Anime's surge into the mainstream is not a recent phenomenon. However, Jujutsu Kaisen, along with other popular titles like Attack on Titan, has been making frequent appearances in various forms of media lately. From featuring in movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem to the creation of a mural in the Shibuya Subway system to commemorate the anime adaptation of the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Kaisen is garnering attention from diverse sources.
The extent of its recognition is evident as it unexpectedly appeared in a Brazilian science exam. A question on the exam required students to calculate the kinetic energy of Satoru Gojo's technique called Hollow Purple, which prompted mentions of both Gojo and Jujutsu Kaisen. This unexpected reference set off a frenzy of excitement among users on X (previously known as Twitter).
Jujutsu Kaisen's Satoru Gojo shows up on a Brazilian science exam, to much surprise
The aforementioned exam, featuring Gojo and the translated question (Image via Twitter/X/@yakipacks)
Anime has gained widespread popularity over the past 50 years, especially in South America where older anime series like Saint Seiya, Captain Tsubasa, and Doraemon were introduced. However, the biggest breakthrough came in the 1990s with the emergence of Dragon Ball. It is still surprising to encounter more recent anime like Jujutsu Kaisen being featured in unexpected places, such as a science exam. A question on the exam asked students to calculate the kinetic energy produced by the character Hollow Purple, accompanied by a small manga panel of Gojo as a reference. This question originated from a TikTok video and was shared on social media platforms. It even included a manga panel of Satoru Gojo for visual assistance.
A screen grab of tweets showcasing the reactions to the question reveals an array of humor. The responses varied greatly, with some individuals opting to tackle the provided equation head-on. Meanwhile, one person shared a video featuring a monumental Gojo mural, complete with a whimsical Megumin figure in front of it. Others simply found amusement or cracked up at the unexpected inclusion of a relatively recent anime like Jujutsu Kaisen in a scientific examination.
One individual emphasized that utilizing anime is an effective method to captivate youngsters and facilitate their learning. By referencing popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen or Demon Slayer, which many students can relate to, they are able to comprehend the subject matter from a different perspective. For instance, incorporating Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! in math problems has proven to be a successful means of engagement. Consequently, anime has found its place in education as a valuable tool.
In contrast, some educators have expressed their approach to incorporating anime in their teaching methods, as they themselves remember the dullness of traditional schooling. Even a simple anime reference or incorporating it into an exam can significantly enhance students' attention and serves as an example of how anime has transcended its niche status and become more mainstream.
Anime's popularity remains strong and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In North America, beloved anime characters such as Goku and Pikachu have even made appearances in the prestigious Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. Similarly, in South America, anime series like Dragon Ball Super have captivated massive audiences, with over 10,000 fans attending special screenings. The widespread recognition of characters like Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen, even appearing in a Brazilian science exam, serves as further evidence that anime is increasingly gaining acceptance and becoming a mainstream entertainment choice for audiences worldwide.