Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Staff and Animators Refute Leakers' Accusations

The animators of Jujutsu Kaisen are facing criticism as an episode director expresses frustration on social media, accusing individuals responsible for sharing unreleased episode excerpts on leak accounts.

The production leader of Jujutsu Kaisen sparked a social media uproar by publicly condemning those who are allegedly sharing leaked episodes of the anime. Takao Abo Isuto, the episode director, addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), labeling these actions as "shameless" and "criminal." He mentioned that he had already confronted suspected individuals privately about the problem, and the X post was likely a way to address anyone else involved. If proven true, this incident would be another example of the ongoing issue of content leaks in the industry, further exacerbated if those directly involved in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series are implicated.

The mounting drama surrounding Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 39 prompted an animator to address the controversy on the platform. Amphibole, in a post on X, responded to accusations of leaking the episode: "Over the past couple of hours people have 'accused' me of leaking #JujutsuKaisen #39." The animator went on to share the results of an investigation conducted by MAPPAs PA Hakanoshita, who confirmed the animator's innocence and also cleared the leaker, stating that they had never been in contact. While the post did mention one leaker, their identity remained undisclosed in the screenshot conversation shared on X. This new tension adds to the existing pressure behind the scenes of Jujutsu Kaisen's production, as the team strives to meet high-quality standards and tight deadlines.

Drama Behind the Scenes of Jujutsu Kaisen

The leaked footage involving Toji in a fight scene gained widespread attention online before Episode 39, "Fluctuations, Part 2," aired on Nov. 2. The raw and unfinished nature of the footage raised suspicions of a possible leak from within the production team. Netizens launched an ongoing investigation to uncover the source, leading to accusations against animators like Amphibole. However, the source of the leak remains unknown and there is a possibility of future leaks. Jujutsu Kaisen is currently in its second season and has faithfully adapted the manga series.

Jujutsu Kaisen was launched in March 2018 by Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The ongoing manga series, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, has been compiled and published in 24 volumes as of October 2023. The anime adaptation of Season 1 began airing on Oct. 3, 2020, covering 64 chapters of the manga in 24 episodes. Season 2 premiered on July 6, 2023.

Jujutsu Kaisen is now streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Source: X (formerly Twitter)

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I am deeply saddened by the recent controversy surrounding leaked episodes and accusations against animators. The hard work and dedication that goes into producing each episode is immense, and it is disheartening to see individuals taking advantage of the situation for personal gain.

The act of leaking unreleased content not only undermines the efforts of the production team but also affects the overall viewing experience for fans. It is important to remember that these leaks often contain unfinished or raw footage, which does not represent the final product. Spreading such content can lead to misconceptions and unwarranted criticism, which is unfair to the animators and the studio.

I hope that the production team can find a way to address this issue effectively and prevent future leaks. The animators and staff deserve to have their work respected and appreciated, and fans should support the official release of episodes to ensure the best possible viewing experience.