Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: Opportunities for Enhancing the Manga and Insights from Its Creator

Jujutsu Kaisen is gearing up for its much-anticipated third season, which comes with its own set of challenges. The conclusion of the second season left fans on the edge as protagonist Yuji Itadori grapples with the fallout from the chaotic Shibuya Incident. Following an intense battle that saw the formidable Sukuna seize control of Yuji’s body, viewers are eagerly awaiting the next phase of this gripping tale, particularly with Yuta Okkutsu, the hero of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, needing to fulfill a dire mission to eliminate Yuji.

Season 3: Challenges and Opportunities for Jujutsu Kaisen

The buzz surrounding Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season is undeniable, but it faces an intriguing dilemma with the arcs it will tackle. Starting off with the Itadori Extermination arc, where Yuta’s mission unfolds, the series quickly pivots to the more complex and controversial Culling Game arc. This could potentially spell trouble for the forthcoming season unless handled masterfully by MAPPA. There is a significant opportunity for the studio to enhance the Culling Game arc, which has its share of issues in the manga, transforming it into an iconic chapter of the anime.

The Culling Game: A Key Focus in Season 3

Understanding the Rules of the Culling Game

Fans are well-acquainted with Kenjaku’s overarching goal: exploiting cursed energy to its fullest. The Culling Game operates as a brutal ritual aiming to merge the population of Japan with Tengen through an unprecedented gathering of cursed energy. The ultimate outcome is to create a singular entity, reminiscent of the Human Instrumentality Project seen in Evangelion.

This deadly game comes with a set of grim rules that focus on accruing points by eliminating opponents. Japan transforms into distinct regions where participants—designated as players—are fought over while civilians are given a single chance to escape involvement. Within this game, the lives of sorcerers are valued at 5 points, and non-sorcerers at 1 point. Players can alter the game’s rules by spending their accumulated points, allowing for strategic twists and turns.

Gege Akutami’s Reflections on the Culling Game

Missed Opportunities in the Culling Game Arc

Yuji and Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen's Culling Game

Despite its intriguing premise, the Culling Game arc has not resonated positively with all fans. Many feel it lacks the excitement seen in previous arcs. A crucial way to elevate the intensity of the battles involves utilizing the rule addition mechanic, something series creator Gege Akutami himself recognized as underutilized. During a recent 2024 Jujutsu Kaisen exhibition, Gege stated:

Q: Looking back on the developments in the Culling Game arc, do you notice anything significant?

A: In hindsight, I regret not integrating the rule additions more into the battles during the Culling Game arc. We had discussed using accumulated points to add rules during battles, potentially shifting the situation in one’s favor. However, in the end, none of those ideas were utilized at all.

This admission holds weight, revealing a missed opportunity to enhance the fight sequences throughout the Culling Game. The introduction of numerous new characters can lend a feeling of irrelevance to the conflicts, making them appear like filler if their value is not quickly established. However, if MAPPA embraces this suggestion by incorporating strategic rule modifications, they could breathe new life into one of the most criticized arcs of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Transforming the Culling Game into a Standout Arc

Leaning into Unconventional Adaptation Techniques

Considering the various routes taken by anime adaptations, the notion of deviating from the source material may initially seem controversial. However, Attack on Titan serves as an exemplary model that illustrates this potential. Creator Hajime Isayama acknowledged that unfaithful adaptations could enhance character development, filling gaps that he may not have fully explored. In his view, the anime adaptation often encapsulates the ‘true’ version of the story.

If MAPPA were to integrate an unconventional approach in adapting the Culling Game arc, this could remedy several concerns that Gege has expressed regret over. Such changes wouldn’t necessarily need to alter the overarching plot significantly; simply incorporating rule additions to invigorate less engaging fights could greatly improve the pacing and engagement of the anime.

Moreover, one pertinent issue with the Culling Game is the audience’s lack of emotional attachment to the numerous new characters, resulting in moments that seem superfluous. An effective solution could lie in the addition of meaningful filler content that fleshes out these characters further. By illustrating their journeys and abilities in impactful scenarios, MAPPA could enhance the depth of characters’ arcs, making them resonate more dynamically during the frenzied action.

To achieve this, moments that reveal character strategy and personality traits are vital, akin to the synergy displayed in Yuji and Todo’s tag-team battles. Even though Todo initially appears as comic relief, his tactical prowess becomes evident when he applies Boogie Woogie effectively in combat. This layer not only enriches Todo’s character but also solidifies the bond between him and Yuji, illustrating how character development can flourish within dynamic action sequences. For Jujutsu Kaisen’s upcoming season to reach its fullest potential, embracing unexpected and creative storytelling could be the way forward for MAPPA.

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