Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Bids Goodbye to Series With Heartbreaking Final Message

As an observer with a keen eye for artistic expression and an understanding of the human psyche, I find Gege Akutami’s final message to fans a poignant and raw display of emotion. It is not often that we get such a close glimpse into the mind of a creator, especially one as successful as Akutami.

The popular manga “Jujutsu Kaisen” recently concluded in Japan with its final volume, marking the end of this beloved series. Its creator delivered a poignant farewell note to fans that left many feeling emotional. The conclusion of “Jujutsu Kaisen” occurred this Fall and generated quite a mixed reaction from followers. Some felt it ended abruptly, leaving numerous questions unanswered, which is a common trait for a series known for setting up intriguing plotlines but later failing to develop them further. It appears that Akutami was cognizant of the criticism leveled against the series in this regard.

The concluding volume of “Jujutsu Kaisen” in Japan included a farewell note from its creator, Gege Akutami, who is known for his humble and self-deprecating tone with fans. In this message, he candidly discussed his mental state throughout the series, stating that after working on it for almost six and a half years (or around seven years if you count the special issues), he realized, “I’ve discovered I truly am an idiot…” This lighthearted remark hints at the emotional weight behind the message.

Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Says Goodbye to Fans

During the serialization process, which lasted approximately three years, Akutami admitted to struggling with his mental state and becoming forgetful at times. Despite expressing frustration that solutions were readily available online, he still made mistakes, such as the one in Volume 18 regarding the sanpin. He also shared that he has been writing the openings for six and a half to seven years based on his instincts.

Reflecting on my experience with the publication of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” I’ve come to acknowledge that my silence between volumes was due to a lapse in focus. Initially, I recognized that my work was appearing in a prominent magazine, and I felt a strong responsibility to those reading “Jujutsu Kaisen.” I wanted to ensure that those who enjoyed the series felt valued, and those who might be critical of it didn’t cause unnecessary harm.

Akutami persists in being self-critical due to this feeling, and he was candid about his ongoing struggles in his final message. In essence, he said, “The outcome was me scolding myself, ‘Quiet down! I understand, you just want to be perceived as a good person!!’ and causing myself harm. So I decided to stop doing that. At first, this concept was arrogant, and I now realize it stemmed from my lack of courage to share the work I created with the world.

As the message progresses, it becomes more severe: “This is humbling, yet I’m still not fully confident about it, even when there’s no ill intent to contend with. It feels like I want to scream, but my inexperience as a mangaka is the source of this. So, I suppress it…or rather, I continue, struggling to keep my emotions in check.

At the close of the day, Akutami feels content knowing that the merit of his work in Shonen Jump speaks volumes, as he shares, “It’s great about Shonen Jump that its reputation isn’t tied to the artist but the art itself. By having faith in myself, I aim to produce a manga that readers can enjoy without reservation. With the insights gained from these seven years, I will tackle my challenges head-on and grow, eagerly preparing for what lies ahead.” In essence, Akutami is embarking on a journey of self-improvement in pursuit of new horizons.

Here’s a way of rephrasing your text: “I’ve accumulated books I bought during serialization; some for study, others as intellectual companions that may make me wiser simply by their presence. Admittedly, I do believe they have made me smarter in this manner, even if I didn’t read them extensively. It’s a bit unsettling.

HT – @Go_Jover on X

2024-12-25 03:11

Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Says Goodbye to Fans

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