The genre of horror has been dominated by a few creators that have immersed themselves in the craft as deeply as Junji Ito and Hideo Kojima. Over the span of their careers, both have earned recognition as true masters of storytelling.
In a recent joint interview, the pair opened up about their journeys in the industry. The publication talked about their major influences, with Ito highlighting Kazuo Umezu as his foremost source of inspiration during his high school years, particularly singling out “Butterfly Grave” as a standout work.
On the other hand, Kojima disclosed that Kobo Abe’s “The Woman in the Dunes” had a profound impact on him. The novel captured his imagination years ago and continues to resonate with him today. Fans of Kojima Productions are encouraged to check out the book, given its lasting influence on the developer.
Art has always been a collaborative effort, with creators drawing inspiration from one another as they craft their masterpieces. Ito and Kojima stand at the pinnacle of their respective fields, and insights into their creative processes are always welcomed by fans.
Earlier this year, Ito visited Kojima Productions, with Kojima sharing a photo of the two at the studio. The image sparked excitement among fans, who are now eagerly hoping for a collaboration between the two masters.
With this recent interview shedding light on their mutual admiration and influences, the calls for a joint project have only grown louder.