Why Did Yuji Clap His Hands in the Season 2 Finale of Jujutsu Kaisen?

The gripping conclusion of the Shibuya arc in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 on December 28, 2023, marked a memorable end with a staggering number of casualties for both Jujutsu sorcerers and humanity. The final episode featured a decisive battle between the sorcerers and Kenjaku, culminating in his successful escape with the Prison Realm. Notably, a scene involving Yuji Itadori in Episode 23 has sparked fan discussions.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2: Explaining the reason behind Yuji Itadori clapping his hands at the end of Episode 23

Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen came to a dramatic close with Episode 23, concluding the intense Shibuya Incident arc. The aftermath of the arc left Shibuya and the Jujutsu society in ruins, with the deaths of countless innocent people, including beloved characters Nobara Kugisaki and Kento Nanami.

As the sun finally broke through the dark clouds, Yuji Itadori stood on a bridge, clapping his hands. His actions symbolized the end of the tragic events that had unfolded, and the characters were left to pick up the pieces and heal from the devastating losses.

However, Yuji's sudden clapping sparked confusion among fans as they tried to decipher its significance. The abrupt cut to black left many wondering if it was a nod to Aoi Todo, known for using hand claps to unleash his Cursed Technique.

Some speculated that the scene indicated Yuji's new ability to use Blood Manipulation, but the truth is simpler. In chapter 139 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, Yuji is shown clapping his hands on a bridge to draw out Cursed Spirits in the area.

After the Shibuya arc, Yuji has a brief conversation with Choso. Overwhelmed by guilt for causing the deaths of thousands in Shibuya, Yuji feels unable to return to Jujutsu High with the others.

Furthermore, he understood Sukuna's malevolent intentions towards Megumi, leading him to believe it was best to distance himself from others. As a result, he made the choice to aid his allies by eliminating the remaining Cursed Spirits in Shibuya alongside Choso.

In order to lure out the Cursed Spirits in the area, Yuji positioned himself in the middle of a bridge and clapped his hands loudly. The Spirits swarmed out in large numbers to attack him, and he led them to a nearby tunnel, where Choso swiftly defeated most of them with Piercing Blood. Despite his battered state, Yuji's strength impressed Choso during the intense battle.

This pivotal scene will kick off the upcoming season 3, which was confirmed by MAPPA following the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. The new season will cover the highly-anticipated Culling Games arc, and will include appearances from beloved characters such as Yuta Okkotsu and Kinji Hakari. Fans can look forward to seeing it all unfold on screen.

Final Thoughts

As Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 comes to a close, the anticipation for the next season has reached an all-time high. The upcoming Culling Games arc promises to deliver some of the most exhilarating fights in the series, including the long-awaited showdown between Yuta Okkotsu and Yuji Itadori right at the start of the new season.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I found the season 2 finale to be a bittersweet experience. On the one hand, I was thrilled to see the conclusion of the Shibuya arc, which had been building up to an epic climax for several episodes. The battles were intense, the stakes were high, and the emotional impact was palpable. On the other hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and sadness as beloved characters met their tragic ends. The deaths of Nobara Kugisaki and Kento Nanami were particularly devastating, and I found myself mourning their loss along with the rest of the fandom.

Yuji's hand clapping in the final scene was a moment that left me both intrigued and confused. Initially, I thought it might be a nod to Aoi Todo's Cursed Technique, or perhaps a hint at Yuji's newfound ability to use Blood Manipulation. However, upon learning the true meaning behind his actions, I couldn't help but admire his determination and selflessness. Yuji's decision to distance himself from his friends and allies in order to protect them from Sukuna's malevolence was a heartbreaking but necessary choice. His willingness to face the remaining Cursed Spirits alone, even in his battered state, showcased his incredible strength and unwavering commitment to his duty as a Jujutsu sorcerer.