Mayumi is a young girl suffering from a crippling mental illness that leaves her unable to make any decisions. After numerous caregivers fail, her wealthy family hires Mitsu, a mysterious woman who constantly whispers instructions into Mayumi’s ear to guide her every movement.
Mitsu is living with an abusive boyfriend who eventually beats her to death. Despite being dead, her spirit remains with Mayumi, continuing to whisper instructions that eventually lead the girl to commit a violent act of revenge against the boyfriend.
Reviewers note the story explores themes of domestic violence and the blurred lines between mental health struggles and supernatural intervention. Part 2: Soichi's Beloved Pet Itou Junji: Maniac - Episode 12
Based on a story from New Voices in the Dark , this segment brings back the series' recurring antagonist, the nail-chewing boy Soichi.
Adapted from Fragments of Horror , this segment is often cited by critics from Ready Steady Cut and Den of Geek as the stronger, more psychological half of the finale. Mayumi is a young girl suffering from a
Episode 12 of Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre serves as the anthology’s finale, featuring two distinct stories: and "Soichi's Beloved Pet" . Part 1: Whispering Woman
This segment received mixed reactions; some fans on Reddit find Soichi's repetitive, obnoxious behavior frustrating, while others appreciate the lighter, "wholesome" contrast it provides to the darker segments of the series. Series Conclusion Despite being dead, her spirit remains with Mayumi,
Soichi’s family adopts a stray cat named Colon. Jealous of the attention the pet receives, Soichi attempts to "curse" the cat or turn it into a monster to scare his family.