“Itsumi” is a Japanese given name, and its meaning depends on the kanji (characters) used to write it. In Japanese, names often have multiple possible meanings because each kanji character carries its own definition, and parents can mix and match them to create the desired nuance.
For example:
逸美 could mean “outstanding beauty” (逸 meaning “exceptional” or “outstanding,” 美 meaning “beauty”).
五美 could mean “five beauties” (五 meaning “five,” 美 meaning “beauty”).
樹実 could mean “tree fruit” (樹 meaning “tree,” 実 meaning “fruit” or “truth”).
Because of this flexibility, “Itsumi” doesn’t have one fixed translation — the true meaning depends on the specific kanji chosen for that person’s name. When written in romaji (the Latin alphabet), it can be gender-neutral, though in practice it’s often used for females.
the "good night" message is a tip, in the middle dialogue of in retiring for dormant animals. You also can avoid those kind of messages with an Oyasumi before you leave.
I stumbled upon 'Itako' while browsing through a list of lesser-known horror manga, and it immediately caught my attention. The eerie, almost poetic artwork and the unsettling storyline felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes rely too heavily on jump scares. After some digging, I found out that the author is none other than Mochizuki Minetaro, who's also famous for 'Dragon Head.' His ability to weave psychological tension into his narratives is just brilliant.
What I love about 'Itako' is how it blends traditional Japanese folklore with modern horror elements. It's not just about ghosts; it digs into the cultural significance of the itako—blind mediums—and twists it into something deeply disturbing. Mochizuki's style is so distinct—his pacing, the way he builds dread, it's all masterful. If you're into horror that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading, this is a must-read.