Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror

As Uzumaki’s narrator and protagonist, Kirie Goshima is the backbone of the book. Kirie is readers’ entry point into the world of Kurouzu-cho: The first pages depict her walking from a hill above town into the heart of Kurouzu-cho, symbolizing her status as a “tour guide” for the horrors to come. She lives in the central district with her parents and brother, Mitsuo. She is dating Shuichi Saito, a fellow resident. Kirie works with Shuichi throughout Uzumaki to save their hometown from the spiral curse—to no avail, as they perish in the final chapter.

In addition to her role as narrator, Kirie provides several other functions: She is key to Uzumaki’s themes of obsession and devotion. Kirie witnesses her hometown descend into obsessive madness over the spiral, including her family (her father, brother, and cousin). She is devoted to her family and loved ones, risking her life to deliver Shuichi food, save Mitsuo from snail hunters, and search for her parents after Kurouzu-cho’s descent into anarchy. Kirie’s devotion often juxtaposes against others in Kurouzu-cho, who are overwhelmed with obsession.

Similarly, Kirie’s morality juxtaposes against that of other residents. Kirie is pure of heart and helps those in need—especially the marginalized who are often ignored or ridiculed.