Adapted from Fragments of Horror , this segment is often cited by critics from Ready Steady Cut and Den of Geek as the stronger, more psychological half of the finale.
Soichi’s family adopts a stray cat named Colon. Jealous of the attention the pet receives, Soichi attempts to "curse" the cat or turn it into a monster to scare his family. Itou Junji: Maniac - Episode 12
His antics consistently backfire in a darkly comedic fashion. The cat eventually undergoes a bizarre, supernatural transformation—possibly due to Soichi's meddling—that leaves him injured and comically defeated. Adapted from Fragments of Horror , this segment
This segment received mixed reactions; some fans on Reddit find Soichi's repetitive, obnoxious behavior frustrating, while others appreciate the lighter, "wholesome" contrast it provides to the darker segments of the series. Series Conclusion His antics consistently backfire in a darkly comedic fashion
Episode 12 of Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre serves as the anthology’s finale, featuring two distinct stories: and "Soichi's Beloved Pet" . Part 1: Whispering Woman
Reviewers note the story explores themes of domestic violence and the blurred lines between mental health struggles and supernatural intervention. Part 2: Soichi's Beloved Pet