Speaking of imagination, Junji Ito’s influence stretches from other horror manga legends like Kazuo Umezu, author of the infamous Orochi: Blood, all the way to the previously mentioned originator of eldritch horror literature H.P. It took a little more time before he was able to break free of the 9-5 grind and dedicate his time, efforts, and imagination fully to his manga creation. Here’s a writer that lives and breathes horror and terror.īefore becoming a full-time writer, and during the writing and release of Tomie, Junji Ito worked as a dental assistant. That’s Ito’s style, and it’s what sets him apart from the rest. Unlike other popular Japanese writers like Haruki Murakami, whose debut works are often overlooked today, Ito’s earlier works are still treasured.Įverything that Ito publishes is in the form of manga which he writes and draws himself.Įven the Junji Ito manga that doesn’t fit neatly into the horror genre still has elements of the uncanny and the unsettling in its illustration. This horror manga was published when Ito was only 24 and, despite it being his debut publication, it remains one of his most popular manga. His debut horror book - which we’ll discuss below - was Tomie. While Japan has a strong history of crime and mystery writing, as well as horror writing, Junji Ito still stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.

Inside and outside of his home country, Junji Ito’s manga is celebrated as the best of Japanese horror writing.

Gyo junji ito