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Japanese Tales of the Macabre Manga: A Deep Dive into the Dark Side of Japanese Folklore
Introduction:
Are you a fan of chilling tales, stunning artwork, and the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore? Then prepare to delve into the captivating world of Japanese Tales of the Macabre manga. This genre isn't for the faint of heart; it blends the beautiful with the terrifying, offering a unique perspective on Japanese mythology and societal anxieties. This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of this thrilling manga subgenre, examining its key themes, prominent creators, and the chilling stories that have captivated audiences worldwide. We’ll uncover the historical context, artistic styles, and the enduring appeal of these macabre masterpieces. Get ready to confront your fears and discover the dark heart of Japanese storytelling.
I. The Historical Context: From Yōkai to Modern Horror
Japanese folklore is rich with supernatural beings, from mischievous kitsune (fox spirits) to vengeful onryō (vengeful ghosts). These creatures, along with a deep-seated cultural fascination with the ephemeral nature of life and death, form the bedrock of Japanese horror. Early iterations of macabre storytelling in Japan often appeared in woodblock prints and written narratives, paving the way for the manga format to truly capture their chilling essence. The rise of manga as a dominant art form provided a powerful medium for illustrating these terrifying tales, reaching a wider audience and allowing for complex character development and narrative depth previously unseen. The post-war period saw a particular surge in dark and unsettling themes reflecting societal anxieties and the lingering trauma of war, directly influencing the macabre narratives we see today.
II. Key Themes and Motifs in Japanese Macabre Manga
Several recurring themes and motifs dominate the landscape of Japanese macabre manga. These include:
Yōkai and Supernatural Creatures: The diverse cast of Japanese supernatural beings, their origins, powers, and motivations, are central to many narratives. These creatures often represent anxieties about the unknown, societal transgressions, and the consequences of disregarding tradition.
Revenge and Vengeance: The concept of onryō, vengeful spirits driven by injustice or betrayal, is a staple. These stories often explore themes of justice, morality, and the lasting impact of unresolved grievances.
The Ephemeral Nature of Life and Death: The acceptance (and sometimes fear) of death and the impermanence of life are frequently interwoven into the narratives. This reflects the profound influence of Buddhist and Shinto philosophies on Japanese culture.
Psychological Horror: Many modern macabre manga blend supernatural elements with psychological explorations of trauma, isolation, and the fragility of the human psyche. These stories delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the unsettling consequences of repressed emotions.
Social Commentary: Often, the macabre elements act as a vehicle for social commentary, reflecting anxieties about societal structures, technological advancements, or the pressures of modern life.
III. Prominent Artists and Their Styles
Several manga artists have made significant contributions to the Japanese macabre genre, each with their unique artistic style and narrative approach. Some noteworthy artists often feature distinctive visual styles, using techniques like exaggerated features, grotesque imagery, and a masterful use of light and shadow to amplify the horror. Research into these individual artists reveals not just their technical skill but also their individual interpretations of traditional Japanese horror. The influence of classic horror literature and film is also apparent, blending Western gothic themes with uniquely Japanese aesthetics.
IV. Examples of Popular Japanese Tales of the Macabre Manga
While many titles exist, pinpointing specific examples requires caution, as “macabre” is subjective. However, many manga featuring strong supernatural elements, psychological horror, or dark themes fall under this umbrella. Look for titles exploring dark folklore, vengeful spirits, or the unsettling aspects of the human condition within a Japanese cultural context.
V. The Enduring Appeal of Japanese Macabre Manga
The enduring appeal of Japanese Tales of the Macabre manga lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the beautiful and the terrifying. The exquisite artwork often contrasts sharply with the disturbing narratives, creating a unique aesthetic experience. Furthermore, the exploration of deeply rooted cultural anxieties and beliefs resonates with readers on a primal level. The genre also provides a space for exploring complex themes of morality, justice, and the human condition in a uniquely captivating and thought-provoking way.
VI. Case Study: [Insert a fictional manga title here – e.g., "Whispers of the Shadow Realm"]
Introduction: This fictional manga explores the dark side of a secluded mountain village plagued by ancient curses and vengeful spirits.
Main Chapters: The story unfolds across several arcs, each introducing new supernatural entities and delving deeper into the village's dark history. We witness the protagonist’s struggle against supernatural forces while uncovering the hidden secrets of the village.
Conclusion: The narrative concludes with a resolution of the central conflict, but leaves lingering questions about the true nature of the supernatural and the lasting impact of the village's tragic past.
(Detailed explanation of each point in the outline would follow here, expanding on the fictional manga's plot, characters, and themes. This section would be approximately 300-400 words, providing a rich and detailed example.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What makes Japanese macabre manga different from Western horror manga? Japanese macabre manga often draws heavily on its rich folklore and cultural context, featuring unique supernatural creatures and exploring themes rooted in Japanese beliefs and anxieties. Western horror, while sometimes incorporating supernatural elements, often focuses on more psychological or slasher-type horror.
2. Are all Japanese horror manga macabre? No, many Japanese horror manga fall into other subgenres, such as psychological horror, supernatural mystery, or even comedic horror. Macabre specifically refers to a focus on the morbid, grotesque, and disturbing aspects of horror.
3. Where can I find Japanese Tales of the Macabre manga? Many online retailers, bookstores, and digital manga platforms offer a wide selection of Japanese manga, including titles falling under the macabre genre.
4. Are these manga suitable for all ages? No, most manga within this subgenre are intended for mature audiences due to their graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and mature themes.
5. What are some common tropes found in Japanese macabre manga? Common tropes include vengeful spirits, cursed objects, haunted locations, and the exploration of societal anxieties through supernatural means.
6. What are the artistic styles typically associated with this genre? Styles vary, but often incorporate detailed linework, expressive character designs, and the effective use of shadow and light to create a chilling atmosphere.
7. How does Japanese culture influence the themes explored in this genre? Japanese beliefs about spirits, the afterlife, and the importance of tradition heavily influence the narratives and themes explored in Japanese macabre manga.
8. Are there any notable female creators in this genre? While often overshadowed, many talented female mangaka have contributed significantly to the horror genre, though often their work may be less explicitly labeled "macabre."
9. Can you recommend some starting points for readers new to this genre? Begin with exploring well-known horror manga authors and then branch out based on your preferences for specific types of horror (e.g., psychological vs. supernatural).
Related Articles:
1. The Evolution of Japanese Horror in Manga: A chronological exploration of the genre's development.
2. Top 10 Yōkai to Fear in Manga: A list of the most terrifying creatures found in Japanese horror manga.
3. The Influence of Shinto and Buddhism on Japanese Horror Manga: An analysis of the cultural impact on thematic elements.
4. Psychological Horror in Japanese Manga: A Deep Dive: Focuses on the psychological aspects within the genre.
5. The Art of Japanese Horror Manga: A Visual Analysis: Examines the artistic techniques used to create a chilling atmosphere.
6. Female Protagonists in Japanese Horror Manga: Highlighting strong female characters in the genre.
7. Comparing Japanese and Western Horror Manga: A comparative analysis of the two traditions.
8. The Use of Symbolism in Japanese Macabre Manga: Exploring the symbolic meaning of recurring imagery.
9. Modern Interpretations of Classic Yōkai in Manga: How modern artists reinterpret traditional Japanese folklore.
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Manga Yokai Stories Lafcadio Hearn, 2020-09-15 This thrilling collection of seven Japanese ghost stories will captivate lovers of yokai stories! These classic Japanese ghost stories are based on those written by famed author Lafcadio Hearn between 1890 and 1904. Here, they are retold by award-winning comic book writer Sean Michael Wilson, who has garnered a worldwide fan base for his manga adaptations of works of Japanese literature, including such classics as The Book of Five Rings and The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts. Manga Yokai Stories includes: Nuke-kubi: A masterless samurai is trapped in a house haunted by headless goblins The Screen Maiden: A young man develops an obsession with a woman in a painting that almost kills him Corpse Rider: A woman's unburied corpse cannot rest until she has taken her revenge on the man who divorced her A Dead Secret: A young mother terrifies her family when she returns as a ghost, unable to find peace until she puts to rest a shocking secret she has left behind Wilson's skillful adaptation of Hearn's ghostly tales--along with superb manga illustrations from UK-based Japanese artist Inko Ai Takita--make these fascinating stories come to life. This book is in traditional Japanese reading order--from back to front--so that fans and manga lovers can enjoy an authentic reading experience. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2016-12-20 Tomie Kawakami is a femme fatale with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce nearly any man, and drive them to murder as well, even though the victim is often Tomie herself. While one lover seeks to keep her for himself, another grows terrified of the immortal succubus. But soon they realize that no matter how many times they kill her, the world will never be free of Tomie. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Uzumaki (3-in-1 Deluxe Edition) Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2018-10-16 Kurouzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but a pattern: UZUMAKI, the spiral—the hypnotic secret shape of the world. The bizarre masterpiece horror manga is now available all in a single volume. Fall into a whirlpool of terror! -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Uzumaki (3-in-1, Deluxe Edition) Junji Ito, 2013-10-15 A masterpiece of horror manga, now available in a deluxe hardcover edition! Kurôzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but by a pattern: uzumaki, the spiral, the hypnotic secret shape of the world. It manifests itself in everything from seashells and whirlpools in water to the spiral marks on people's bodies, the insane obsessions of Shuichi's father and the voice from the cochlea in our inner ear. As the madness spreads, the inhabitants of Kurôzu-cho are pulled ever deeper into a whirlpool from which there is no return! |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The Liminal Zone Junji Ito, 2022-07-26 What destiny awaits them after the screaming? After abruptly departing from a train in a small town, a couple encounters a “weeping woman”—a professional mourner—sobbing inconsolably at a funeral. Mako changes afterward—she can’t stop crying! In another tale, having decided to die together, a couple enters Aokigahara, the infamous suicide forest. What is the shocking otherworldly torrent that they discover there? One of horror’s greatest talents, Junji Ito beckons readers to join him in an experience of ultimate terror with four transcendently terrifying tales. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Fragments of Horror Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2015-06-16 A new collection of delightfully macabre tales from a master of horror manga. An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito’s long-awaited return to the world of horror. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Black Paradox Junji Ito, 2022-10-25 Four people intent on killing themselves meet through the suicide website Black Paradox: Maruso, a nurse who despairs about the future; Taburo, a man who is tortured by his doppelganger; Pii-tan, an engineer with his own robot clone; and Baracchi, a woman who agonizes about the birthmark on her face. They wander together in search of the perfect death, fatefully opening a door that leads them to a rather bizarre destiny... -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The Death of Speedy Jaime Hernandez, Gilbert Hernandez, 1989 Vol. 4- have imprint Westlake Village, CA. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Lovesickness: Junji Ito Story Collection Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2021-04-20 Ryusuke returns to the town he once lived in because rumors are swirling about girls killing themselves after encountering a bewitchingly handsome young man. Harboring his own secret from time spent in this town, Ryusuke attempts to capture the beautiful boy and close the case, but... Starting with the strikingly bloody “Lovesickness,” this volume collects ten stories showcasing horror master Junji Ito in peak form, including “The Strange Hikizuri Siblings” and “The Rib Woman.” -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu Junji Ito, 2015-10-27 HELL-O-KITTY Master of Japanese horror manga Junji Ito presents a series of hissterical tales chronicling his real-life trials and tribulations of becoming a cat owner. Junji Ito, as J-kun, has recently built a new house and has invited his financée, A-ko, to live with him. Little did he know…his blushing bride-to-be has some unexpected company in tow—Yon, a ghastly-looking family cat, and Mu, an adorable Norwegian forest cat. Despite being a dog person, J-kun finds himself purrsuaded by their odd cuteness and thus begins his comedic struggle to gain the affection of his new feline friends. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Phantom Tales of the Night, Vol. 1 Matsuri, 2019-09-03 Your secret now belongs to me. Welcome to Murakumo Inn, a curious establishment that opens its doors to the troubled masses, human or otherwise. But to pay for the stay, the equally curious innkeeper takes payment only in the form of one's deepest secrets...Who will come calling today? |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Something Wikkid This Way Comes: The Manga Nicole Peeler, 2012-10-09 Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: supernatural private investigators who get paid to clean up paranormal messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? Enjoy Cassandra Jean's manga adaptation of Nicole Peeler's hilarious short story originally published by Orbit! |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Once Upon a Time in Japan Japan Broadcasting Corporation NHK, 2015-09-29 **Winner of the 2016 Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award** **Winner of the 2015 Gelett Burgess Award for Best Multicultural Book** When wily animals, everyday people and magical beings come together in a collection of Japanese fairy tales, wonderful things are bound to happen! Each story is brilliantly illustrated by a different talented Japanese artist. The tales recounted here are among Japan's oldest and most beloved stories. Entertaining and filled with subtle folk wisdom, these retold stories have been shared countless times in Japanese homes and schools for generations. Like good stories from every time and place, they never grow old. Kids (and their parents!) will enjoy hearing these stories read aloud on the accompanying downloadable audio. The fairy tales and classic stories in this collection include: The Wife Who Never Eats--the story of a man who learns the hard way the evils of stinginess. The Mill of the Sea--the story of how a greedy man was responsible for the saltiness of seawater. The Monkey and the Crab--the crabs teach a tricky monkey a lesson in fairness and honesty. The Magical Hood--an act of kindness reaps great rewards. Sleepyhead Taro and the Children--a story about what can be accomplished at the right time, and with the right help and the right spirit. The Fox and the Otter--how a fox pays the price of deceit and selfishness. The Gratitude of the Crane--a story about the rewards of kindness and the danger of curiosity. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter--a girl who starts life very tiny turns out to be big in many ways. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The Art of Junji Ito: Twisted Visions Junji Ito, 2020-04-21 Enter the world of Junji Ito’s art––an abyss of horror and sublime beauty. A first-ever collection of Junji Ito’s artworks, featuring over 130 images from his bestselling manga titles along with rare works. This sublime collection includes all of Ito’s unforgettable illustrations in both black-and-white and color, from Tomie’s dreadful beauty to the inhuman spirals of Uzumaki. Includes an interview focused on Ito’s art technique as well as commentary from the artist on each work. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Came the Mirror & Other Tales Rumiko Takahashi, 2022-02-15 Five intimate magical-realist tales from manga legend Rumiko Takahashi! A supernatural mirror compels a teenager to draw out and destroy the evil lurking within others. But will his duty destroy him? A has-been manga creator acquires the power to curse his competition. Is it worth it? A pet cat possesses a human—warning, side effects may include partial transmogrification... And more! Plus, a rare behind-the-scenes autobiographical story about Takahashi’s lifelong love affair with manga (and friendship with manga creator Mitsuru Adachi)! -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Shiver: Junji Ito Selected Stories Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2017-12-19 An arm peppered with tiny holes dangles from a sick girl’s window... After an idol hangs herself, balloons bearing the faces of their destined victims appear in the sky... An amateur film crew hires an extremely individualistic fashion model and faces a real bloody ending... An offering of nine fresh nightmares for the delectation of horror fans. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Deserter: Junji Ito Story Collection Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2021-12-21 A vengeful family hides an army deserter for eight years after the end of World War II, cocooning him in a false reality where the war never ended. A pair of girls look alike, but they’re not twins. And a boy’s nightmare threatens to spill out into the real world... This hauntingly strange story collection showcases a dozen of Junji Ito’s earliest works from when he burst onto the horror scene, sowing fresh seeds of terror. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: GYO, Vol. 1 (2nd Edition) Junji Ito, 2007-10-16 Something is rotten in Okinawa...the floating stench of death hangs over the island. What is it? A strange, legged fish appears on the scene...so begins Tadashi and Kaori's spiral into the horror (and stench) of the sea. Here is the long-awaited new horror manga series from the Eisner-nominated creator of Uzumaki, Junji Ito. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Venus in the Blind Spot Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2020-08-18 This striking collection presents the most remarkable short works of Junji Ito’s career, featuring an adaptation of Rampo Edogawa’s classic horror story “Human Chair” and fan favorite “The Enigma of Amigara Fault.” With a deluxe presentation—including special color pages, and showcasing illustrations from his acclaimed long-form manga No Longer Human—each chilling tale invites readers to revel in a world of terror. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Dissolving Classroom Junji Ito, 2020-10-06 A pair of twisted siblings—Yuuma, a young man obsessed with the devil, and Chizumi, the worst little sister in recorded history—cause all sorts of tragic and terrifying things to happen wherever they go. These scary short stories will shock you with a literal interpretation of the ills that plague modern society. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: PTSD Radio Masaaki Nakayama, 2017 …ha…ir……hand hand hand…. han..d……fire………be…hin…d……blood… …u……sh…shadow………ahh……ow……ow…w……co……bo…box… …chil…dren……straw………shears…...s…sss……sever…GROooOHH… …rah……O…gu…shi…sa……………This is AERN-BBC, PTSD Radio. No tuning…necessary. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Museum of Terror - The Long Hair in the Attic Junji Ito, 2006 Museum of Terror volumes one and two introduced readers to the horrific, beautiful creature Tomie... the woman no man could resist. Now Junji Ito, creator and curator of this horrible museum, brings a new type of exhibit to thrill and chill your senses! First, his lovely violinists will escort you to dinner in a vampire den. Next, in a classroom full of grotesquely masked students, which one is a demon in disguise? A musician's possessed arm attacks a schoolgirl by way of his mouth, and another young man listens to the tape recording left behind by a suicide victim. Why did she kill herself, and is he safe from its influence? Swordplay, monk-ridden ruins, halls of upright corpses, infectious radio broadcasts, and murderous ceiling hair are among Ito's beastly offerings in this volume! Find out why Junji Ito is Japan's foremost creator of horror manga! |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Tales of Japan Chronicle Books, 2019-06-18 A goblin with no body and a monster with no face. A resourceful samurai and a faithful daughter. A spirit of the moon and a dragon king. This collection of 15 traditional Japanese folktales transports readers to a time of adventure and enchantment. Drawn from the works of folklorists Lafcadio Hearn and Yei Theodora Ozaki, these tales are by turns terrifying, exhilarating, and poetic. • Striking illustrations by contemporary Japanese artist Kotaro Chiba • Special gift edition features an embossed, textured case with metallic gold ink, and a satin ribbon page marker • Part of the popular Tales series, featuring Nordic Tales, Celtic Tales, Tales of India, and Tales of East Africa Fans of Ghostly Tales, and Japanese Notebooks will love this book. This book is ideal for: • Fans of fairytales, folklore, ghost stories, Greek mythology, roman mythology, Chinese mythology, and Celtic mythology • Anyone interested in Japan's history books and culture studies • People of Japanese heritage • Collectors of illustrated classics |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Gyo, Vol. 1 Junji Ito, 2003 Recommended for mature readers. May contain graphic or disturbing imagery. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Frankenstein: Junji Ito Story Collection Junji Ito, 2018-10-16 The master of horror manga brings the world's greatest horror novel—Frankenstein—back to life. Junji Ito meets Mary Shelley! The master of horror manga bends all his skill into bringing the anguished and solitary monster—and the fouler beast who created him—to life with the brilliantly detailed chiaroscuro he is known for. Also included are six tales of Oshikiri—a high school student who lives in a decaying mansion connected to a haunted parallel world. Uncanny doppelgangers, unfortunately murdered friends, and a whole lot more are in store for him. Bonus: The Ito family dog! Thrill to the adventures of Non-non Ito, an adorable Maltese! |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The 47 Ronin Sean Michael Wilson, 2013-11-05 A graphic novel depiction of the most dramatic example of bushido—the samurai code—in Japanese history In the eighteenth century, forty-seven samurai avenged the death of their master in a plot that would take over two years to complete. After succeeding in their mission, the masterless samurai—known as ronin—all committed ritual suicide. The story, which is a national legend, remains the most potent example of Japan’s deeply rooted cultural imperative of honor, persistence, loyalty, and sacrifice. The historical event has inspired many writers and artists over the years and numerous fictionalized versions and adaptations have emerged. In The 47 Ronin, Sean Michael Wilson has created a historically factual portrait, enhanced by evocative and often lyrical drawings by Akiko Shimojima. While there are other depictions of the story in manga form, this version stands out as being the most accurate and most compelling. Wilson and Shimojima have made the characters nuanced and relatable. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Octopus Girl Toru Yamazaki, 2006 Now that she has control over her transformations, Takako is happy to be known as the Octopus Girl. Octopus Girl and Sakae (a wicked girl with the body of a moray eel) face satanic cults, pregnancy, death-trap elevators, violent family strife and their own backbiting rivalry. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Remina Junji Ito,Ichiro Nakayama,Hirokatsu Kihara, 2020-12-15 An unknown planet emerges from inside a wormhole, and its discoverer, Dr. Oguro, christens the body “Remina” after his own daughter. His finding is met with great fanfare, and Remina herself rises to fame. However, the object picks up speed as it moves along in its curious course, eliminating planets and stars one after another, until finally Earth itself faces extinction... Is the girl Remina the true cause of the catastrophe? A masterwork of horror from Junji Ito, unfolding on a universal scale. -- VIZ Media |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe, Stacy King, 2019 The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe is a brilliant collection of some of his best-known stories: The Tell Tale Heart (a murder's haunting guilt), The Cask of Amontillado (a story of brilliant revenge), and The Fall of the House of Usher (an ancient house full of very dark secretes). Also included in this collection are The Mask of the Red Death (horrors of 'the Plague'), and the most famous of all his poems: The Raven (a lover's decline into madness). Best read in a dimly-lit room with the curtains drawn, Poe's brilliant works come to life in darkly thrilling ways in this Manga Classic adaptation. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Tomie Junji Ito, 2001 The first volume of the series introduces us to Tomie, a girl who simply will not die. In the opening story, Tomie incurs the homicidal wrath of a lust-driven schoolteacher and his students. In Photograph, she returns as a member of the oppressive Public Morality Committee and entraps an aspiring young photographer, Tsukiko. Kiss continues Tomie's pursuit of Tsukiko and her favorite schoolteacher. In Mansion, Tomie and one of her minions take control of an old man, his house, and his only daughter, with grotesque results. Revenge finds the demonic girl as the object of jealously rivalry between two bone-weary mountaineers. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Lafcadio Hearn's "The Faceless Ghost" and Other Macabre Tales from Japan Sean Michael Wilson, 2015-11-03 Over one hundred years ago, the writer and Japanophile Lafcadio Hearn gathered together a selection of kaidan, traditional Japanese ghost, myth, and mystery stories, and published them in English in over a dozen books. The kaidan feature vengeful ghosts and bewitching spirits that mete out karmic justice in eerie and sometimes horrifying ways. Some of the tales were Japanese versions of older Chinese tales of divination; others were influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, including a Buddhist-influenced mystery storytelling game popular in the Edo era (1603–1868). In contemporary culture, these stories have found new expression mostly in movies and manga. In this graphic novel, acclaimed manga creator Sean Michael Wilson and illustrator Michiru Morikawa present six of these classic, supernatural stories. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Hell Screen ("Jigoku Hen") and Other Stories 芥川龍之介, 1971 There can be no doubt that [Akutagawa] had more individuality than any other writer of his time and has left in Japanese literature a mass of artistic work, often grotesque and curious, that, while it undoubtedly angers the proletarian experimenters who now hold the stage and fight with lusty pens and a highly developed class consciousness against all that he stood for, will continue to live as long as men go on treasuring the fancies their fellows from time to time set down with care on paper.--Glen W. Shaw |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Japanese Tales of Mystery and Imagination Edogawa Rampo, 2012-05-10 This collection of mystery and horror stories is regarded as Japan's answer to Edgar Allan Poe. Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination, the first volume of its kind translated into English, is written with the quick tempo of the West but rich with the fantasy of the East. These nine bloodcurdling, chilling tales present a genre of literature largely unknown to readers outside Japan, including the strange story of a quadruple amputee and his perverse wife; the record of a man who creates a mysterious chamber of mirrors and discovers hidden pleasures within; the morbid confession of a maniac who envisions a career of foolproof psychological murders; and the bizarre tale of a chair-maker who buries himself inside an armchair and enjoys the sordid loves of the women who sit on his handiwork. Lucid and packed with suspense, Edogawa Rampo's stories found in Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination have enthralled Japanese readers for over half a century. Mystery stories include: The Human Chair The Caterpillar Two Crippled Men The Traveler with the Pasted Rag Picture |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Ibitsu Haruto Ryo, 2018-07-24 There's an urban legend that says late at night, sometimes a young girl dressed in gothic lolita clothing will appear by garbage dumps to ask a question. Any who answer will, without fail, die a twisted death. And tonight, another young boy will find himself enveloped by this horror... |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: The Shuddering Ania Ahlborn, 2013-06-18 A group of friends vacationing at a remote Colorado cabin find themselves stranded by a blizzard and stalked by cannibalistic monsters. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Tales of Mystery and Imagination Edgar Allan Poe, 1860 |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Out Natsuo Kirino, 2022-07-19 ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME • Winner of Japan's Grand Prix for Crime Fiction • Edgar Award Finalist • Nothing in Japanese literature prepares us for the stark, tension-filled, plot-driven realism of Natsuo Kirino’s award-winning literary mystery Out. This mesmerizing novel tells the story of a brutal murder in the staid Tokyo suburbs, as a young mother who works the night shift making boxed lunches strangles her abusive husband and then seeks the help of her coworkers to dispose of the body and cover up her crime. The coolly intelligent Masako emerges as the plot’s ringleader, but quickly discovers that this killing is merely the beginning, as it leads to a terrifying foray into the violent underbelly of Japanese society. At once a masterpiece of literary suspense and pitch-black comedy of gender warfare, Out is also a moving evocation of the pressures and prejudices that drive women to extreme deeds, and the friendships that bolster them in the aftermath. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Pet Shop of Horrors Volume 1 Matsuri Akino, 2003-06-17 A smoke-filled alley in Chinatown harbors Count D's Pet Shop. The pets sold here aren's your everyday variety and the Count prides himself on selling Love and Dreams in the form of magical creatures that come with an exclusive contract. But buyers beware. If the contract is broken the Count cannot be held accountable for whatever may happen. A fascinating and macabre look into the very soul of human nature. |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Japanese Ghost Stories Lafcadio Hearn, 2019-07-25 The dead wreak revenge on the living, paintings come alive, spectral brides possess mortal men and a priest devours human flesh in these chilling Japanese ghost stories retold by a master of the supernatural. Lafcadio Hearn drew on the phantoms and ghouls of traditional Japanese folklore - including the headless 'rokuro-kubi', the monstrous goblins 'jikininki' or the faceless 'mujina' who stalk lonely neighbourhoods - and infused them with his own memories of his haunted childhood in nineteenth-century Ireland to create these terrifying tales of striking and eerie power. Today they are regarded in Japan as classics in their own right. Edited with an introduction by Paul Murray |
| japanese tales of the macabre manga: Evangelion Illustrations 2007-2017 khara, 2019-06-11 Full-color oversize collection showcasing art of the landmark animated series that redefined the mecha genre. Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most enduring and significant touchstones for anime, manga, and pop culture fans over the past two decades, thanks to the groundbreaking television series and beautifully animated movies. This book collects ten years’ worth of illustrations that showcase the wide effect Neon Genesis Evangelion has left on not just the animation industry, but on popular culture in general. Included are illustrations for film posters, CD albums, bullet train designs, video game collaborations, and much, much more. |
