Fashion model is another fan favorite story by Junji Ito, and for a good reason.
It’s a rather short and simple horror story, but one that stands out because of its central figure: Miss Fuchi. The moment we see her, we know instantly that something’s wrong with her. Her face is too long, her features inhumane and uncanny. No, we can tell this is not a normal person, but something entirely different.
Plot Overview – A Monster in Human Clothing
The story follows Iwasaki, a film student. After seeing Miss Fuchi in a fashion magazine, her uncanny appearance causes him to suffer from terrible nightmares.
When he and his fellow students begin casting for a short film, they put out a casting call. In the end, only three people sent in submissions, but Iwasaki recognizes one of them right away. It’s the terrible fashion model that so haunted him for the past weeks. Yet the others disregard his warnings, and decide to cast her anyway, believing that including her might bring more attention to their film.
As the group sets out, however, Miss Fuchi’s appearance and behavior soon begin unnerving the rest of the crew. Tensions rise, things take a turn for the worse, and Miss Fuchi reveals her true nature. She’s not merely a scary or weird looking woman, but a cannibalistic monster.
What Makes Fashion Model So Good?
Fashion Model differs from other Junji Ito stories. It’s neither a psychological horror story, nor does it feature cosmic elements. No, it’s a simple monster-tale, one about a terrifying creature pretending to be a normal human being.
The most memorable part of the story is, without a doubt, Miss Fuchi’s design. It’s instantly memorable for how comically off-putting it is. She’s the uncanny made flesh, something that looks almost human, but is definitely not. This dissonance lingers, and grows stronger as the story progresses, making her one of Junji Ito’s most iconic creations.
Fashion Model is also amongst the tensest of Ito’s stories. Right from the get-go, the moment Iwasaki first notices Miss Fuchi in the fashion magazine, we can feel something terrible is coming. This tension never breaks, and intensifies whenever we see Miss Fuchi and the more of her terrifying nature is revealed.
Deeper Themes – Hidden Danger, Instinct, and Monstrosity in Plain Sight
While Fashion Model might be one of Junji Ito’s simpler horror stories, there are still deeper themes hidden beneath its surface.
Iwasaki’s initial revulsion of Miss Fuchi turns out to be more than justified. His instincts told him something was wrong, but he eventually ignored it. It’s his hesitation that becomes fatal and showcases how often we second-guess our instincts to be rational or appear open-minded.
Miss Fuchi’s role as a fashion model, a profession rooted in beauty, can be seen as deeply ironic. It’s the idea that even a monster can wear normal clothes, and with enough glamor, enough attention, will be accepted without question. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous figures often hide in plain sight.
The story’s backdrop in the entertainment industry feels almost too deliberate. Miss Fuchi might have known that her status as a fashion model would guarantee her a role in the film. Seen through this lens, her behavior feels calculated, predatory even, as if her submission was nothing but a lure meant to draw in new prey.
Final Verdict – Simple, Uncanny, but Unforgettable
Fashion Model is pure horror and pure Junji Ito. It’s a story that shocks and unsettles you right from the get go, and continues to build up tension until its horrifying climax. Miss Fuchi is one of Ito’s most iconic creations for a reason, and her image will stay with you long after you read the story.
If you’re looking for a terrifying entry point into Junji Ito’s work, Fashion Model is perfect.
Looking for more Junji Ito? Check out my reviews of Greased, Dissection Girl, or my list of the best 40 Junji Ito stories.
You can find Fashion Model in Junji Ito’s Shiver collection, available on Amazon.
