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The 13 Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 03,2025

Junji Ito: A Master of Horror Manga – 13 Terrifying Tales

Junji Ito, a name synonymous with chilling horror manga, has captivated readers since his debut in 1987. His distinctive style and unsettling narratives have cemented his place as a leading figure in the genre. This article explores 13 of his most bone-chilling creations, showcasing the breadth and depth of his terrifying talent.

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 Amazon

Narrowing down Ito's extensive work to just 13 tales was a challenge. Many of his most frightening short stories are available online, but his collections offer a curated experience. Some, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow overarching narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present thematically linked standalone stories.

13 Spine-Chilling Stories:

From haunting ghost stories to grotesque modern fables, these 13 tales exemplify Ito's mastery of horror:

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

This chilling mystery from Lovesickness explores the dark side of love. The story unfolds around Ryusuke's return to his hometown, coinciding with a series of brutal murders connected to a disturbing trend of young women seeking "crossroads fortunes."

12. Village of the Siren

A folk horror tale of a homecoming gone wrong. Kyochi's return to his family's village reveals a desolate landscape dominated by a mysterious factory and haunting sirens. This story delves into strange rituals and occult practices.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

Shigeru's life takes a dark turn after rescuing a mysterious woman. His infatuation blinds him to her sinister nature and deadly desires.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

A darkly humorous tale of dysfunctional siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Their schemes, though often hapless, have deadly consequences.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

A haunted house turns a town into a scene of terror. Two young boys become entangled in the owner's twisted games, uncovering a house of horrors filled with victims.

8. Honored Ancestors

This psychedelically deranged story centers on Risa, haunted by visions of a giant caterpillar after suffering amnesia. The truth lies in the strange traditions of her friend's family.

7. Uzumaki

A classic Ito tale, Uzumaki follows the residents of Kurouzu-cho, cursed by spirals that warp reality. This story explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the mundane becoming terrifying.

6. Fashion Model

A more direct horror story featuring a model with a monstrous secret. A young man's obsession with her image leads to terrifying consequences.

5. Tomie

Ito's most famous creation, Tomie, is a stunningly beautiful woman whose murder only leads to her reappearance. Her ever-shifting true face is the stuff of nightmares.

4. House of the Marionettes

This classic Ito story features a family obsessed with marionettes. A young girl's friendship with a puppeteer's son leads to terrifying discoveries years later.

3. Used Record

An eerie tale of a hypnotic record that consumes its listeners. Ogawa and Nakayama's obsession with the vinyl leads them down a tragic path.

2. Greased

A stomach-churning story about a family's barbeque restaurant and the all-consuming grease that coats their home. Yui's brother's obsession with the grease leads to grotesque results.

1. The Hanging Balloons

Ito's most bizarre and claustrophobic tale. The suicide of a schoolgirl leads to the appearance of giant balloons resembling her head, hunting those they resemble.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

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