There is no storyteller on Earth quite like Junji Ito. Since his professional manga debut in 1987, he's been captivating and terrifying readers with his macabre tales and chillingly iconic creations. This brilliantly talented mangaka has rightfully earned his place as one of the most renowned horror storytellers of his generation, and for good reason. Junji Ito's exquisitely illustrated comics conceal deep, devastating secrets, and each story he crafts haunts and horrifies with unique brilliance.
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 Junji Ito's extensive body of work to just 13 of his most bone-chilling offerings was a challenging task. While many of Ito's scariest short stories are readily available online, his works are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, like Tomie and Uzumaki, follow specific narratives, while others, such as Shiver and Smashed, present standalone stories grouped thematically.
The Scariest Junji Ito Stories
From ominous ghost stories and heart-wrenching gothic horror to grotesquely bizarre modern fables, here are 13 terrifying tales from the master of horror manga, Junji Ito.
13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads
Ito frequently explores the themes of love and its potential to curse us. The opening—and overarching—story in his Lovesickness collection perfectly exemplifies this. We meet Ryusuke on a train, a teenage boy returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by the very idea of his return.
The devastating reason for his unease is soon revealed, but his arrival coincides with a disturbing trend: young women seeking "crossroads fortunes." The bodies of these girls, who'd asked strangers for fortunes, begin to turn up brutally murdered. Who is responsible? And how does it connect to Ryusuke's past? This chilling mystery is memorable and introduces one of Ito's most frightening creations.
12. Village of the Siren
In this foray into folk horror, Ito crafts another bleak homecoming. Following a strange phone call from his parents and an ominous apparition at his window, Kyochi decides on a family reunion. Upon returning, he discovers his once-lively village has become a ghost town, life now revolving around a mysterious factory of unknown origin. Even stranger are the all-consuming sirens emanating from it each night. Fans of strange rituals, unusual cults, and the occult will devour this story. Those who enjoy taboo-breaking horror will find the high death toll and unusual victim demographics particularly satisfying.
11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost
When Shigeru kindly offers a ride to a beautiful, disoriented woman, his life takes a dark turn. Despite her bloodied state, he's captivated. Days later, they begin a secretive affair, even though Shigeru is married and expecting a child. Blinded by her beauty, he overlooks her frequent blood-soaked appearances and her claim to "love his ghosts." Her true desires, however, are far darker than anyone could have imagined, a truth Shigeru only realizes too late.
10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings
One of Ito's most darkly humorous creations, this story follows a dysfunctional set of siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Across two tales in Lovesickness, we meet various unlucky individuals who cross their path, including an old school friend and a photographer. While their schemes can have deadly consequences, the Hikizuri siblings are generally rather hapless—though you wouldn't want to be invited to their dinner table.
9. The Mystery of the Haunted House
The arrival of a haunted house throws a town into chaos as initial derision turns to terror. Two young boys, attempting to sneak in, become entangled in the proprietor's twisted games. Exploring the ghoulish halls, they uncover a true house of horrors, filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family.
This story features dark humor stemming from one of Ito's recurring characters, the scheming Souichi Tsujii. However, his heinous crimes are anything but funny. The Mystery of the Haunted House is a wild ride for fans of haunt culture.
8. Honored Ancestors
Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and Honored Ancestors features perhaps his most psychedelically deranged take on it. On a seemingly normal evening, Risa is brought home by her friend Makata, claiming she suffers from amnesia. Doctors attribute her amnesia to immense emotional stress.
Risa becomes increasingly distressed by visions of a giant caterpillar. The truth centers around Makata and his family's strange traditions, revealed in Ito's characteristically demented fashion. It's a family reunion you won't forget, though you'll wish you could.
7. Uzumaki
Arguably Ito's most famous work, Uzumaki is a classic for a reason. Weaving a supernatural curse into a ghost story centered around the small town of Kurouzu-cho, haunted not by spirits but by spirals, this is a uniquely spooky tale. Ito's distinctive linework transforms the usually innocuous shape into something utterly terrifying.
Uzumaki features many of Ito's favorite themes: obsession, paranoia, and the mundane transforming into the bizarre. Its impact is undeniable, with multiple video game and film adaptations and a highly anticipated anime adaptation in the works.
6. Fashion Model
Unlike many of Ito's slow-burn tales, this is a more visceral horror story revealing its monster early on. Similar to Tomie, Fashion Model has become one of Ito's popular long-running narratives. When a young man sees a bizarre model in a magazine with dagger-like teeth, he becomes obsessed. He can't stop thinking about her, why she was hired, and the existential terror she evokes.
Later, while casting for a student film, the model re-emerges in a brutal and all-too-real fashion. This is an excellent introduction to both Ito's work and the monster horror genre.
5. Tomie
Probably Ito's most famous creation, the stunningly beautiful Tomie is murdered by her classmates, only to reappear the next day. She's been terrorizing readers and lovestruck men for years. A collected edition of Tomie tales chronicles her appearances, each darker than the last. Her ever-shifting true face is nightmarish, but Ito's striking style has made her a pop culture icon.
Even if you've never read Ito, you've likely seen Tomie as a sticker, tattoo, or T-shirt. Ironically, in her stories, capturing her beauty is nearly impossible unless you also want to see her true face.
4. House of the Marionettes
Puppets hold a uniquely creepy place in horror, and Ito uses this to his advantage in this ghastly story about a family obsessed with marionettes. It begins when young Kinuko befriends the son of a puppeteering family. Becoming close with Haruhiko, she visits their home and becomes wary of a large marionette named Jean-Pierre.
Years later, Haruhiko and Kinuko reconnect and marry. But when they return to his family home, they make a horrifying discovery. This is one of Ito's most classic stories, yet it still shocks and surprises.
3. Used Record
Eerie and atmospheric, Used Record tells the story of a strange record that hypnotizes and enthralls its listeners. When Ogawa buys the vinyl, she becomes obsessed, as does her friend Nakayama. Soon, all they can do is listen repeatedly. But with only one copy, their path is tragic.
The terror stems from the relatable experience of having a song on repeat. Ito simply elevates it to a supernaturally nightmarish level. This beautifully drawn tale is as addictive as the song at its heart.
2. Greased
Growing up above her family's barbeque restaurant by Mount Fuji, Yui is disgusted by the accumulating grease coating their home. While she worries about its effects, her abusive brother Goro embraces the cooking oil, drinking it until his face is covered in grotesque pustules.
Goro's obsession and Yui's struggle for survival are intertwined in this stomach-churning tale that will challenge both your lunch and your sleep. Prepare yourself before reading this one.
1. The Hanging Balloons
What makes The Hanging Balloons Ito's scariest story? Its bizarre nature—where Ito excels—and its claustrophobic, inescapable atmosphere. After a celebrity school girl's suicide inspires copycat deaths, people report seeing imposing balloons in the sky.
These aren't ordinary balloons; they're giant inflated heads of the deceased woman. More balloons appear, chasing those they resemble, metal nooses swinging beneath them. Their purpose? To catch and hang those they mirror. This is a psychedelic nightmare come to life.
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, though his latest release is something entirely new. Uncanny: The Origins of Fear is a written memoir and analysis of the horror genre released last fall. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website.
Looking ahead, a new Junji Ito story collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7. According to the preorder page, expect "Obsession and persistence... warping reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world."
Looking for more manga guides? Check out our guide to the best manga for beginners or explore some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also check out our updated guide on where to buy manga if you're looking for physical copies of Junji Ito's work.
