Junji Ito Partners with Musician Poppy, Shoko Nakagawa for Audio Drama Adaptation of 'Old Records'
A New Junji Ito Project Surfaces
Zero Zero Enterprises has launched a Kickstarter project to fund an ambitious new audio drama adaptation. The project, initiated on Thursday, focuses on Junji Ito's 1997 horror story titled "In Old Records." This unique adaptation will be presented on a vinyl record, offering a distinct physical format for fans. The entire endeavor aims to bring one of Ito's compelling narratives to life through sound.
Visionary Talents Behind the Production
The audio drama features a notable lineup of performers. Musician Poppy is slated to perform the English version of the drama, lending her distinctive voice to the project. For the Japanese version, Shōko Nakagawa will take on the role, ensuring an authentic portrayal in Ito's native language. Junji Ito himself is directly involved in the development and realization of this project. Furthermore, Ryan Cady, known for his writing contributions to The X-Files, is responsible for adapting the original story into the audio drama format.
Funding Ambitions and Distinctive Offerings
The Kickstarter project has set a clear financial target. It aims to raise US$20,000 within a 30-day period to fully fund the production. The physical vinyl record itself will be a collector's item, shipping in a special jacket. This jacket will feature original art by Acky Bright, adding a unique visual component to the release. Additionally, the jacket will include Junji Ito's actual handprint, providing a personal touch from the acclaimed creator. The vinyl record will also be available in multiple versions, catering to collectors. These variants include a splatter design and a glow in the dark option, with further versions expected to be announced.
The Intriguing Narrative of "Old Records"
The story at the heart of this project, "Old Records," is a recognized piece within Junji Ito's body of work. It has previously been featured in the Junji Ito "Collection" anime, reaching a wider audience through animation. Crunchyroll, which streamed the anime, describes the plot of this particular segment. The story centers on a strange record that features otherworldly music. This music possesses a captivating quality that is ultimately depicted as being "to die for," bewitching individuals who encounter it. The narrative explores the eerie consequences of this mesmerizing auditory experience.
The Legacy of Junji Ito's Animated Works
The Junji Ito "Collection" television anime previously adapted several stories from Ito's manga. This series premiered in January 2018 and concluded after 12 episodes. The anime drew its content from a specific collection of Ito's works, as well as his "Fragments of Horror" book. Crunchyroll provided streaming access to the series with English subtitles as it aired concurrently in Japan. Funimation also offered an English dub for viewers. Notably, an adaptation of Ito's widely recognized Tomie story was included on the second and third DVD sets of the anime, further expanding its reach.
Junji Ito's Acclaimed Recognition
Junji Ito has received significant recognition within the comic industry for his contributions to horror manga. He is slated for induction into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame in July 2025, a prestigious honor acknowledging his impactful career. Prior to this upcoming induction, Ito has already accumulated several Eisner Awards for his individual works. His previous wins include awards for "Lovesickness," "Remina," "Venus In The Blind Spot," and his adaptation of "Frankenstein," showcasing the critical acclaim for his diverse portfolio of horror narratives.
