The 13 Most Terrifying Junji Ito Manga Stories

There's no storyteller on Earth quite like Junji Ito. Since his professional manga debut in 1987, he has 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. Junji Ito's beautifully illustrated comics conceal deep, devastating secrets, and each tale he weaves haunts and horrifies in a uniquely unsettling way.

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 challenging task. While many of his scariest short stories are available as scans online, they are also compiled into physical collections. Some collections, such as Tomie and Uzumaki, follow a specific narrative arc, while others, like Shiver and Smashed, feature standalone stories grouped by theme.

The Scariest Junji Ito Stories

From eerie ghost stories and heart-wrenching gothic horror to bizarre modern fables, here are the 13 most terrifying stories from one of the masters of horror manga, Junji Ito.

13. The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads

Junji Ito often explores the theme of love and its potential to curse us. The first story in his Lovesickness collection, "The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads," is a prime example. We meet Ryusuke on a train, returning to his hometown after years away, haunted by the mere thought of his return. The reason behind his haunting will soon be unveiled, coinciding with a trend of young women seeking "crossroads fortunes." As the bodies of schoolgirls who ask strangers for their fortunes start appearing brutally murdered, the connection to Ryusuke's past becomes chillingly clear. This tale introduces one of Ito's scariest creations and remains one of his most memorable stories.

12. Village of the Siren

In "Village of the Siren," Ito delves into folk horror with another bleak homecoming. After receiving a strange phone call from his parents and witnessing an ominous apparition at his window, Kyochi decides it's time for a family reunion. Upon his return, he discovers that the once lively village has transformed into a ghost town, centered around a mysterious factory and haunted by nightly sirens. This story is perfect for fans of strange rituals, cults, and the occult, and it breaks taboos with its high death count and unique victim demographics.

11. I Don't Want to Be a Ghost

In "I Don't Want to Be a Ghost," Shigeru's life changes when he picks up a beautiful, disoriented woman on the side of the road. Despite her bloodied state, she explains it away, and soon they begin a secretive affair, despite Shigeru being married and expecting a baby. Blinded by her beauty, he overlooks her frequent blood-covered appearances and her claim of loving his "ghosts." The true darkness of her desires is revealed too late, leaving Shigeru in a horrifying situation.

10. The Strange Hikizuri Siblings

One of Ito's more humorous yet bleak creations, "The Strange Hikizuri Siblings" follows a set of unhinged siblings who delight in tormenting each other and unsuspecting victims. Over two tales in Lovesickness, we encounter some unfortunate souls who cross their path, including an old school friend and a photographer. While their schemes can be deadly, the Hikizuri siblings' hapless nature makes for darkly comedic horror.

9. The Mystery of the Haunted House

"The Mystery of the Haunted House" turns a town upside down as a haunted house becomes a terrifying attraction. Two young boys get entangled in the proprietor's twisted games after trying to sneak in for free. Exploring the house, they discover a true house of horrors filled with victims claiming to be the owner's family. This story features dark comedy through the character of Souichi Tsujii, but his heinous crimes are anything but funny.

8. Honored Ancestors

Family is a recurring theme in Ito's work, and "Honored Ancestors" showcases one of his most psychedelically deranged tales. Risa is brought home by her friend Makata, who claims she suffers from amnesia. Her visions of a giant caterpillar become increasingly distressing, leading to the revelation of Makata's family's bizarre traditions. This story is a family reunion you won't forget, though you might wish you could.

7. Uzumaki

Perhaps Ito's most famous work, "Uzumaki" is a classic for good reason. Set in the small town of Kurouzu-cho, it weaves a supernatural curse involving spirals into a ghost story. Ito's distinctive linework transforms the seemingly innocuous shapes into something utterly terrifying. The story explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the mundane turning bizarre, and its impact is evident in multiple adaptations, including an anticipated anime series. 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" is a more immediate and in-your-face tale. When a young man sees a model in a magazine with dagger-like teeth, he becomes consumed by her image. As he and his friends cast for a student film, the model reemerges in a brutal and real way. This story is a great entry into Ito's monster horror canon.

5. Tomie

Tomie is probably Ito's most famous creation, a stunningly beautiful woman who reappears after being murdered by her classmates. Her collected tales showcase her terrorizing effect on readers and lovestruck men. Each story is delightfully dark, with Tomie's ever-shifting true face being the stuff of nightmares. Her striking illustration style has made her a perennial pop culture figure, often seen on stickers, tattoos, and t-shirts.

4. House of the Marionettes

Puppets have a uniquely creepy place in horror, and Ito uses this to great effect 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 the son, they return to the family home and make a horrifying discovery. This classical Ito tale is full of shocks and surprises.

3. Used Record

"Used Record" is eerie and atmospheric, telling the story of an odd record that hypnotizes its listeners. When Ogawa buys the vinyl, she and her friend Nakayama become obsessed, listening to the song repeatedly. The relatable theme of being unable to stop listening to a favorite song is taken to a supernaturally nightmarish level, making this tale as addictive as the song at its center.

2. Greased

Set above a barbeque restaurant near Mount Fuji, "Greased" follows Yui, who is sick of the grease that has coated their home. Her violent brother Goro, however, embraces the grease, drinking it until his face becomes covered in grotesque pustules. This stomach-churning tale intertwines Goro's obsession with Yui's hopes of survival, threatening both your lunch and sleep cycle.

1. The Hanging Balloons

"The Hanging Balloons" is arguably Ito's scariest story due to its bizarre and claustrophobic nature. After a celebrity schoolgirl's suicide inspires copycat deaths, giant balloons resembling the deceased start appearing, chasing those whose faces they wear. Instead of strings, metal nooses hang beneath them, creating a psychedelic night terror come to life.

What's Next for Junji Ito?

Pre-Order### Uncanny: Origins of Fear

2Releasing October 15See it at AmazonJunji Ito's most recent short story collection is Alley, but his latest release, Uncanny: The Origins of Fear, is a memoir and analysis of the horror genre, released last Fall. A sneak peek is available on Viz Media's website. Looking ahead, a new story collection titled "Moan" is set to release on October 7. According to the preorder page, it promises "Obsession and persistence... warping reality in this collection of macabre stories set in Junji Ito’s bloodcurdling world."

For more manga guides, check out our recommendations for the best manga for beginners or explore some of the best free manga websites and apps. You can also find our updated guide on where to buy manga if you're interested in physical copies of Junji Ito's work.