The recent release of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 brings the heart-wrenching moment of Nanami's death. While fans anticipated this tragic event, Studio MAPPA added compelling elements to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. Despite the challenges faced by the staff, including controversy and other issues, the animators delivered a remarkable and impactful episode.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18.
MAPPA ups the ante with Nanami's final moments in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18
The emphasis of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 was on the emotional portrayal of Nanami's death, which served as the episode's prominent highlight. MAPPA incorporated additional elements, such as Nanami's poignant vision of battling the Curses on the beach and some subtle changes in his final moments, contributing to the overall narrative impact of the episode.
In the manga, Nanami watches the vision of Haibara, but sees his best friend's image instead of Mahito. In the anime, the vision of Haibara appears elsewhere, pointing at Yuji, motivating Nanami to offer some final words to the young sorcerer student.
Additionally, in the manga, Nanami looks at Yuji from the right and speaks his final words, but the anime takes a more symbolic approach. In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18, Nanami looks back at Yuji and says, "You've got it from here," possibly implying that he is headed to a place beyond the human realm as he nears death.
The legacy and impact of Nanami's character
Nanami is a fan-favorite (Image via MAPPA).
The extensive character roster of Jujutsu Kaisen includes many fan favorites, with Nanami Kento standing out as one of the most beloved. His popularity is owed to his distinct character design and the intriguing contrast between his reserved nature and his inner values and feelings.
Nanami is driven by a desire to help others, particularly children, while also harboring a deep cynicism towards the Jujutsu society, making him a compelling and morally conflicted figure. Despite this, he consistently puts others before himself, as demonstrated by his unwavering friendship with Yuji and his determination to protect young sorcerers like Nobara and Megumi during the Shibuya Incident.
All in all, his loss has already hit the fandom quite hard, and there is no sign of him ever coming back.
The latest episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, episode 18, keeps up the streak of fantastic episodes. This installment, in particular, delves deeper into Nanami's last moments, providing a fitting farewell for his character.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was deeply moved by the portrayal of Nanami's final moments in season 2 episode 18. MAPPA's decision to include additional elements, such as Nanami's vision of battling the Curses on the beach and his poignant exchange with Yuji, added significant emotional depth to the scene. These changes not only paid tribute to Nanami's character but also highlighted the lasting impact he had on those around him.
Nanami's death is a pivotal moment in the Jujutsu Kaisen storyline, and MAPPA's adaptation did justice to its significance. The episode beautifully captured the essence of Nanami's character, showcasing his unwavering determination and selflessness. His final words to Yuji, "You've got it from here," carried a profound weight, symbolizing the passing of the torch to the next generation of Jujutsu sorcerers. Overall, MAPPA's game-changing alteration in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 elevated Nanami's final moment, leaving a lasting impression on fans and solidifying his place as one of the most beloved characters in the series.