Selling Immortality: The Exquisite World of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

Warning: The following content contains spoilers for the first season of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

The captivating world of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku held audiences spellbound this Spring with its diverse ensemble of characters who braved the dangers of a wild island. However, what truly captivated viewers was the story's intriguing approach to its power system, the menacing presence of the antagonists, and the remarkable adaptability of the characters in the face of such threats.

Jigokuraku unveils the gripping tale of a group of death row inmates and their vigilant executioners who embark on a perilous expedition to the mysterious island of Shinsenkyo. Their mission? To retrieve a mythical elixir renowned for bestowing immortality. The stakes are unimaginably high, as whoever secures this coveted elixir will be granted a precious pardon, a prize that the infamous ninja Gabimaru the Hollow is desperate to obtain. For Gabimaru, this pardon represents the opportunity to reunite with his beloved wife, fueling his relentless determination. From the very beginning, it becomes apparent that both the inmates and the executioners possess extraordinary abilities that make them ideal contenders for this treacherous endeavor. Gabimaru's unwavering resilience against execution, coupled with Rokurouta's towering physique and awe-inspiring strength, immediately captivate the audience, showcasing their superhuman nature.

Jigokuraku’s Grounded Setup

In Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 1, Yamada-Asaemon Sagiri's character, known as The Mirror, is introduced. The internal logic of Season 1's first half establishes a grounded world where superhuman abilities are limited to individuals with specific backgrounds. Gabimaru belongs to a mysterious ninja clan led by an immortal leader, granting him near indestructibility. On the other hand, Rokurouta stands out as a uniquely gifted individual.

Realism and groundedness differ in their implications. Realism suggests that a story follows the same constraints as the real world, while groundedness refers to adhering to internal logic that allows for elements that may be unrealistic but still believable.

In the world of Jigokuraku, the characters display agility and power, yet they are not invincible. This is emphasized by the setting and the threats they face. Even Gantetsusai, a formidable swordsman, had to sever his left hand after being bitten by one of Shinsenkyo's grotesque monsters. Likewise, Eizen, the highest-ranked Asaemon, was swiftly killed by Rokurouta.

These premature deaths and intense moments all emphasize that despite their formidable abilities in the "regular" world, these characters would require something entirely different to survive Shinsenkyo. This disparity is most evident during their initial confrontations with the Tensen, the true adversaries of Jigokuraku, who effortlessly diminish the meager strength possessed by the characters, making it appear insignificant.

The Turning Point

In the ninth episode of Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku, the Lord Tensen Tan Party takes center stage. These formidable beings possess god-like powers, including superhuman strength, the ability to regenerate their bodies, and even the power to switch genders at will. Regardless of who they face from the main cast, every encounter ends in either retreat, defeat, or death. Even the strong-willed Gabimaru struggles against them, coming close to defeat before Mei's timely intervention.

In the midst of intense moments, it is often easy to overlook the immense strength that has been bestowed upon the main characters, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges they face. While the inmates and Asaemon, for the most part, maintain a sense of reality, the Tensen, in contrast, possess an otherworldly essence. They exist as an aberration, much like the enigmatic island itself.

Fortunately, our willingness to suspend disbelief remains intact due to this anomaly forming the very foundation of the storyline. As the first nine episodes unfold, the threat posed by the Tensen is expertly constructed, amplifying the sense of despair. This feeling is not solely a result of the introduction of the power system, nor does it persist for an excessive amount of time.

After Chobe and Toma successfully escape the pit where they were forcefully confined, Chobe quickly formulates a theory regarding the vulnerability of the Tensen. While his hypothesis may not possess the same level of erudition as Senta's extensive knowledge or Fuchi's expertise in medicine, it aligns with the gradual realization that all the characters arrive at together - the Tensen can be defeated by targeting their navel. It is their Achilles' heel.

The Shared Concept of Tao

The initial step towards achieving triumph is not the introduction of Tao, the power system, but rather the simple act of unveiling the Tensen from mythical deities to merely more intricate organisms. Despite still posing a significant threat, this is particularly evident in the culmination, where, despite numerous triumphs, there is a substantial toll taken. However, this victory entails much more contemplation than merely harnessing a newfound power. Admittedly, this power is of considerable significance.

Episode 12 of Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku: Shion Arrives Just in Time

Take a moment to ponder upon the bow and arrow, a tool that has been independently developed by various civilizations throughout history. It almost seems instinctual or a natural leap of intuition. In the world of Jigokuraku, where the characters are divided into smaller groups and gradually come together as the weaker members perish, they must come to similar realizations in order to ensure their survival.

The most captivating aspect of Jigokuraku is how each character's comprehension of Tao arises within a distinct context. As Tao permeates all living beings as a natural force, many of these characters possess a certain level of understanding or even harness it unknowingly, referring to it by alternative names.

Senta and Yuzuriha – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 4

Gabimaru and Yuzuriha utilize ninjutsu, while Shion possesses the ability to detect waves in all things despite his blindness. Sagiri maintains a delicate balance between strength and weakness, embodying the teachings of Tao as described by Naledi Ramphele. Even Nurugai manages to harness Tao by providing a comforting boost through her affectionate hugs.

Interestingly, some characters, like Chobe, rely on sheer force to comprehend Tao, but this decision may have consequences in the future. While some may argue that certain characters should have taken longer to fully comprehend Tao, there is still ample room for their growth in future seasons, as none of them have truly mastered it yet.

In Episode 13 of Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku, Shion emerges triumphant in his battle against Mu Dan. The show impressively introduces a new power system late in the season, expanding the realm of possibilities while maintaining our suspension of disbelief. While Gabimaru and Rokurouta relied on their physical strength, the inclusion of Tao and Yuzuriha's Substitution Jutsu in Episode 12 added an extra layer of accomplishment.

The Tensen are incredibly powerful because for them, mastering Tao is as effortless as breathing, and they also have the advantage of being in their own territory. Conversely, the real triumph of the first season of Jigokuraku lies in its characters conveying the message that they too possess formidable abilities, not solely due to their comprehension of Tao, but primarily because of their exceptional ability to acquire knowledge and adjust accordingly.