Anime openings are an art form in themselves, but when Studio MAPPA takes the reins, you know you’re in for a visual treat with multiple layers of meaning. And that’s precisely what we’ve got with the opening credits for Jujutsu Kaisen’s hotly-anticipated Shibuya Incident. In just under two minutes, this intro—set to the electric beats of King Gnu’s “SPECIALZ”—drops more Easter eggs than you can shake a Cursed Object at.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s First War Arc—A Preview in the Opening
In a daring narrative move, the Shibuya Incident is poised to be Jujutsu Kaisen’s first war arc—and it’s happening now, not somewhere far in the future. The opening gives us sorcerers marching under war banners as Special Grade Cursed Spirits stride in the opposite direction. “The stage is set, and both sides are going all in,” the visuals seem to say.
Fans can expect nothing less than an all-out assault that could easily be one of the bloodiest arcs in anime history.
The Fate of Itadori Yuji and Sukuna: A Deadly Fusion?
Itadori Yuji consuming more of Sukuna’s fingers has always been a looming inevitability, but this opening just hit us with a full-on “brace yourself” moment. In a fleeting shot, we see at least seven mummified fingers, hinting that Yuji’s next power-up might come at an unprecedented cost.
Based on how many Itadori is hinted to eat, Sukuna may well become one of the greatest threats of the Shibuya Incident.
Will Nobara Kugisaki Take a Seat at the Development Table?
Fan-favorite Nobara Kugisaki has always been a badass, but she’s also been a bit of an enigma. Surrounded by empty chairs in the new opening, the visuals harken back to her Season 1 statement about having limited “seats” in her life for people to occupy emotionally.
Nobara is overdue for a bit of character development,
says the opening, without saying it. Will the Shibuya Incident force her to rethink her philosophy, especially given the high potential for civilian casualties? We’re all eyes and ears, Nobara!
The Showdown of the Season: Gojo vs. Geto’s Doppelganger
Gojo Satoru is Jujutsu Kaisen’s invincible sorcerer, but could he meet his match in the imposter of his deceased friend, Suguru Geto?
Time and again, the strongest sorcerer has revealed that he has no weaknesses, save for his best friend Geto,
the intro reminds us. This face-off has been a long time coming, and it seems the Shibuya Incident will finally bring this tension to a boiling point.
So many easter eggs in this NEW Jujutsu Kaisen opening! I'm so excited for anime onlys to experience one of the BEST arcs in Shonen period! Get ready #jujutsukaisenseason2 #JUJUTSUKAISEN pic.twitter.com/sE6KEaMqZE
— Dj Milez (@Djmilezz) August 31, 2023
New Techniques and Domain Expansions: A Smorgasbord of Sorcery
If the Shibuya Incident is a grand stage, then new techniques and Domain Expansions are its show-stoppers. The opening features a montage of hand signs for techniques we’ve seen and some we haven’t yet witnessed, including a mysterious hand sign from Megumi Fushiguro. Megumi might even unlock Special Grade status this season, whispers the tantalizing clip.
Conclusion: Unmissable, Unpredictable, Unforgettable
Jujutsu Kaisen has never been a series to shy away from complexity, either in its narrative or its visuals. The Shibuya Incident opening is a compressed file of foreshadowing, secrets, and heart-pounding action, offering a sneak peek of what promises to be a sensational arc. So, whether you’re team Itadori, a Gojo groupie, or a Nobara newcomer, there’s something here for you to chew on—kind of like a certain collection of mummified fingers.
So don your Jujutsu robes and get ready to dive into what is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling arcs in anime history. Trust us; you won’t want to miss a second.
