Jujutsu Kaisen season two has been one of the most talked-about anime of 2023. The compelling plot of the story, along with action-packed fights, has made it very popular among the masses. The popularity and success of Gege Akutami’s magnum opus helped it earn several nominations at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Yet, on the other side, Jujutsu Kaisen also became trendy due to its animators voicing their statements against Mappa. However, in one of the infrequent instances, a former employee has opted to stand with Mappa rather than against it, claiming that Mappa deserves no bashing.
Jujutsu Kaisen season two animator comes in support of Mappa
One of the most prominent anime of 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen, has seen an enormous boost in popularity. Season two acquired a very favorable response from the audience. The franchise also racked up several nominations for multiple accolades.
Although the experience was enjoyable for the audience, the employees might have a different opinion since they were overworked and the salaries were not up to standard. At one point, it looked like Jujutsu Kaisen season two would not see its end.
Mappa, being the epicenter, received a hefty amount of backlash from the audience; even the employees working on Jujutsu Kaisen season two decided to speak up. Many animators shared their experiences, and it was not pleasant.
The animators working on season two didn’t hold back and depicted the absurd working conditions in the anime industry. However, according to Lí Cree, who worked on Jujutsu Kaisen season two, Mappa doesn’t deserve any bashing from anyone.
They elaborate by mentioning that Mappa was not at fault even though the work was intense. They said:
It was not good. There is no other way to say it than it was not good. But then when you compare it to working on an American production, it starts to borderline on breaking labour laws by American standards. But if I compare it work with other Japanese studios I’ve worked with, it was pretty bad.
But I am still gratEful for the experience because not many people in the world can say they worked on Jujutsu Kaisen. I am not going to knock it for what it was.
Although Mappa became the center of attention in this controversy, most anime studios follow the same ideology. The organization keeps most of the payment and leaves the rest for the animators.
What happened in season two of Jujutsu Kaisen?
Jujutsu Kaisen season two was produced by Mappa, and it adapted the Hidden Inventory arc and Shibuya arc, often hailed as the best arcs of the franchise. Season two was a turning point in the story, and it entered a realm from which there was no coming back.
The first half of the second season animated the hidden inventory arc, where we witness the beginning of the end, while the latter part focuses on the Shibuya arc.
From Toji’s introduction to Gojo getting sealed, the second season is packed with action and is one of the best anime seasons ever produced. However, if the animators were given more time, the season could have been a lot better.
Season three is already in production, and a teaser was released to confirm it. No release dates have been issued so far.
Watch Jujutsu Kaisen season two on Crunchyroll.
