Controversy Surrounding Jujutsu Kaisen Animator for Todo's Crossdressing Scene

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 brought the intense battle between Yuji, Todo, and Mahito to a dramatic conclusion. The episode showcased a wealth of action, including Cursed Techniques and Domain Expansion, with the animators delivering top-notch work. However, despite their efforts, there was one particular scene that sparked controversy among certain fans.

Due to production schedule challenges, the Jujutsu Kaisen animation team enlisted the help of independent animators, such as Sota Shigetsugu, to ensure the quality of the Shibuya Incident arc. Despite his significant contributions, Shigetsugu faced harassment from some fans.

Jujutsu Kaisen animator apologizes for Todo's original scene

Nobuko Takada and Aoi Todo as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

In the 21st episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, titled "Metamorphosis," Mahito transfigures Todo's arm, leading him to cut it off. Mahito then attempts to take advantage of the situation and defeat Todo. During this encounter, fans are treated to a glimpse of the original scene in Aoi Todo's imagination, where he and his idol Nobuko Takada team up to battle Mahito. While the imagined events align with Todo's character, there is a particular part of the fight that has provoked criticism from certain fan groups.

The image features Nobuko Takada and Aoi Todo from Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

This particular segment was animated by Sota Shigetsugu, showcasing Aoi Todo cross-dressing as a high school girl as he battles alongside Nobuko Takada. While these scenes are intended to be comedic and are well-received globally, the immense popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen has exposed them to a wider audience who may not be familiar or comfortable with this type of portrayal.

Evidently, people from diverse regions and communities hold different beliefs and traditions. Consequently, when individuals from Islamic nations viewed the scene, they found it displeasing on religious grounds. Subsequently, they took to online platforms to express their criticism, directing their comments at the animator, Sota Shigetsugu, who is widely known by his username on X @Hone_honeHONE.

The animator was visibly targeted online, facing harassment and death threats after an attack on X. The situation clearly went too far, as receiving death threats over an original anime scene is completely unacceptable.

Despite being in the right, the animator still felt compelled to issue an apology for his work.

The initial tweet has since been removed. However, the animator expressed surprise at the criticism received from Islamic fans regarding Todo's scene, as it was well-received in Japan. After further investigation, he discovered that cross-dressing is considered a religious sin, leading to the scene's rejection by certain viewers. Sota Shigetsugu subsequently issued an apology for any discomfort caused to fans.

Screenshot of fans reacting to the animator's apology (Image via Our Website/X)

Fans immediately expressed their support for animator Sota Shigetsugu after his apology, believing that there was no need for him to apologize for the comedic scene. Many fans found the segment funny and loved it, making the apology unnecessary. Even members of the Islamic community emphasized the need to distinguish between fiction and reality, condemning the unwarranted death threats and harassment. Fans expressed hope that the animator would continue to contribute to the anime in the future.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I believe that the controversy surrounding the Jujutsu Kaisen animator for Todo's crossdressing scene highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding. While the scene may have been intended as comedic and well-received in certain regions, it is crucial to recognize that different cultures have varying beliefs and traditions. It is essential for creators to be mindful of these differences and ensure that their content does not unintentionally offend or disrespect certain groups.

Furthermore, the harassment and death threats directed towards the animator are completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated. It is disheartening to see that individuals would resort to such extreme measures over a creative decision. It is important to remember that creators should have the freedom to express themselves artistically without fear of reprisal. While criticism and feedback are valid forms of expression, they should be conveyed respectfully and without resorting to personal attacks or threats.