Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the master of horror manga, Junji Ito, wrote a slice-of-life comedy about… cats? Well, wonder no more! Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu exists, and it's a delightful, surprisingly relatable, and yes, still a little creepy, experience.
From Horror to Hairballs: A Genre Shift
Known for his unsettling and surreal horror stories, Ito taking on a cat diary sounds like a recipe for disaster. Imagine spiral-shaped cats or cats with human faces – terrifying, right? While there are moments of classic Ito-esque exaggeration, this manga is largely a heartwarming and humorous account of Ito and his wife welcoming two cats into their lives.
The story is loosely based on Ito's real-life experience. He and his wife adopted two cats, Yon, a Norwegian Forest Cat, and Mu, a Japanese cat.
A Relatable Cat Owner's Tale
The manga chronicles Ito's initial reluctance and eventual complete and utter devotion to his feline companions. We see Ito, depicted as a somewhat hapless and easily overwhelmed character (named "J-kun" in the manga), struggle with basic cat care. This includes litter box woes and the general chaos that comes with owning two energetic cats.
Any cat owner will recognize the scenes of cats demanding attention at the most inconvenient times. Also familiar are the cats’ bizarre sleeping positions and their uncanny ability to get into everything.
It's these everyday moments, rendered with Ito's distinctive art style, that make the manga so charming. He exaggerates the cats' expressions and movements, making them both hilarious and slightly unsettling.
The "Creepy" Factor (But in a Good Way!)
Okay, it's Junji Ito, so there *is* a bit of a creepy edge to things. Yon, in particular, is often drawn with a disturbingly human-like face, complete with unsettlingly large eyes and a perpetually grumpy expression. This is also accompanied by her constantly displaying a snarky attitude.
However, the "creepiness" isn't scary in the traditional Ito sense. Instead, it contributes to the manga's unique humor. It's funny *because* it's unexpected and slightly off-kilter.
Ito's artistic style adds a layer of surrealism to even the most mundane cat activities. A simple grooming session can become a strangely intense and dramatic affair.
More Than Just Scares: A Story About Love
Beneath the exaggerated expressions and quirky art style, Cat Diary: Yon & Mu is ultimately a story about love and acceptance. It's about Ito's journey from a cat-skeptic to a doting cat dad. It shows that there can be connection and acceptance between the cats and J-kun.
He learns to understand their quirks, appreciate their unique personalities, and accept the sometimes-chaotic nature of cat ownership. You see that despite the hairballs and the scratched furniture, J-kun truly loves Yon and Mu.
The manga is a testament to the transformative power of pets. It highlights how animals can bring joy, companionship, and even a little bit of bizarre humor into our lives.
Why You Should Read It
Cat Diary: Yon & Mu is a perfect entry point into Junji Ito's work if you're intimidated by his horror stories. It showcases his artistic talent and storytelling ability in a more accessible and lighthearted way.
It’s a fun and quick read, perfect for a lazy afternoon. Furthermore, it will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a cat.
So, if you're looking for a manga that's both funny and heartwarming, a little bit creepy, and ultimately a celebration of the joys of cat ownership, then give Cat Diary: Yon & Mu a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
