This year is going to wrap up with the Shibuya talk. Most of the people around me don’t even know that Shibuya is actually a place that exists in Japan. But they sure know it’s the ‘Shibuya Arc’ I’m talking about- yes, the Shibuya Arc from Jujutsu Kaisen.
Jujutsu Kaisen or JJK is a popular action-packed anime series that has been making waves in the world of anime and manga. It has gained immense popularity for its captivating storyline and high-energy action sequences. Even it’s characters have their own fan base and garnering much attention from Season 1 itself.
Originally a manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, released in 2020, quickly became a fan favorite among anime enthusiasts and has since captured the hearts of fans around the globe. With its dark themes, intense battles, and captivating characters, Jujutsu Kaisen has earned a loyal fan following.
If we talk about its main plot it revolves around Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student with extraordinary physical abilities. When a cursed ( evil energy/aura) is unleashed at his school, Yuji unintentionally swallows the cursed object finger Sukuna to protect his friends during the fight & unwittingly becomes possessed by a powerful curse named Ryomen Sukuna. From that moment on, Yuji enters a world of sorcery and curses as a student at the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School. Alongside his classmates & his teachers, he must learn to control and use cursed energy to exorcise curses and protect people from supernatural threats.
One of the key aspects that set JuJutsu Kaisen apart is its incorporation of jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art, into a world infused with supernatural elements where our main protagonists use this powerful blend to fight the supernatural curses.
The storyline is simple yet it’s characters are equally complex that with their unmatched persona attract the attention of viewers and making them connect with with their world. It’s the emotional appeal that directs the viewers towards JJK making it 3rd most watched anime with the highest ranking score on IMDb, Crunchyroll & Google.
JJK Manga got it own movie ( JJK 0 ) & anime adaptations.
The characters holding so much of appeal of their own that when authors Gege Akutami took the decision to end the chapter of its famous character from JJK universe – Gojo Satarou, he had to face so much online outrages from fans around the world. He even got death threat and #whenIcatchyougege started to trend all over the internet. He faced sharp criticism for the brutal deaths of some of favourite character of fans from the universe like Geto Suguru, Nanami Kento etc.
Recently, Halloween activities were also suspended in Shibuya as the place has a great reference in the anime as well as manga. Shibuya being the main arc in anime & manga triggers some major events that plays a very important role in whole JJK universe. So, place has become an overnight sensation due to it’s popularity and Authorities suspected that it might attract lot of visitors and
could possibly trigger an event like Seoul Stampede, an unfortunate event that took lives of more than 190 people.
Given JJK’s popularity, it has also generate a vast potential in merchandise and collaboration. From clothing lines to collectible figures, fans can now show their love for the series through a variety of licensed products. Additionally, official collaborations with other brands have been announced, allowing fans to see their favorite characters in unique and exciting contexts.
If we are talking so much about JJK how can we miss MAPPA– An animation studio that bring all that action of JJK from manga to anime. The studio which has given several gems to the animation world. You can have more info on the studio from these links – Story of MAPPA Studio, MAPPA anime list
MAPPA has delivered such beautiful animation in S1 and in S2 of JJK that we can witnesses the breathtaking exceptional quality with each episodes. As the latest episode 17 (S2) has received praised from fans for adopting certain style of animation that has eye catching visuals that makes the action scenes more alive. It also got some criticism for their adaptation of storyline as it differs from the manga but according to me that’s very normal.
Nevertheless, the work done by animators at MAPPA sure has elated fans’ expectations for the rest of the episodes. However due to some recent controversy regarding the poor working conditions of animators & their open discomfort regarding the work ethics at MAPPA raising suspicion regarding the possible future of S2.
Netizens & Fans are suspecting that S2 might go on hiatus or worse could cancel amid such an environment. It’s sure a sad news but it can’t be denied that the success MAPPA & JJK is having due to efforts of animators & other important staff that make is possible for fans to experience something like JJK. Therefore, their interest & rights also matter the most.
The success of JJK is attributed to its dedicated team. They despite being in such harsh conditions, delivered such exceptional quality hence, their efforts should be praised & rewarded appropriately.
In the last I can only say whether you’re a fan of the anime, manga, or both, there’s no doubt that JJK will continue to leave a lasting impact on the world of anime. Once again I thanks to the JJK team, because of their efforts I get to experience joy every week. Now, I’m waiting for the next episodes. Hoping they don’t go on hiatus!
Animexon 