The Japanese animation industry is vast, accommodating thousands of creative minds. Its talented pool of professionals is a testament to its growth, which continues to expand with each passing day. However, despite the industry’s prestige and opportunities, one animator chose to leave it all behind to pursue his interests in adult animation.

Hideki Araki, an accomplished key animator, animation supervisor, and character designer—known for his work on renowned anime titles like “One Piece” and “Inuyasha”—departed from mainstream anime to focus solely on R18 content. This move surprised many who admired his career in mainstream animation.

A Shift Towards Creative Freedom

One Piece (Toei)

Araki set aside his career in traditional anime to explore new opportunities in the adult animation industry. Seeking greater creative freedom, he now takes on roles such as director, character designer, storyboard artist, and animation director in adult anime productions.

It may seem surprising that an animator who contributed to the first “Urusei Yatsura” film and multiple episodes of Toei Animation’s globally hit “One Piece” is now producing adult content. However, one cannot overlook the significant demand for such content, which also offers more creative flexibility.

A Distinguished Career in Mainstream Anime

Sanji (Credits: Toei Animation)

Before transitioning to the R18 industry, Araki’s extensive filmography included work on “Night on the Galactic Railroad,” “Windaria,” “Silent Möbius 2,” “Inuyasha,” “Steamboy,” and many other classics. His contributions to these projects have left a lasting impact on the anime community.

Araki’s decision to move into adult animation reflects a desire to explore themes and narratives unrestricted by the conventions of mainstream media. This shift highlights the diverse opportunities within the animation industry and the varying paths creators may choose to follow.

Industry Reactions and Implications

Lucci vs Luffy (Credits: Toei Animation)

The anime community has expressed mixed reactions to Araki’s career change. Some fans are surprised, given his involvement in family-friendly series, while others respect his pursuit of creative freedom. This move prompts discussions about the boundaries between mainstream and adult content in Japanese animation.

Araki’s transition also sheds light on the broader dynamics of the anime industry, where creators often navigate between commercial demands and personal artistic expression. His journey may inspire other animators to explore unconventional paths within the field.

Satoru Gojo stands as the epitome of strength, often regarded as the strongest jujutsu sorcerer. His confidence in his abilities is unwavering, yet he harbors a profound fear of Sukuna’s full power. This apprehension stems from several critical factors that highlight Sukuna’s unparalleled potential.

Sukuna’s cursed techniques are formidable and diverse, setting him apart from other sorcerers. His ability to unleash slashes like Dismantle and Cleave allows him to cut through objects and space with precision. These techniques can adjust based on the target’s toughness and cursed energy level, making them highly effective against a wide range of opponents. (jujutsu-kaisen.fandom.com)

Moreover, Sukuna’s mastery over fire manipulation adds another layer to his offensive capabilities. By chanting, he can create and control flames, enhancing his versatility in combat. This combination of slashing and fire techniques makes Sukuna a formidable adversary, even for someone as powerful as Gojo.

Sukuna’s Domain Expansion: Malevolent Shrine

Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 17 (Credits: Mappa)

Sukuna’s Domain Expansion, Malevolent Shrine, further amplifies his threat level. Unlike traditional domain expansions that create separate spaces, Malevolent Shrine manifests into the surrounding airspace, allowing Sukuna to attack a vast area without the need for a barrier. This unique trait increases the effective area of his attacks, making it challenging for opponents to evade. (jujutsu-kaisen.fandom.com)

The expansive reach of Malevolent Shrine means that Gojo cannot rely solely on his spatial manipulation techniques to avoid attacks. The vast area covered by Sukuna’s domain forces Gojo to confront him directly, eliminating the advantage of distance and making the battle more perilous.

Sukuna’s Strategic Intelligence

Sukuna and Yuta

Beyond his raw power, Sukuna possesses a keen strategic mind. He is highly dismissive of his opponents, rarely taking them seriously, and has expressed his intent to kill Satoru Gojo directly. This arrogance, however, should not be mistaken for stupidity; Sukuna is a cunning and calculating individual who can exploit his opponents’ weaknesses. (jujutsu-kaisen.fandom.com)

Gojo’s awareness of Sukuna’s intelligence adds to his apprehension. Facing an opponent who not only matches his strength but also possesses superior strategic acumen presents a significant challenge. Gojo understands that Sukuna’s ability to outthink him could turn the tide of battle, making him a more formidable adversary.

The Potential for Unpredictable Power

Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 16 (Credits: Mappa)

Sukuna’s true potential remains largely unknown, adding an element of unpredictability to his capabilities. Gojo’s fear is partly due to the uncertainty surrounding the full extent of Sukuna’s power. This unpredictability makes it difficult for Gojo to prepare effectively, as he cannot anticipate the full range of attacks Sukuna might employ.

The possibility that Sukuna has yet to reveal his most devastating abilities means that Gojo must remain on constant alert. This uncertainty forces Gojo to fight cautiously, knowing that any misstep could lead to his downfall.

Satoru Gojo’s fear of Sukuna’s full power is rooted in Sukuna’s diverse and formidable cursed techniques, his expansive Domain Expansion, strategic intelligence, and the unpredictable nature of his abilities. These factors combine to make Sukuna a threat that even Gojo, with all his strength, must approach with caution and respect. Understanding these elements provides insight into the complex dynamics between these two powerful sorcerers in Jujutsu Kaisen.