Itō Junji no Neko Nikki: Yon & Mū #1

Itō Junji no Neko Nikki: Yon & Mū, or Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu, was originally serialized in the Japanese monthly magazine Nemuki starting in 2008. Unlike the grotesque horror for which Ito is renowned, this series serves as a semi-autobiographical comedy detailing the artist's reluctant adaptation to life with two cats gifted to him by his fiancée. The work provides a rare, humorous glimpse into the domestic habits of a master of macabre illustration, re-contextualizing his signature highly detailed, eerie art style to depict the absurd and often chaotic realities of pet ownership.

The character design of the cats, Yon and Mu, leans into Ito’s penchant for distorted, unsettling expressions, which humorously contrasts with the mundane nature of their behavior. The series was well-received as a departure from his typical narrative structures, proving that his distinct visual language—characterized by obsessive line work and uncanny body language—could be effectively translated into the genre of lighthearted pet memoirs. It remains a cult favorite for fans interested in seeing how Ito applies his mastery of suspense and visual tension to the everyday quirks of his feline companions.