10 Most Messed Up Junji Ito Moments

8. End Of The Tunnel - The Enigma Of Amigara Fault

Junji Ito Snail Girl
Asahi Sonorama

If there's one of Ito's stories that horror lovers need to seek out, it's the intriguingly named The Enigma Of Amigara Fault. Included as a bonus story in Gyo, this short sucks readers in with its strange and mysterious premise only to offer arguably one of the most shocking moments he's ever illustrated.

After an earthquake on the eponymous mountain reveals numerous humanoid-shaped holes, hordes of people are drawn to the site believing they saw a hole that is specifically for them on the news. One by one, people enter the mountain whilst scientists are unable to determine how far the holes go, where they lead, or what created them.

Once inside, the person is unable to go back. Forced to go further and further into the hole, the tunnel slowly becomes warped, twisting and stretching their body. While this is shown as a dream from one of the characters (who ultimately succumbs to his own hole), more holes are eventually discovered at the other side of the mountain.

However, these holes are more like cracks; and when someone peers in to see what's inside, readers will be unable to forget the resulting image.

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.