Who Wrote 'Give The Lesson To The Cheated' And Why?

I’ve always been curious about obscure titles, and 'Give the Lesson to the Cheated' caught my attention because of its provocative name. It’s a short story by Junji Ito, tucked away in one of his anthologies, and it stands out for its moralistic edge. Unlike his usual body-horror fare, this one feels almost like a fable—a cautionary tale about the consequences of manipulation. The protagonist’s downfall is depicted with Ito’s signature grotesque flair, but what sticks with me is how the story doesn’t let anyone off the hook. Even the 'victims' have their own shades of gray, making it a messy, human drama. It’s a quick read, but it packs a punch.

The novel 'Give the Lesson to the Cheated' is actually a lesser-known gem by the Japanese author Junji Ito, though it often flies under the radar compared to his more famous horror works like 'Uzumaki' or 'Tomie'. I stumbled upon it years ago while digging through his bibliography, and it fascinated me because it deviates from his usual cosmic horror—instead, it’s a sharp, almost satirical take on human greed and karma. The story revolves around a swindler who gets his comeuppance in a way that’s both darkly humorous and deeply unsettling, which feels like Ito’s way of critiquing societal hypocrisy. The title itself is a play on the idea of poetic justice, and the execution is so visceral that it lingers in your mind long after reading. Ito’s knack for blending moral lessons with grotesque imagery is on full display here, and it’s a testament to his range as a storyteller.

What’s really interesting is how the themes resonate differently depending on your perspective. Some readers interpret it as a straightforward revenge tale, while others see it as a commentary on the cyclical nature of exploitation. I lean toward the latter—there’s a subtle undercurrent about how people who exploit others are often trapped in their own patterns of deceit. The artwork, typical of Ito’s style, amplifies the story’s impact with its detailed, nightmarish panels. If you’re a fan of his work but haven’t checked this one out yet, it’s worth tracking down, even if just to see how he tackles a more grounded (yet still bizarre) narrative.