
Japanese Twitter users turn the meaning of this Miffy illustration upside-down.
No matter how talented an illustrator or graphic designer may be, the products of their labors are visual representations of an idea, and not the idea itself. Even when most would agree a piece of art is depicting one thing, each viewer filters the representation through his own perspective to arrive at his individual interpretation.
Recently, we’ve seen this phenomenon turn innocuous intents into sexually charged messages, but that’s not the only way the darker corners of the mind can affect how we perceive visuals. Japanese Twitter user @le_pomme2332 was recently looking at a piece of cloth decorated with a pattern featuring Miffy, the Dutch picture book rabbit who’s much-loved in Japan as well.
A heartwarming drawing of two bunny buddies snuggling up to one another while relaxing on a cushion, right? Maybe. But if you’ve got a vicious current running through your brain, and you happen to see the pattern upside down, you might instead see it as…
…Miffy being eaten by a terrifying ghost that lacks a face, but has gigantic, gnashing teeth!
なんやこの柄・・・ミッフィーが変なオバケにモシャモシャされてるやん!子ども泣くで。。。!!
— 𝕃𝕒ℙ𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖/さよならアンドロ.メダ (@la_pomme2332) June 26, 2017
とかおもってたら、クッションに座っていたらしいけど、もう咀嚼されてるようにしか見えない。。_(:3」∠)_ pic.twitter.com/qDQLF8vStL
The alternative interpretation even holds up in three dimensions, as another Twitter user shared an inverted snapshot of a music box based on a similar scene.
失礼します…。
— ゆきえ_絵描き (@yukie_ekakibaka) June 30, 2017
家でオルゴールを発見してしまいました。 pic.twitter.com/dWCdnAa0IX
Yet another commenter pointed out that the “ghost” is devouring his rabbit snack much like an Attack on Titan Titan munching on a puny human.
https://twitter.com/REMEMBER_1020/status/879879094329946112So once again, Miffy, cute as she may be, proves that she can star in tales of horror as easily as she does children’s stories.
Source: Twitter/@ le_pomme2332 via Togech
Images: Twitter/@ le_pomme2332



Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood restaurant in Noboribetsu!”
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Visit the birthplace of the Japanese daruma in Gunma Prefecture
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival