Ep 5. The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri / Cloth Teacher

As the fifth episode of the Junji Ito Collection (Original Japanese Version) season 1, "The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri / Cloth Teacher" explores two thrilling narratives that highlight the macabre imagination of the legendary horror mangaka Junji Ito.

In the first tale, "The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri," viewers are introduced to a young student named Oshikiri who resides in a decrepit mansion that seems to defy all logic. Despite having to deal with strange occurrences on a daily basis, Oshikiri refuses to leave his abode and is instead determined to uncover the secrets of his ever-changing house. However, as he delves deeper into the unknown, Oshikiri soon discovers that his home is not the only thing that is constantly in flux.

The second narrative, "Cloth Teacher," tells the story of a teacher named Ms. Sasaki who comes across a strange-looking mannequin while exploring an empty classroom. Initially, she dismisses the mannequin as a harmless prop, but soon realizes that it has a life of its own. Ms. Sasaki becomes increasingly obsessed with the mannequin, taking it home and even ignoring her family and friends to spend more time with it. However, as she becomes more and more attached to her new companion, Ms. Sasaki starts to notice that her precious mannequin is not as inanimate as she first thought.

Both stories in this episode bring their unique horrors to the screen, exploring the concept of boundaries and what it means to be human. "The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri" offers a thrilling ride that constantly destabilizes viewers' perceptions of reality, culminating in a disturbing and unforgettable climax. Meanwhile, "Cloth Teacher" presents a more subtle kind of horror, using the teacher's growing attachment to the mannequin to explore the idea of obsession and possession.

As with previous episodes of the Junji Ito Collection, the animation and sound design in "The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri / Cloth Teacher" are top-notch, bringing the two stories to life in new and terrifying ways. The voice acting is also superb, perfectly capturing the characters' emotional states and adding to the overall atmosphere of dread.

Overall, this episode of the Junji Ito Collection is an excellent addition to the series, showcasing the depth and variety of Ito's chilling tales. Fans of horror and manga alike will find plenty to enjoy in "The Ongoing Tale of Oshikiri / Cloth Teacher."