Netflix to Stream Junji Ito’s Uzumaki Anime in Asia Starting December 20
2 min read
Fans of Junji Ito’s legendary horror manga Uzumaki can rejoice as Netflix has announced the anime adaptation will begin streaming in Asia starting December 20, 2024. This long-awaited series concluded its four-episode run on October 19, 2024, following significant delays and changes in production.
A Spiral into Horror: Uzumaki’s Adaptation Journey
The Uzumaki anime is based on the chilling manga written and illustrated by Junji Ito. Originally published by Shogakukan, the manga has become a cornerstone of psychological and body horror, with its sinister tale of a town consumed by spirals. The story has been compiled into three volumes and is also available in a complete omnibus format in English and Japanese.
ホラー漫画の鬼才 #伊藤潤二 の怪作をアニメ化！
— Netflix Japan | ネットフリックス (@NetflixJP) December 3, 2024
『#UZUMAKI: Animated TV Series』予告編を公開🌀
次第に"うずまき"に汚染されていく町。黒渦町に住む女子高生・桐絵は、恋人の秀一からこの町を脱出しようと持ちかけられる。2人はうずまきの呪いから逃れられるのか──？
12月20日より独占配信！ pic.twitter.com/BH3bcwAoiG
The adaptation faced a rocky production journey. Initially slated for release in 2020, the series was delayed until 2024 due to creative and logistical challenges. Studio Drive was originally attached to animate the series alongside Akatsuki. However, Studio Fugaku replaced Drive, joining forces with Akatsuki to bring the series to life. Co-produced by Production I.G. and Adult Swim, Uzumaki
Netflix’s Promotional Tease
Netflix’s announcement on December 3, 2024, included a promotional video featuring haunting glimpses from the anime. Viewers were treated to eerie visuals of Kurouzu-cho, unsettling moments involving Shuichi’s father, and the chilling imagery of Kurotani Azumi. The teaser concluded with a particularly grotesque scene of Shuichi’s father forcing him into a spiral-shaped tub—a moment that encapsulates the series’ disturbing tone.
Stellar Cast and Crew
The series features a notable voice cast, including:
- Uki Satake as Kirie Goshima (Tsubomi from Mob Psycho 100),
- Shinichiro Miki as Shuichi Saito (Nighteye from My Hero Academia),
- Takeshi Matsuyama as Toshio Saito (Kal Synder from Death Note).
Behind the scenes, the production team boasts industry heavyweights:
- Maki Terashima-Furuta, known for C Danshi, serves as producer.
- Colin Stetson, celebrated for his work on Texas Chainsaw Massacre, composed the haunting score.
- Hiroshi Nagahama, the executive director behind Guilty Crown, directed the series.
The Haunting Tale of Uzumaki
Set in the isolated town of Kurouzu-cho, Uzumaki follows Kirie Goshima as she witnesses increasingly bizarre events linked to spiral patterns. Her boyfriend Shuichi Saito becomes convinced the town is cursed and urges her to flee. However, the malevolent force of the spirals seems determined to prevent any escape, ensnaring the residents in an unrelenting nightmare.
With its striking visuals, eerie score, and a faithful adaptation of Ito’s terrifying vision, Uzumaki is set to captivate viewers. Fans in Asia can mark their calendars for December 20, 2024, when the spiraling madness begins on Netflix.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
