Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen fans are once again caught in a heated online argument after a viral TikTok video placed several opening shots from both anime side by side. The short clip claimed that certain visual moments in Jujutsu Kaisen look almost identical to scenes previously used in Bleach’s openings.

Within hours, the video spread across TikTok, X, Reddit, and YouTube, pulling thousands of fans into yet another debate over who copied whom. What started as a simple comparison turned into a loud clash about artistic inspiration, originality, and whether anime studios borrow too much from one another.

Many of the comparisons focus on dramatic sequences used in both shows. The TikTok highlights quick cuts of characters standing alone, dramatic zoom-ins, wide shots of cityscapes, and stylized silhouettes. To the creator of the video, these visual choices seem too similar to be a coincidence.

They argue that Jujutsu Kaisen’s more recent opening may have taken heavy inspiration from Bleach’s iconic style. Bleach fans quickly rallied behind this idea, saying that their series helped define a generation of anime visuals, so it makes sense that others would try to imitate it. They claim that Bleach has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to stylish direction and strong aesthetic identity.

Jujutsu Kaisen fans strongly disagree. For them, these similarities are simply part of the common anime language and not proof of copying. They argue that wide shots, dramatic zooms, and character silhouettes are techniques used across hundreds of series.

According to these fans, Jujutsu Kaisen’s style comes from a mix of MAPPA’s own direction, modern animation trends, and influences from multiple genres, not a single show. They also point out that Bleach itself drew from earlier anime, manga, and even Western media, making it unfair to claim absolute originality. This viewpoint suggests that anime is a shared creative space where ideas naturally overlap.

Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Clash Over “Who Copied Who” in Opening Shots - 1

Jujutsu Kaisen Franchise (Credits: Gege Akutami)

Bleach vs Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Clash Again After Viral Opening Comparison Video

As the argument grew, some users tried to inject context into the discussion. Many animators online explained that opening sequences are created by teams that often pull inspiration from various sources. Some shots are tributes, some are coincidences, and some follow trends that appear across the industry.

They emphasize that similar visuals do not always imply plagiarism. However, their explanations were mostly ignored as the debate continued to escalate. Fans on both sides became more aggressive, accusing each other of being biased or overly defensive.

On Reddit, long threads formed where people compared frame-by-frame screenshots of both openings. Some fans argued that the similarities were so precise that they had to be intentional. Others countered that even if the shots resemble each other, inspiration is not the same as copying.

They mentioned how anime often evolves through shared influences, where one show raises the bar and others build on that foundation. This back-and-forth lasted for days, with no sign of slowing down.

Meanwhile, several TikTok creators jumped into the trend, making their own comparison videos. Some took the claim seriously, while others mocked the entire debate, calling it another pointless fandom war.

YouTube reaction channels also picked up the topic, producing breakdowns and essays about visual storytelling in anime. A few content creators encouraged fans to appreciate both series instead of turning everything into a competition, but the message struggled to reach those deeply invested in the conflict.

Viral TikTok Sparks “Who Copied Who” War Between Bleach and JJK Communities

The debate also reignited conversations about “fandom culture” and how quickly it turns confrontational. Many users complained that people now look for reasons to accuse studios of copying instead of enjoying the shows. Others felt that fans are becoming overly protective of their favorite series and treat every similarity as an attack.

This leads to unnecessary hostility, especially between communities that already have a history of disagreements. Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen fans have clashed before over topics like power scaling, story structure, fight choreography, and even music choices. This latest incident only added fuel to the ongoing rivalry.

Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Clash Over “Who Copied Who” in Opening Shots - 2

Bleach Franchise (Credits: Tite Kubo)

Despite all the noise, there is no official comment from either studio involved. Neither Pierrot nor MAPPA seemed interested in addressing the comparison videos, likely because these discussions happen regularly among fans. In the anime industry, inspiration and overlap are common, and studios tend to avoid engaging in online drama. Without official clarification, the debate remains entirely in the hands of fans, who show no intention of backing down.

In the end, the argument highlights how passionate anime communities can be, sometimes to an extreme. What could have been an interesting discussion about artistic influence turned into a full-blown clash between two large fandoms.

As the conversation continues, many viewers hope that fans will eventually focus more on enjoying the creativity of both series rather than trying to prove which one is more original. But for now, the “who copied who” discussion remains one of the loudest topics in anime circles, fueled by a single TikTok video that caught everyone’s attention.

Bleach (2023) - 3

Ichigo Kurosaki is a seemingly ordinary high schooler, except for one crucial detail, he can see ghosts. One night, his life changes forever when a mysterious woman named Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper (shinigami), crashes into his room while hunting a monstrous spirit called a Hollow.

The anime community has found itself deep in debate after reports surfaced that Netflix Japan has begun testing AI-generated dubbed dialogue in real anime series. For many viewers, this news did not feel like a simple technical update.

Instead, it touched on deep feelings about art, creativity, and the human voices that have defined anime for decades. While some fans welcomed the move as a natural step forward in technology, others reacted with fear and anger, calling it “the death of voice acting.”

Anime has always been closely tied to its voice actors. In Japan, voice actors are often treated like stars, with loyal fan bases, concerts, interviews, and special appearances. A familiar voice can instantly bring a character to life.

For many people, the performance of a voice actor is just as important as the animation itself. It carries emotion, tone, and personality in a way that goes far beyond simple words. Because of this strong connection, the idea of replacing human voices with artificial intelligence feels, to some fans, like removing the soul from the art.

According to early discussions, Netflix Japan is not planning to fully replace voice actors at this stage. The AI-generated dialogue is reportedly in a testing phase only. The goal is to explore new methods for accelerating production and reducing costs, particularly for regional dubs in various languages.

By using AI, a single performance could potentially be adjusted, translated, and reshaped into other languages much faster than a full human recording session. This would help the company release content more quickly around the world.

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Honkai Star Rail Franchise (Credits: Hoyoverse)

Netflix Japan’s AI Anime Dubs Spark Massive Fan Backlash and Industry Panic

Supporters of the experiment see it as a form of innovation. They argue that new technology has always caused fear in the beginning. In the past, people worried about digital animation, computer effects, and online streaming. Yet these changes eventually became normal and even helped anime reach a global audience. To these fans, AI might become another tool, not a full replacement. They believe that if used carefully, it could support artists instead of destroying their jobs.

However, the critics are much louder at the moment. Many are worried that once AI dubbing becomes good enough, companies will start to rely on it more and more. Human voice actors could find themselves replaced, not because they lack talent, but because machines are cheaper and faster.

This fear is not limited to Japan. Around the world, artists in music, writing, design, and acting are already worried about how AI might affect their careers. For voice actors, this test feels like a warning sign of what may be coming next.

The emotional reaction online has been intense. Some fans stated that they would cancel their subscriptions if anime begins using AI voices instead of real performers. Others posted that they would only watch the original Japanese version and avoid all AI dubs. There are also people who feel confused and conflicted. They see the dangers, but they also understand why a large company like Netflix would want to explore faster and cheaper methods.

Another concern is about quality. While AI voices have improved in recent years, many people feel they still lack true emotional depth. They may sound correct on the surface, but they can struggle with subtle feelings, cultural nuances, and complex emotional moments.

Anime often depends on powerful emotional scenes, where a small change in tone can completely alter the meaning of a line. Fans worry that AI will flatten these moments, making them feel empty or robotic.

“Death of Voice Acting?” Anime Community Erupts Over AI-Generated Dialogue

There is also a cultural issue at play. Anime is not just a product. It is a part of Japanese culture. Voice acting is a respected profession in Japan, and people spend years training to master it. Replacing that tradition with technology feels disrespectful to its history. Some fans say it is not just about jobs, but about preserving a form of art that has been built by real people over many generations.

Despite the anger, Netflix Japan has not released a strong public response yet. This silence has made fans even more nervous. Without clear communication, people begin to imagine worst-case scenarios. They worry that big decisions are being made behind closed doors, with profit placed above artistic values. Others hold onto hope that public reaction will influence the final decision.

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Psycho Pass Franchise (Credits: Production IG)

In the end, this situation has become bigger than just one experiment. It has opened a wide discussion about the future of creative work in a world filled with advancing technology. Anime fans are now asking important questions. How much technology is too much? Where should the line be drawn between innovation and tradition? And most importantly, what does art mean if human voices are slowly replaced by machines?

For now, the anime community remains divided. Some are curious, some are afraid, and many are simply waiting to see what happens next. But one thing is clear. This moment marks a turning point in how people think about the future of anime, voice acting, and creativity in the digital age.