Warning! The following content contains significant spoilers for the Shibuya Incident Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen!
While Jujutsu Kaisen's latest opening stands as one of the best in the series, it also cleverly foreshadows several events that will unfold in the upcoming Shibuya Incident arc. This includes a particular moment that is bound to shock fans. While it is not uncommon for shows to provide hints of future developments through their openings, the impact of this twist is truly surprising.
Jujutsu Kaisen's New Opening Hints at Nobara's Death
In Jujutsu Kaisen's latest opening, a significant amount of screen time is dedicated to showcasing the key characters in the arc as they walk and stand together. Among these characters is Nobara, who is depicted with her hand raised towards her left eye. While this particular scene may appear unassuming to anime-only fans, manga readers are aware that it is a direct allusion to Nobara's climactic battle in the manga. During her confrontation with a clone of Mahito, the curse makes contact with her face, resulting in the horrifying explosion of her right eye and presumably leading to her demise. This shocking turn of events deeply impacts the arc, particularly considering Nobara's prominent role and the emotional toll it takes on Yuji's already fragile state of mind.
Undoubtedly, the Shibuya Incident arc is filled with numerous shocking moments, yet none have left as profound an impact on fans as this particular one. Even now, the fanbase remains divided, engaging in endless debates about the fate of Nobara. It is difficult to fathom that Gege Akutami, the mangaka, would truly eliminate one of the series' most beloved characters. To further fuel these discussions, Gege intentionally refrains from definitively confirming Nobara's demise, although her absence ever since Shibuya implies otherwise. The newly introduced opening sequence also hints at the demise of other Shibuya characters, albeit in a more unmistakable manner.
The opening of the content fragment hints at all the major moments in the Shibuya Incident, which may not be noticeable to those who only watch the anime. Nanami's death is suggested through his significant presence in the opening. In addition to specific deaths, Gojo's sealing is also hinted at, with the explicit depiction of him being trapped in the prison Realm. Toji's return is shown as well, both when he is revived by a sorcerer and during his confrontation with Megumi. The opening also portrays Sukuna taking control of Yuji's body amidst a fiery surge. Apart from these more obvious references, the opening also includes subtler elements, such as a brief shot of Mahoraga's incredibly powerful wheel.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Hints At The Future Make Its New OP Great
With a mesmerizing sequence of rapid-fire shots, Jujutsu Kaisen's latest opening incorporates all these references flawlessly. Undeniably, it stands out as one of the finest anime openings of the year, thanks to its exceptional quality. Considering the remarkable standard set by this opening, if Studio MAPPA can deliver an equally impressive portrayal of the Shibuya Incident arc, the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen will undoubtedly secure its place as one of the top anime of the year.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is available to watch on Crunchyroll.