Although many outsiders might view the success of a manga like Jujutsu Kaisen as a straightforward ticket to a comfortable life, the reality is far more complex. The creator, Gege Akutami, has openly discussed the multitude of challenges he faced throughout the series’ production, highlighting that the path to acclaim is often laden with difficulties that compromise mental health, personal relationships, and overall well-being.
Notably, Akutami has famously attended interviews with a mask and employs a pen name that translates to “garbage”and “inferior,”indicating his struggles with self-perception and the weight of expectation. Despite these challenges, his passion for manga creation remains evident.
A Surprising Farewell: Akutami Reflects on Jujutsu Kaisen
An Epilogue and Afterword in the Final Volume
Though not known for his proactive engagement with fans, Gege Akutami took a moment to share his personal insights during the concluding volume release of Jujutsu Kaisen. This special edition includes a brand-new epilogue chapter alongside a reflective afterword where he discusses both the creative journey of the manga and its transition into anime.
Currently available exclusively in Japan, this volume’s afterword has been translated and shared by renowned fan Myamura on his @Go-Jover account on X, allowing grateful fans a glimpse into the mind of Akutami.
The unexpected inclusion of a fresh epilogue delighted fans who thought the conclusion of chapter #27 marked the end of all new content. In early December 2024, news emerged that Volume 30 would finalize the narrative with this new addition, reigniting excitement among Jujutsu Kaisen’s dedicated fan community. This unanticipated development, alongside Akutami’s candid reflections, contradicted previous expectations given his historical reluctance to engage with fans.
The Grueling Realities of Being a Mangaka
In his reflections, Akutami candidly considers the overwhelming responsibility he faced while creating a story that rapidly gained immense popularity. Sustaining that momentum over six years posed significant challenges. As shared in the post by @Go_Jover, he described the pressures of consistently producing chapters as feeling “pissed out,” a vivid term that underlines the intense demands of the job.
This pressure not only served to foster his creative instincts but also began to erode his mental clarity. Akutami admitted to feeling absentminded at times and experiencing frustration over minor errors or the need for corrections suggested by others, likely editors. Despite this, he acknowledges the crucial support from his team — editors and assistants who played an integral part in managing the narrative’s trajectory. Without such collaboration, Akutami believes the series could have ventured off course, likening his reliance on them to that of the One Piece character Gecko Moria.
The Influence of Fandom on Creative Direction
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Akutami’s afterword was his introspective analysis concerning the impact of the Jujutsu Kaisen fan community on his creative process. Unlike the fanbases of other monumental series such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, or One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen has cultivated a distinct presence marked by passionate, and often critical, dialogue surrounding the narrative choices Akutami made, particularly regarding character developments and plot twists.
In his reflections, Akutami revealed how fan critiques deeply influenced him, leading to self-doubt and a commitment to prioritize fan satisfaction over his original storytelling instincts. He shared that this desire to maintain favor with readers led to some perplexing plot choices, such as the unexpected returns of beloved characters and convoluted resurrection methods that deviated from established narratives.
Acknowledging these pressures provided an opportunity for Akutami to confront his limitations. With a mix of humor and humility, he admits to a learning curve throughout the experience, understanding he did not possess the comprehensive knowledge of a mangaka he once believed he had. This evolution signifies his growth in artistry, emphasizing that the creative strain of Jujutsu Kaisen did not deter him but rather fueled his ongoing journey in manga creation.
Sources: Go_Jover
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