's barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, is disgusted by the grease that coats their home. Her brother Goro, however, embraces the grease, drinking it until his face is covered in grotesque pustules. This stomach-churning tale intertwines Goro's obsession with Yui's survival, challenging readers' appetites and sleep. Approach this story with caution.
1. The Hanging Balloons
What makes "The Hanging Balloons" Ito's scariest story? Its bizarre premise, claustrophobic atmosphere, and inescapable dread. After a celebrity schoolgirl's suicide inspires copycat deaths, giant balloons resembling the deceased's faces appear, chasing those they resemble with metal nooses. This psychedelic nightmare encapsulates Ito's ability to create unforgettable horror.
What's Next for Junji Ito?
Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear
2Releasing October 15See it at Amazon"Alley" is Ito's most recent short story collection, but his latest release, "Uncanny: The Origins of Fear," is a unique memoir and analysis of the horror genre that came out last Fall. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website. Looking ahead, a new collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7, promising "Obsession and persistence... warping reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world."
For more manga recommendations, check out our guide to the best manga for beginners or explore the best free manga websites and apps. If you're interested in physical copies of Junji Ito's work, our updated guide on where to buy manga can help.
