Junji Ito Collection (Japanese: 伊藤潤二『コレクション』, Hepburn: Itō Junji "Korekushon") is a horror animeanthology series adapted from the works of manga artist Junji Ito. Animated by Studio Deen, the anime adapts stories from several of Ito's collections. The series premiered on January 5, 2018, and ran for 12 episodes, accompanied by the release of two OVAs. The series was co-produced and streamed worldwide by Crunchyroll outside of Asia in eight languages on the same day.[2] A follow-up anthology series adapating more of Ito's works, Junji Ito Maniac, was released in 2023.
The anime was first announced June 30, 2017, via Junji Ito's page on the Asahi Shimbun website.[8] In August, the adaptation was confirmed to be a television series with animation by Studio Deen.[9] Shinobu Tagashira, known for his directorial work on Diabolik Lovers, directed and created the character design for the anime.[9][10] The announcement also revealed that the series would adapt from two of Ito's manga collections, the 11 volume Junji Ito Masterpiece Collection and the single volume Fragments of Horror,[9] but did not specify which stories would be adapted, as the staff wanted viewers to be surprised when the show aired.[1] The series revealed its official title on October 12, 2017,[1] and also announced that Kaoru Sawada was scripting the series, Hozumi Gōda was serving as sound director, and that Yuki Hayashi would compose the music for the series.[1] The series will also include two OVAs, which adapt from Ito's Tomie manga.[11]
The opening theme song, "The Writhing in Agony Blues" (七転八倒のブルース, Shichitenbattō no Burūsu), will be performed by The Pinballs,[12] while the ending theme song, "Mutual Universe" (互いの宇宙, Tagai no Uchū), will be performed by Jyocho.[3]
Release
The series was initially scheduled to premiere on Tokyo MX on January 7, 2018,[1] but was later announced for a January 5 premiere on WOWOW's Anime Premium programming block.[13] Additionally, the series received an advance showing on December 23, 2017, which was attended by Ito and voice actor Yūji Mitsuya.[14] The series is being simulcast on Crunchyroll worldwide outside of Asia, and Funimation began streaming an English dub on January 20, 2018.[15][16]
The series ran for 12 episodes and was released as three separate sets on DVD, on March 30, 2018, April 27, 2018, and May 25, 2018. The second and third sets each include an OVA episode.[11]
