Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya's Epic Reunions and Mind-Blowing Evangelion References
The highly anticipated Shibuya Incident Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen sees Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara making a powerful comeback, delving into thrilling romance, unveiling a mysterious mole, and surprising fans with an intriguing Evangelion reference
Highlights
The Shibuya Incident Arc marks the return of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, accompanied by an exciting new opening theme song. This episode flawlessly captures the beginning and progression of the arc from the manga, presenting exceptional animation and seamless pacing.
The episode seamlessly shifts from a relatable everyday story to an exhilarating spy thriller, highlighting the series' remarkable adaptability. It delves into profound subjects like love, body-shaming, and self-acceptance, beautifully portrayed through heartfelt interactions between the characters.
Unveiling a shocking revelation, the episode uncovers the presence of a traitor named Kokichi Muta, who has betrayed the jujutsu society driven by his own personal motives. This critical turning point triggers the epic Shibuya Incident, igniting intense battles and unbridled chaos.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 30, "It's Like That", now streaming on Crunchyroll. After a brief summer break, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 returns with the first episode of the Shibuya Incident Arc, accompanied by a new opening theme song called SPECIALZ. This captivating song effectively captures the essence of this arc without revealing too much to fans who are only familiar with the anime. In regards to the episode itself, it felt like it consisted of two distinct parts. The first part adapted the beginning of this arc from the manga, while the second part continued the storyline and set the stage for the Shibuya Incident.
Once again, the animation, direction, and pacing were exceptional. The episode did not neglect any of the memorable moments and conversations between Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara in the first half. "It's Like That" seamlessly transitions from a slice of life narrative to a sports drama, then transforms into an espionage thriller, and finally concludes as an exhilarating mecha adventure, all within the span of 20 minutes.
Romance
Some fans may still be reeling from the shocking events of Hidden Inventory and Premature Death, a clear intention of the manga. The shift from one devastating storyline to another, possibly even more devastating, called for a change in tone - a more positive one. Enter the trio of Jujutsu High 1st years as protagonists.
Of course, we can't overlook the pivotal first step in this direction - Human Earthworm 4, arguably the greatest movie ever made. But beyond that, this is a story about love, much like the fourth installment of the Human Earthworm saga. And at the heart of it all is the character Yuko Ozawa, who serves a very specific purpose - making a one-time appearance to drive a series of heartfelt scenes between the three friends, as well as showcasing a different side of Yuji from his Middle School days.
The content can feel forced, but that isn't necessarily a negative thing. Yuko's intervention brought forth cute texting conversations between Yuji and Nobara, as well as discussions about black coffee with Megumi. The topics also delved into issues such as body-shaming, self-acceptance, and playing into stereotypes. The inclusion of Mei and Todo recommending them for 1st-grade sorcerers, followed by an intense ping-pong match, added to the overall experience.
Shonen anime often receives criticism for not showcasing the day-to-day interactions of their characters, which could reveal their true personalities. Moments like these, along with Riko in Hidden Inventory, help Jujutsu Kaisen stand out. The fighting, power-ups, and training arcs are impressive, but they are enhanced when accompanied by regular life context. Yuko's character may have been short-lived, but the memorable moments that revolved around her made a lasting impact.
The Mole
The scene transitions to darkness, followed by a shift in mood. The dark clouds foreshadow the beginning of the Shibuya Incident. It was apparent that there were continuous leaks of information, but nobody becomes a mole without guarantees or future plans. Mechamaru, also known as Kokichi Muta, the mastermind behind the puppets, managed to deceive everyone on two occasions.
The motive behind his betrayal revolves around a common theme, the search for a body that would free him from his current state. The human desire for a perfect body or one that grants immortality has always fueled restlessness. However, Kokichi's aspirations were more modest. He simply yearned for a normal human body, so he could share his life with his friend, free from the artificial elements that barely kept him alive. And Mahito was the ideal person to fulfill his dream.
An Evangelion Reference?
His actions have caused immense destruction and suffering within the jujutsu society, stemming from his selfish desires. Initially, it appeared that his division from the group was permanent; however, his plan unexpectedly involved a double agent element. Presently, he seeks to warn Gojo about the impending Shibuya plan. This pivotal act, coupled with the intense confrontation between him and Mahito, while Geto observes from the sidelines, sets the stage for the commencement of the Shibuya Incident.
Jujutsu Kaisen, like many other genres, has been significantly influenced by the timeless impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Although subtle references could be found prior to this episode, it was in episode 30 that the influence became unmistakable. Gege Akutami openly acknowledged the profound influence of Hideaki Anno's work in shaping the series, particularly in breaking traditional hero tropes through Shinji's character and purposefully leaving certain aspects unexplained. Being a devoted Evangelion fan while growing up has indelibly shaped Jujutsu Kaisen in numerous ways.
The content, in this case, serves as aesthetic inspiration rather than a narrative concept. Kokichi's secret weapon bears a striking resemblance to the EVAs, particularly Asuka's unit. Furthermore, the scenes depicting Kokichi inside the colossal machine, accompanied by a ticking battery symbolizing his cursed energy, closely mirror the numerous scenes of EVA pilots within their capsules. Even the sound design in the anime exhibits remarkable similarities. Fans greatly appreciate these connections and references, as they logically link these distinctive shows together.
