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Summary of Uzumaki Chapter 1: “The Spiral Obsession, Part 1”
In Chapter 1 of Uzumaki, titled “The Spiral Obsession, Part 1,” Junji Ito introduces the spiral curse that plagues the fictional town of Kurouzu-cho, setting the stage for the series’ cosmic horror. The chapter follows Kirie Goshima, a high school student, as she encounters the first signs of the curse through her boyfriend Shuichi Saito’s father, Mr. Saito.
The story begins with Kirie walking through Kurouzu-cho, where she meets Shuichi at the train station. Shuichi is visibly distressed, warning Kirie about a strange obsession gripping his father. Mr. Saito has become fixated on spiral shapes, collecting objects like snail shells, spiral-patterned clothing, and even foods with spiral designs. His behavior grows increasingly erratic, as he spends hours staring at spirals and sketching them obsessively. Shuichi, sensitive to the curse’s influence, believes something supernatural is at play and urges Kirie to stay away from his family.
Kirie witnesses Mr. Saito’s obsession firsthand when she visits Shuichi’s home. His father’s collection of spiral objects fills the house, and his demeanor is unsettling, with a manic focus on the beauty of spirals. The curse’s influence escalates when Mr. Saito discovers he can create spirals with his own body. In a grotesque and shocking climax, he contorts himself into a spiral shape inside a narrow tub, twisting his limbs and spine unnaturally. This act results in his death, leaving his body grotesquely coiled, much to the horror of Kirie, Shuichi, and his mother, Yukie.
The chapter ends with Kirie shaken by the bizarre event, while Shuichi insists that the spirals are a malevolent force cursing Kurouzu-cho. The tragedy marks the beginning of the town’s descent into spiral-driven horror, hinting at the curse’s pervasive and unstoppable nature.
Themes and Notes: “The Spiral Obsession, Part 1” establishes the spiral as a symbol of obsession and cosmic dread, blending psychological horror with body horror. Junji Ito’s art vividly captures the eerie beauty of spirals and the grotesque transformation of Mr. Saito, setting a chilling tone for the series. This chapter introduces the main characters and the curse’s ability to exploit human fascination, laying the foundation for Uzumaki’s escalating terror.