Junji Ito is truly unparalleled when it comes to storytelling.
Since his professional manga debut in 1987, he has been captivating readers with his eerie stories and unforgettable characters.
The incredibly talented mangaka has rightfully become one of the most well known horror storytellers of his generation, and for a very good reason.
His exquisitely crafted comics conceal profound, heart-wrenching truths. Every story crafted by Ito leaves a lasting impression, haunting and horrifying readers in the most distinct and chilling manner.
Choosing only 13 of his most spine-tingling works from his extensive collection was quite a challenge.
Discover a collection of bone-chilling tales from the master of horror manga, Junji Ito.
Dive into a world of ominous ghost stories, heart-twisting gothic horror, and grotesquely bizarre modern fables.
Brace yourself for the 13 most terrifying stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Updated May 23, 2024, by Shagun Singh: Thanks to the ever-expanding collection of chilling works by Junji Ito, a wave of new fans has discovered a treasure trove of spine-chilling tales. Junji Ito’s unique and captivating style of imaginative body horror has garnered a dedicated following from fans around the globe, appealing to both native Japanese readers and international enthusiasts. With a wealth of experience as an author, Ito has an extensive collection of books, short stories, collections, and one-shots. Keeping up with his work can be quite a challenge. For both newcomers to Ito’s work and long-time fans seeking new reading material, a selection of chilling stories by Ito has been added to make late-night reading sessions more captivating.
Here Are Some Of The Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
This darkly comedic tale by Ito showcases a group of eccentric siblings who find joy in teasing and frightening both each other and unsuspecting individuals.
In Lovesickness, you’ll encounter a variety of individuals who cross paths with the group, including an old school friend of one of their most stunning members and a talented photographer.
Despite the potential dangers of their schemes, the Hikizuri siblings are generally quite unlucky, making them less than ideal dinner companions.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
The presence of a haunted house causes quite a stir in the town as laughter quickly transforms into fear with every new person who steps inside.
Two young boys find themselves caught up in the proprietor’s devious games when they attempt to enter without paying.
While venturing through the eerie halls, they stumble upon a truly terrifying house, where the inhabitants claim to be the owner’s family.
This one has a dark comedy element to it, thanks to another one of Ito’s recurring characters – the scheming creeper Souichi Tsujii.
However, his heinous crimes are no laughing matter. The Mystery of the Haunted House is an exciting adventure that will thrill enthusiasts of haunt culture.
8. Honored Ancestors
Ito’s tale frequently explores the theme of family, and his latest work, Honoured Ancestors, showcases his most mind-bending and surreal storytelling yet.
On a typical evening, Risa is escorted home by her dear friend Makata, who explains that the young girl is experiencing amnesia and cannot recall her place of residence.
Doctors have determined that her amnesia is a result of significant emotional stress.
Risa grows increasingly troubled as she is plagued by visions of a colossal caterpillar… but what is the significance behind it all?
The story unveils Makata and his family’s peculiar traditions in a delightfully twisted manner as it reaches its conclusion.
Prepare yourself for a family reunion that will leave a lasting impression, even if you’d rather not remember it.
7. Uzumaki
Undoubtedly, Ito’s most renowned masterpiece, Uzumaki, has earned its status as a timeless classic.
This spooky tale weaves a supernatural curse into a ghost story set in the small town of Kurouzu-cho.
Instead of spirits, the town is haunted by spirals, adding a unique twist to the story.
Ito’s unique linework truly transforms the typically unassuming shapes into something truly terrifying, which is quite impressive.
Uzumaki explores several of Ito’s recurring themes, including obsession, paranoia, and the transformation of ordinary life into something truly bizarre.
The influence of Uzumaki is truly remarkable. It’s incredible how popular Ito’s story has become.
It has inspired two video games, a live action movie, and even an in-production anime. It’s definitely his most well-known tale.
6. Fashion Model
Unlike many of Ito’s stories that gradually build up suspense, this horror tale immediately introduces its terrifying monster right from the start.
Similar to our next entry, Tomie, Fashion Model has gained immense popularity as one of Ito’s enduring and beloved stories.
When a young man comes across a peculiar model in a magazine with a mouth full of sharp teeth, he becomes captivated by her image.
He can’t help but constantly ponder her presence, questioning the reasons behind her hiring and the overwhelming existential dread she instills in him.
Life continues to progress, and he and a group of friends embark on the casting process for a student film.
Here, the model resurfaces in a harsh and painfully authentic manner, reclaiming the spotlight in his life.
This entry is a fantastic addition to both the Ito and monster horror canon.
5. Tomie
Undoubtedly, Ito’s most renowned creation is the breathtakingly beautiful Tomie, who was tragically killed by her classmates only to mysteriously return the following day.
Since then, she has been captivating readers and charming men for years.
There’s a collected edition of Tomie tales available, allowing you to immerse yourself in her captivating story from her earliest to most recent appearances.
Each tale is filled with a captivating darkness that grows more enthralling with every page.
Despite her ever shifting true face, Ito’s striking illustration style has made her a perennial pop culture figure.
Chances are, you’ve probably come across Tomie in various forms like stickers, tattoos, or t-shirts, even if you’re not familiar with Ito’s stories.
Interestingly, capturing her beauty in a photograph proves to be quite challenging, unless you’re willing to also capture her true essence.
4. Marionette Mansion
Puppets have always had a chilling presence in horror, and Ito skillfully capitalises on that in this eerie tale of a peculiar family consumed by their fascination with marionettes.
It all starts when a young girl named Kinuko forms a bond with the son of a family of puppeteers.
Developing a bond with one of the two sons, Haruhiko, she pays a visit to their home and immediately feels cautious around a large marionette named Jean-Pierre.
Years later, Haruhiko and Kinuko rekindle their connection and decide to tie the knot.
However, upon returning to the former’s family home, they uncover a shocking revelation.
This story by Ito is a timeless classic that never fails to amaze and captivate with its shocking and surprising twists.
3. Used Record
Mysterious and captivating, Used Record weaves a tale of an enigmatic record that mesmerises and lures the listener.
When Ogawa purchases the vinyl, she becomes completely captivated, just like her friend Nakayama when she listens to it.
Before long, all they can do is repeatedly listen to the song. However, there is only one copy, indicating that the girls are headed towards a tragic outcome.
The reason this story is so unsettling is because it taps into a common experience we’ve all had: being captivated by a particular song that we just can’t get enough of.
It takes it to a whole new level of supernatural horror. And for that reason, this beautifully crafted story becomes just as captivating as the song at its core.
2. Greased
Having spent her childhood above her family’s barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, Yui has grown tired of the persistent layer of grease that has built up, enveloping their home.
Although she expresses concern about its impact, her brother Goro, who is prone to violence and abuse, wholeheartedly embraces the cooking oil.
He consumes it straight from the bottle, resulting in his face being covered in unsightly and alarming pustules.
Goro’s fascination with the grease and his sister’s desperate struggle to endure it are intricately woven into this chilling tale by Ito.
Brace yourself for a story that will leave you queasy and haunt your dreams.
Indeed, this is the type of story that requires some mental preparation before diving in, so it’s not to be taken lightly.
1. The Hanging Balloons
What sets The Hanging Balloons apart as Ito’s most chilling tale? This particular work by the mangaka is truly unique and showcases their exceptional talent.
It creates a sense of confinement and intensity that is truly captivating.
Following the tragic loss of a well-known student, a series of similar incidents occur, causing concern among the public who claim to have witnessed mysterious balloons in the sky.
However, these balloons are far from ordinary. According to reports, it is believed to be the inflated head of the woman who passed away.
Several additional balloons quickly emerge, playfully pursuing those they resemble.
Instead of strings, metal loops hang below them. What is the purpose of their existence?
If they come across those who bear a resemblance to them, they apprehend and execute them…This is a vivid and surreal nightmare brought to reality.
