The movie version of "Jujutsu Kaisen 0" will be released in theaters this December, and in addition to the main elements of the work, such as characters and story, there are many other fascinating elements that appear in the work. In this article, we would like to introduce some of the little tidbits that make up the hidden charm of this work. We will be introducing a wide variety of trivia, from trivia that will make you chuckle when you see the movie to trivia that is connected to the theme and setting of the work, so if you are a reader who wants to fully enjoy the charm of this work, be sure to check out this article! We are sure you will discover something new.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Homages Are Interesting
First of all, this can be said not only about "Jujutsu Kaisen 0" but about "Jujutsu Kaisen" in general: there are many depictions that seem to be conscious of the nationally beloved anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Of course, this isn't just a rip-off; it effectively incorporates the interesting angles and plot development of Evangelion as a work, while adding new elements to enhance its overall appeal.
Introducing the Evangelion Homages!!
This is what we call an homage. Here, I'd like to introduce the many homages to "Neon Genesis Evangelion" that appear in this film.
Opening of "Jujutsu Kaisen 0"
The film begins with a close-up of the protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu's face. This shot is very similar to the frame used when Evangelion characters make their appearance or leave a lasting impression, making it one of the scenes in the film that pays homage to Evangelion.
Anime fans might notice!
If you're an anime fan, you probably thought, "Huh?" when you saw this scene. This film is filled with many homages that anime fans will notice.
Okkotsu's Awakening Scene
This scene also became a hot topic among some fans. Since it was featured in the trailer, many people probably recognized it as an homage to Evangelion. The way Okkotsu's striking face is drawn is strikingly similar to Shinji's expression at the end of "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance." This scene is also evidence of the film's respect for "Neon Genesis Evangelion."
The Upper Management of Jujutsu Technical College
When you think of Evangelion, many people probably think of the scene where the mysterious organization SEELE, the mastermind behind the events, makes its appearance. The scene where an object called a monolith (which, to be honest, originated from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, so Evangelion isn't the original source) appears and an eerie conversation takes place is quite memorable, isn't it? This scene is also very similar to the upper management of Jujutsu Technical College that appears in "Jujutsu Kaisen 0." It can be said that this scene was also heavily influenced by Evangelion.
Okkotsu Voice Actor
Now, the voice actor for the protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu, is arguably one of the most important elements of this work. After all, it's a very important role, as he voices the main character. And it was recently announced that Megumi Ogata will be the voice actor for Yuta Okkotsu!
Megumi Ogata
This must have surprised many fans. After all, Megumi Ogata is the voice actress best known for her role as Shinji Ikari in Evangelion. This miraculous voice actor coincidence could be considered one of the ways this work was influenced by Evangelion.
The synchronization with Eva is simply amazing!
As mentioned above, this work, "Jujutsu Kaisen 0," in particular, has many scenes that are similar to Evangelion. Isn't it clear that the creator has a great respect for Evangelion's depiction skills? This also clearly shows how much influence Evangelion has had on subsequent anime works.
It's definitely not a rip-off!
Now, after reading this article, many of you may be wondering, "So Jujutsu Kaisen is a rip-off of Evangelion?" However, I can state with certainty that this work, "Jujutsu Kaisen 0," is not a rip-off of "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Essentially, no work can exist without being influenced by other works.
Even Evangelion is Full of Homage
No matter how great a manga artist is, they've always been influenced by someone (in fact, Evangelion itself is heavily influenced by other works, such as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and "Ultraman"). The appearance of similar scenes in a work is proof that the artist has studied the work in depth.
It's Not Just Evangelion!
So far, I've mentioned some little tidbits about the strong similarities between this work and Evangelion. Of course, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 also has scenes that reveal its influence not only on Evangelion, but also on numerous other works, such as Naruto and Hunter x Hunter, so it's safe to say that it's not just influenced by Evangelion.
Gojo Sensei and Kakashi Sensei
For example, Gojo Sensei, who is responsible for guiding Okkotsu and others as a teacher, hides his eyes. He's also somewhat laid-back and often late, which is very similar to Naruto's Kakashi Hata. Moreover, his old friend appears as his greatest enemy, so I think they're very similar in that respect.
Manga Kaisen!! 』
As you can see, this work is packed with interesting elements from a variety of works. It's easy to understand why many readers feel nostalgic after reading it. The greatest appeal of this work is that it mixes together various works and unfolds a "Manga Kaisen" through the depictions in the story.
An Author Who Loves Manga
Why did this work turn out like this? It likely has to do with the author's love of manga. Akutami-sensei, the author of this work, is known for reading a lot of other manga.
Avidly Absorbing Various Works
His love of manga is unparalleled, and he often speaks about other works, especially during lectures. Perhaps it's precisely because of this author's love of manga that he is able to avidly absorb the best aspects of various works?
The Interesting Aspects of Onmyoji
Many of you may be wondering what the "sorcerer" in this work is. From here, I would like to consider the sorcerer in this work, examine what the motif was, and consider the sorcerer, including interpretations from other works.
Onmyoji
I can honestly say that the sorcerers appearing in this work are based on the "Onmyoji" (exorcists) who appeared in Japanese history. I'm referring to the famous Onmyoji, such as Abe no Seimei.
What are Onmyoji?
Onmyoji were people who measured the stars and predicted the future of the human world. At first glance, they may seem like simple celestial observers, but over time, these onmyoji began to use various forms of divination beyond astrology. They are depicted in numerous works, such as picture scrolls, as heroes who exorcise demons and demons. Furthermore, during the Heian period, when social class competition was intense, they were often used as assassins to curse and kill their opponents.
Modern Onmyoji and Sorcerers
The image of Onmyoji, who exorcise demons and curse others to death, is very similar to the sorcerers featured in this work. Perhaps the greatest appeal of this work is its modern interpretation of what was known as an Onmyoji from the Heian period, but in an easy-to-understand way.
Learn more about Onmyoji!
While works that feature onmyoji exist in a variety of genres, they are not limited to this one. For example, the novel "Onmyoji," which was adapted into a film and sparked the "One Generation Onmyoji" craze, provides a detailed description of what kind of people work as onmyoji. If you'd like to know more about the characters that inspired the sorcerers in this work, be sure to check out this work.
Summary
Did you enjoy this article? This time, we've introduced various tidbits and trivia about "Jujutsu Kaisen 0." While this work is entertaining enough just for the story, it also contains numerous other tidbits, making it a deeply profound work. When the film is released in theaters this December, be sure to watch it while thinking not only about the story and characters, but also about the works that influenced it and, conversely, the works that influenced it. You'll surely discover a much deeper appeal than simply watching the film.
