The Unconventional Approach of Jujutsu Kaisen

The Absence of Training Arcs

Jujutsu Kaisen is not your typical dark fantasy anime. It delves into a world of curses, supernatural forces, and sorcery, but what truly sets it apart is its unconventional approach to character development and power-ups.

The reborn Maki Zenin in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Gege Akutami, Sheuisha)

Unlike many other anime series that dedicate segments to training arcs and power-ups, Jujutsu Kaisen takes a different route. It intentionally avoids the traditional training montages that explain characters' abilities and power-ups, and this intentional absence serves a specific purpose in the storytelling.

Yuta Okkotsu in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

The absence of dedicated training arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen is a deliberate choice that separates it from its counterparts such as Naruto, My Hero Academia, Hunter X Hunter, and Assassination Classroom. The series opts for a narrative that focuses on intense battles, character development through real trauma and emotion, and awakening abilities through major setbacks and defeats.

Ryomen Sukuna on the Jujutsu Kaisen manga cover (Image via Gege Akutami, Sheuisha)

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The Impact of this Narrative Approach

Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen have embraced the absence of training arcs and recognize Gege Akutami's decision as a storytelling masterstroke. The series showcases characters' growth through major setbacks and defeats, leading to the unlocking of formidable abilities and powers.

The deliberate avoidance of training arcs not only maintains the anticipation for future events but also preserves the pacing of the story. It ensures that the series remains gripping and keeps viewers eagerly engaged in the unfolding narrative.

While training arcs are not entirely unnecessary, Jujutsu Kaisen's unconventional approach has led to adrenaline-inducing action sequences and a compelling storyline that has established it as a top series in the modern anime landscape.

The Debate on Training Arcs

The absence of training arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen sparks a debate about the necessity of such arcs in anime. While they can provide insights into character abilities and interactions, the series has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve character development and power-ups without dedicated training segments.

While training arcs are at the creator's discretion, Jujutsu Kaisen's approach has proven to be effective in delivering intense and heated action sequences, maintaining a compelling storyline, and keeping viewers eagerly anticipating future developments.

Gege Akutami's decision to nearly skip training arcs has resulted in a series that is truly captivating and has set a new standard for modern anime.