Among Junji Ito’s many unsettling tales, Long Dream stands out for its unique blend of body horror and existential dread. While many of his stories stayed on my mind, this one holds a special place for its unique exploration of consciousness and the nature of reality.
Plot Overview – Eternal Life in the Realm of Dreams
The story centers on Mami, a young woman hospitalized with a terminal brain tumor. She’s gripped by an intense fear of death. Her terrors grow even worse when she claims death herself visited her room.
Unbeknownst to her, the figure she saw was Tetsuro Mukoda, another patient suffering from a peculiar condition. Whenever he goes to sleep, his dreams extend in duration. At first, they last days, but eventually years and even decades. Upon waking, he even keeps the memories of these prolonged dreams, resulting in profound psychological as well as physical changes.
As Mukoda’s dreams lengthen, his body slowly deteriorates, reflecting the strain his condition has upon his body. When he eventually succumbs to his condition, his body crumbles to dust, leaving behind nothing but mysterious crystals.
Dr. Kuroda, the attending practitioner, sees the potential of the crystals, and administers them to Mami. He believes that this might allow her to escape death by dreaming eternally.
What Makes Long Dream So Good?
Long Dream masterfully combines psychological horror with a profound philosophical question. The concept of experiencing entire lifetimes within a single night is as fascinating as it is terrifying. Mukoda himself outlines certain nights in which he suffered from terrible nightmares that lasted months or even years.
This theme resonated with me deeply, and served as the inspiration for one of my horror stories, The Special Dish.
Ito’s portrayal of Mukoda’s gradual loss of identity and humanity, as well as his confusion upon waking, all underscore the fragility of our perception of reality.
Once again, this story doesn’t stem from external dangers or monsters, but from the internal collapse of the self and the blurring lines between reality and fiction. Mukoda’s final transformation into an unrecognizable, alien being serves as a chilling metaphor for losing touch with the waking world.
Deeper Interpretations – The Illusion of Immortality and the Fear of Oblivion
At its core, Long Dream delves into the human desire to escape death, and the consequences of such pursuits. Mukoda’s condition is nothing but a twisted form of immortality, a mind living in endless dreams, detached from the physical world. This eternal existence, however, becomes a curse, leading to isolation in a prison of his own making, and the eventual erosion of his entire self.
Mami’s initial fear of death is a stark contrast to the horror of Mukoda’s endless dreams. One fears the dread of non-existence, the other the terror of unending consciousness. Dr. Kuroda’s experiment on Mami begs the question of if it’s right to extend someone’s life if it costs them their humanity.
Final Verdict – A Masterpiece of Existential Horror
Long Dream is a story that serves as a profound exploration of the human psyche, morality, and the nature of reality. Junji Ito’s ability to weave complex philosophical themes into horror narratives is unparalleled. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with the natural order of things, and the unforeseen consequences of our deepest desires.
For those who are intrigued by a compelling mixture of body horror and existential philosophy, Long Dream is a must-read.
Looking for more Junji Ito? Check out my essay in his style and themes, my review of Hanging Balloons, or my extensive list of the best 40 Junji Ito stories.
Long Dream is available in Junji Ito’s Shiver collection, available on Amazon.
