The acclaimed mangaka Junji Ito has carved out a place for himself in the hearts of horror fans both at home and abroad, based not only on the merits of his manga but also because his works, such as Uzumaki and Tomie, have inspired live-action films and anime (the Junji Ito Collection) and have been translated into English as well as other languages.

Junji Ito Artbook: Ikei Sekai 伊藤潤二画集：異形世界

While the unforgettable images from Junji Ito's works have been circulated around the world, it may come as a surprise to learn that, in the 30 years since he made his debut, the master of horror manga had never published a collection of his illustrations in an artbook. That is finally changing on March 20th with the publication of Igyō Sekai 異形世界 (which literally means "World of Otherly Shaped [Beings]" but could be more aptly translated as "World of Monsters" or "Grotesque World") from Asahi Shimbun Publications.

The collection, now available for pre-order on Amazon.co.jp (3,780 JPY), extends from Junji Ito's classics like Tomie, Uzumaki, Souichi, Lovesick Dead and Gyo to his most recent works, putting a spotlight not only on his color illustrations but also his black and white illustrations. The book features a total of 133 works, including never before published material. For those who can read Japanese, the book also contains commentary by the author for each illustration, as well as in-depth interviews on the creative process leading to their creation.

Junji Ito Exhibition

In commemoration of the artbook's publication, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper is sponsoring an exhibition to be held from March 23rd to April 9th at the Span Art Gallery in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, where you'll be able to enjoy 90 of his bewitching and detailed works.

Although all places are already taken for the book signing event on April 6th, you will be able to purchase the book at the gallery while the exhibition is running and receive a limited-edition Tomie sticker as well.

You may also be interested in the extensive goods selection, including postcard sets (five for 750 JPY), clear file folders (350 JPY), pin badge sets (two medium for 500 JPY or two mini and one large for 800 JPY) printed T-shirts (3,600 JPY) and tote bags (2,500 JPY).

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Exhibition Details

• Name (JP): 伊藤潤二 画集出版記念展 異形世界
• Name (EN): Ikei Sekai: Exhbition Commemorating the Publication of "Junji Ito Artbook: Igyō Sekai"
• Place: Span Art Gallery
• Address (JP): 〒104-0061東京都中央区銀座2-2-18　西欧ビル1階
• Address (EN): 1F Seio Bldg. 2-2-18 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo 104-0061
• Tel: 03-5524-3060
• Duration: 1st Part: March 23rd (Sat.) to April 2nd (Tue.), 2nd Part: April 4th (Thur.) to April 9th (Tue.)
• Times: 11:00 to 19:00 (17:00 on April 2nd and April 9th)
• Admission: Free
• Website (Japanese only): Junji Ito Exhibition