Sakiyama Soushi – “Before My Heart Breaks Down, I should have told you everything”.
The lyrics of the ED song “Akari” by Sakiyama Soushi. The lyrics have well delivered the inner thoughts of Getou Suguru. I am not sure if it was purposely done based on the original source, but this is something that attracts and excites us as viewers. Before going into the major arc of season 2, the Shibuya incident, the first episode that covered the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc was just sentimental and heartbreaking, just like the lyrics of “Akari”. The title of the arc in Japanese was written as 懷玉 (Kaigyoku) as hidden inventory and 玉折 (Gyokusetsu) as premature death. The word 玉 (gyoku) could mean jade in Chinese or gem or jewel in Japanese; both translations have a meaning that refers to precious stones. Hidden inventory indicates Gojo, who was born with a talent, is meant to be a potential gem that is on his way to becoming unbeatable. Meanwhile, Getou, who has gone the opposite and twisted way, has fallen to a premature death.
This arc was low-key depressing to see how Getou fell short of himself and didn’t manage to overcome his mental struggle or illness. This outcome could be due to the fact that he didn’t have a chance or person to express his struggle after going through Riko getting shot down, the unstoppable consumption of the negative cursed spirit alone, and the death of comrade. All these tussles have been diverted to his belief to protect the weak as a sorcerer for a long time, and eventually he was unable to stick with it anymore.
In my opinion, Getou is a pessimistic character, and it saddens me to see him fall. The obsession with the character can’t get away from the successful depiction by the creator and voice actor, who perfectly presented the emotion of the character. The moment fake Getou revealed himself was kinda crazy, my reaction was the same as Gojo at that moment because I wasn’t aware that Getou was dead in the movie. Anyway, the delivery of Gojo’s high school memory was spot on yet poignant.
Moving on, the Shibuya Incident arc brilliantly depicted the vibe of the incident. From the moment the curtain (Tobari) is deployed until Gojo has dismissed from the fight, everything happens as if in an instant, yet well-scheduled and planned. The vibe of the incident I mentioned here is the creepiness and madness that is hovering within the silent Shibuya. The characters were in a place that was silent most of the time and it’s somehow creepy. However, the silence doesn’t last long. The force of the sorcerers began to shiver while confronting the unwanted madness and presence. Personally, season 2 has displayed the cruel side of the show that live up to the hype of JJK, and I just can't wait to see what is gonna happen in the consecutive season as the decision of the creator on characters' consequences has been a doubt.
This is not a review from a professional animator’s POV but as an anime fan, the adaptation overall was merely exceptional. In this case, animation is beyond valuation that there is nothing you could complain about as it was as insane as the plot per se. The outstanding quality of animation has enhanced the show by presenting the plot seamlessly. The same goes for the opening and ending songs, which are a good match for the show and have enlightened the gusto in watching Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK). My utmost respect goes to the animators and staff who have been battling with time and the airing schedule day and night. JJK has been filling the Fall 2023 with excitement.