Because I Loved Her So Much - Gender-Based Violence and the Representations of the Feminine in the Manga Tomie

Aug 25, 2026

This article analyzes how violence against women and villainy are represented in the manga "Tomie," examining how narratives reinforce cultural and social norms that sustain such violence. Based on qualitative content analysis (Bardin, 2006) of 12 selected figures, the study organizes observations into femicide, nudity, passion, villainy, male brotherhood, and enchantment, focusing on femicide, villainy, and male brotherhood. Using theorists such as Beauvoir, Segato, and others, the research highlights repetition and regeneration as critiques of objectification and victim-blaming.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Research approach and data set

Analytical categories

Findings and social implications

“BECAUSE I LOVED HER SO MUCH”: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE FEMININE IN THE MANGA TOMIE “PORQUE EU A AMAVA DEMAIS”: VIOLÊNCIAS DE GÊNERO E AS REPRESENTAÇÕES DO FEMININO NO MANGÁ TOMIE “PORQUE LA AMABA TANTO”: LA VIOLENCIA DE GÉNERO Y LAS REPRESENTACIONES DE LO FEMENINO EN EL MANGA TOMIE [https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2026.019-016](https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2026.019-016) Fabrinne Rocha Pereira1, Marta Maria Azevedo Queiroz2 ABSTRACT This article, part of the research conducted for the Master's in Communication (PPGCOMUFPI, 2025), proposes an analysis of how violence against women and villainy are represented in the manga "Tomie," highlighting the ways in which narratives reinforce cultural and social norms that perpetuate such violence. This work by manga artist Junji Ito, known for his stories of psychological horror and supernatural elements, first published in 1987, revolves around the character Tomie, with the narrative—"an irresistibly beautiful young woman provokes obsession and violence in the men around her." This phrase summarizes the dramatic structure of the work, but also reveals, in deeper layers, a powerful commentary on how patriarchal culture constructs, controls, and punishes the female figure. The research adopted a qualitative approach, with content analysis (Bardin, 2006), observing 12 selected Figures from the manga, which were organized into five categories: 1) femicide, 2) nudity, 3) passion, 4) villainy, 5) male brotherhood, and 6) enchantment. Categories 1, 4, and 5 are analyzed in this article, from the theoretical perspectives of Beauvoir (2014), Segato (2013), Elena Teles and Valeska Zanello (2017), and Alves (2021) . The analysis of violence against women in Tomie reveals not only Junji Ito's skill in creating horror narratives, but also his ability to address profound social issues. Through Tomie's story, we are confronted with the reality of obsession, objectification, and violence, themes that continue to resonate in contemporary society. The repetition of Tomie's femicide and her regeneration throughout the narrative suggest a critique of the objectification and blaming of women. Therefore, concrete actions are urgent, considering the exponentially increasing rates of violence against women, producing profound impacts both on individual structures—especially those of female victims—and on the sociocultural dynamics that affect their families and communities. Keywords: Narratives of Violence Against Women. Feminine Representations. Media. Manga. Tomie. 1 Master’s degree in Communication. Universidade Federal do Piauí . E-mail: [fabrinne@protonmail.com](fabrinne@protonmail.com) 2 Postdoctoral Research in Communication. Universidade Nova de [Lisboa. E-mail: martaqueiroz@ufpi.edu.br](Lisboa. E-mail: martaqueiroz@ufpi.edu.br)[ ](Lisboa. E-mail: martaqueiroz@ufpi.edu.br)Orcid: [https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7253-814X Lattes:](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7253-814X Lattes:) [https://lattes.cnpq.br/0206354084188669](https://lattes.cnpq.br/0206354084188669) Horizons of Insight: Exploring the Frontiers of Multidisciplinary Science-2nd Edition “BECAUSE I LOVED HER SO MUCH”: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE FEMININE IN THE MANGA TOMIE RESUMO O presente artigo, parte integrante da pesquisa realizada no mestrado em Comunicação (PPGCOM-UFPI, 2025), propõe analisar como as violências contra as mulheres e a vilaniasão representadas no mangá Tomie, destacando os modos que as narrativas reforçam normas culturais e sociais que perpetuam tais violências. A obra do mangaká Junji Ito, conhecida por suas histórias de terror psicológico e elementos sobrenaturais. Publicado pela primeira vez em 1987, o mangá gira em torno da personagem Tomie, tendo como narrativa – ‘uma jovem irresistivelmente bela provoca obsessão e violência nos homens ao seu redor’. Essa frase resume a estrutura dramática da obra, mas também revela, em camadas mais pro

FAQs

What is the main focus of the article about Tomie?

The article examines how violence against women and villainy are represented in the manga "Tomie" and how these narratives reinforce cultural and social norms that perpetuate such violence.

What methodology and materials does the study use?

It applies a qualitative approach with content analysis (Bardin, 2006) of 12 selected figures from the manga.

Which categories of representation are organized, and which are analyzed in this article?

The figures are organized into femicide, nudity, passion, villainy, male brotherhood, and enchantment; this article analyzes categories 1, 4, and 5.

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Sophia Brooks