This is Lightning’s Jujutsu Kaisen Translation Notes Project. It is inspired by Nanami-says’ Mistranslation Project. Here not only will I point out any mistranslations from the VIZ version of JJK, but also attempt to provide additional context of a scene, elaboration of certain translations, & connections to other parts of JJK lore (wherever I can identify it). So it’s a little bit more expanded in nature, to distinguish it a little.
I’ll start from around where Nanami-says left off & continue towards the Shibuya arc & Culling Game arc (eventually). Some chapters may be skipped if I don’t find anything worth commenting on… or just get lazy.
All translations & explanations belong to me. This is a voluntary project in my free time!
Twitter: @lightningclare
Reddit: u/ridethelightning469
I won’t be revisiting Chapters 70 & under, but feel free to ask for any specific requests through my social media handles. Feel free to point out any mistakes & ask any questions too.
Last update: 2023/9/13. Added translation notes for Ch. 177-178, 234-235.
Table of Contents
Some background information before translation notes
Some background information before translation notes
Spoiler alert
You’ve been warned, these notes may contain spoilers to chapters not necessarily covered just yet (e.g. from the Culling Game arc).
My own translations:
Labeled in red.
Hiragana:
The most basic Japanese writing system. Almost everything can be written in hiragana, but Japanese literature will always replace the hiragana with kanji except inflectional endings for adjectives & verbs.
Katakana:
Japanese writing system used to write foreign loan words, names, & sometimes used to give emphasis to certain words.
Kanji:
Characters that originate from the Chinese written system. When I say ‘kanji,’ I will usually mean the characters or the meaning of the characters, not the reading (see next section).
Furigana readings:
The Japanese writing system consists of hiragana, katakana, & kanji. There is also a system called ‘furigana,’ which indicates the pronunciation of the written word or phrase. It is a reading aid tool & it is present in all of Jujutsu Kaisen, since it is aimed at a young audience. However, furigana is also used for double meanings. For example:
”My friend. (Itadori)”
Here, Aoi says “my friend” out loud in dialogue, but it should be interpreted as “Itadori” since his last name is written in the main box. In the anime, you only hear “my friend” but you don’t know who he’s calling out to (well, yes you do). It’s simply a matter of “hear” vs. “see.”
“My best friend!! (Todo)”
Same thing here. Yuji says “my best friend!!” out loud, but it should be interpreted as “Todo!!” This double meaning signifies that Todo is, in this moment, his “best friend.”
The correct way to translate Japanese is by always prioritizing the furigana first, even at the cost of context. Sometimes you may be able to squeeze in the Kanji meaning, sometimes it cannot be helped to leave it out. Hope that makes furigana readings clear.
Chapter 71
Toji calls Satoru やせ我慢 (yasegaman), which Viz translates as “Mr. Hotshot.”
I want to elaborate further that やせ我慢 in this context means someone who is putting up a front, pretending to be calm in a very aggravating situation. Which makes sense since Satoru is freaking out about Toji’s relatively unknown tools & abilities. Basically, Toji saw right through his facade.
Satoru, sensing zero CE in Toji, deduces that Toji has Heavenly Restriction’s Physical Gift, which Viz translates to “It’s all innate physical prowess!”
“He has no cursed energy at all!! It’s Heavenly Restriction’s Physical Gift!!”
Satoru calls the cursed tool that Toji just took out his 虎の子 (tora no ko), which Viz translates as his “treasure.” Not an incorrect translation, but calling it a “treasure,” it must be emphasized that this tool (Inverted Spear of Heaven) is Toji’s ultimate weapon, his most valuable or precious tool. Which given what happens next, makes all the more sense.
The “Inverted Spear of Heaven” is called 天逆鉾 (Amano-Sakahoko). It is based on an actual weapon in Japanese mythology that also contains three prongs, used by the twin gods Izanagi & Izanami. You can read more about it here. Interestingly, Toji’s ISOH is missing a prong that looks to be broken off. Could this be an important point later?
From the tankobon (volume) pages. 500 million yen =~ 4 million USD. It’s actually worth the same price as Playful Cloud.
Chapter 73
A more correct translation of what Suguru says here would be:
“It’s Heavenly Restriction, isn’t it? I already know that disclosing information will increase your abilities like us sorcerers. That’s not what I wanted to hear.”
The phrase 情報の開示 (joho no kaiji) is the same phrase used when Aoi Todo discloses Boogie Woogie to Hanami during the Goodwill event to increase his CE levels. Suguru implies that people with Heavenly Restriction can do the same.
Trivia: By the way, the Jujutsu Fanbook classifies Heavenly Restriction as a Binding Vow given at birth.
“... A ‘Binding Vow’ that is forcibly given to someone at birth is called ‘Heavenly Restriction,’ whereby in compensation for imposing a limit, grand effects can be obtained.”
This imaginary vengeful spirit is, like Tamamo-no-Mae, based on an actual Japanese folklore ghost (‘yokai’) called the Kuchisake onna (lit. slit-mouthed woman). Her domain functions the same as that of the legend too, whereby you need to answer her. To avoid death, you need to deliver a mixed answer that’s neither yes and no (like Toji did). You can read more about it here.
The imaginary vengeful spirit is also a classification of cursed spirits in Jujutsu Kaisen.
“An imaginary vengeful spirit… a simple domain where neither party is allowed to violate the pact until the question is answered.”
Yes, Kuchisake onna uses a simple domain (簡易領域), which for some reason Viz translates as “innate domain” (生得領域). The conditions also imply both parties cannot do anything until the question is answered; this applies to both Suguru/Kuchisake onna.
Toji uses the word “blessed” here (恵まれた, megumareta).
“You were blessed by your parents.” (He uses Megumi’s name here.)
This is intentional, & meant to serve to jog his memory in the next pages about him remembering his son’s name. He uses Megumi’s name twice (above is first time) & then remembers.
Chapter 74
A better translation:
“The Jujutsu community and religious organizations have the worst affinity. From that strain, the modern Time Vessel association was formed for the discussion of the vessel. And because of that, we remain exclusively as a group of non-sorcerers. Sorcerers who are permitted to conduct various transgressions will, as a general rule, not lay a hand on non-sorcerers.”
The Viz’s translation implies that Toji wouldn’t be touched by sorcerers who try to protect the Star Plasma vessel Riko (since he is also technically a non-sorcerer), which is clearly not true.
Slightly incorrect.
“No way. You don’t treat guys out.”
Toji’s business partner Shiu says Toji doesn’t pay for men. Not that Toji wouldn’t be paying in general. It’s also a subtle jab at Toji’s womanizer tendencies.
The second part of this narration misses the third-person perspective & a key point of inherited techniques.
自らに刻まれた無下限の術式... = “The Limitless cursed technique engraved onto one’s self…”
A better translation:
“The positive energy (power) born from Reverse Cursed Technique…
That energy flows into the Limitless cursed technique engraved onto one’s self.”
Since inherited techniques come with a manual as mentioned in the next chapter, that’s what this narration ties it to. It’s definitely not easy to translate it only having knowledge of the most recent chapter at the time, so please cut the translator here some slack.
Also yes, Cursed Technique Reversal does make use of positive energy. Both RCT & CTR use the term 反転, which means “reverse.”
I have made a thread on Cursed Technique Lapse and Cursed Technique Reversals in general (spoilers up to Ch. 208) for better clarification. Basically, “Lapse” is the normal application of a CT using negative energy, while “Reversal” is the inverse application of a CT using positive energy. All sorcerers use “Lapse,” but not all use “Reversal.”
Chapter 75
The chain that Toji took out is another special grade cursed tool, called 万里ノ鎖 (lit. Chain of One Thousand Miles), the Banri Chain. Its effect: as long as one end is kept hidden, it can extend indefinitely.
Interestingly enough, thus far all the official classified special grade cursed tools (Playful Cloud, ISOH, Banri Chain) have come from Toji’s arsenal.
Each point is Toji’s way of countering the following: 1. “Neutral”, 2. “Blue,” 3. “Red”
Point 1 is kind of like a trailing thought. “The stopping power has been there from the start.” He doesn’t say anything about it being an issue or not, but Viz probably added that since these points are meant to highlight how he counters each of them.
Point 2 needs a little more work. “I can erase the attraction power with my inverted spear, now that I have better reach. I can also avoid it with my footspeed.” He uses 足 meaning legs but it’s meant to imply footspeed. The additional reach comes from his chain, not from the spear itself.
Point 3 sounds fine.
A feeling of uneasiness/discomfort/bad feeling, 違和感 (iwakan). In retrospect, this could be a “sixth sense” of zero CE Heavenly Restriction users (Maki also uses the same term to describe what she felt against Projection sorcery during her battle with Naoya).
This ties back to the Limitless being “engraved onto one’s self.” Satoru has a “manual” on how to use these cursed techniques.
The “motion & reversal” here refer to the “Lapse” & “Reversal” from Blue (CT Lapse) & Red (CT Reversal); see Ch. 74 notes for more detail. It’s the same kanji used for Blue & Red, 順 & 反, respectively. It’s supposed to be the combination of Blue & Red. The use of “motion” is an inconsistency on Viz’s part.
順 can mean “moving forward, in a certain order,” Also, that imaginary mass does not “rush forth,” it’s more like it gets “pushed out.”
“Lapse & Reversal.
It is created by colliding each of the infinities.
An imaginary mass springs out…”
Toji here uses 自尊心 (jisonshin, read meaning: that), which can mean pride, but can also mean something closer to self-respect, self-esteem. Petty pride is okay for the previous monologue of wanting to discredit the pinnacle of Jujutsu society (Satoru & Zenin), but self-respect is closer to his next monologue which is about his deceased wife & Megumi.
I know what you’re thinking, is that a younger Toji or his wife?! It’s actually his wife, as confirmed in future material when this face is used to indicate Toji’s spouse (like the Zenin family tree & in the popularity poll choice shown above).
“Fushiguro Megumi’s mother. His biological mother, & the person whom Toji gave his heart to.”
Chapter 79
English Title: “A Taste of Things To Come”
The Japanese title これからの話 is translated literally as “The Story From Here On Out.” I’m actually not a fan of strict or literal translations, as there’s not always a 1-to-1 between any two languages. Instead, I encourage translations that convey the meaning and context clearly. And while this title in English is not wrong, it is kind of tongue-in-cheek, which isn’t really how it’s supposed to come off as.
Pointing out the fact that this is chronologically the first time we see Satoru use 僕 to refer to himself, signifying his emotional growth after Suguru left. 僕 is, in this context, a more friendly & cordial way of referring to yourself. The adult Satoru that we know uses 僕, but the young Satoru when he was with Suguru used 俺, which is very masculine.
Satoru’s insult to Toji (僕が引くレベルのろくでなしで) is translated closer to “He was so no-good/unsatisfactory even I was apalled.” Satoru is still dissing him, but he’s not outright calling him a “loser.”
The second dialogue sounds out-of-place compared to the first, the transition makes no sense. Going from “your dad’s from this reputable family” to “Even your dad is a loser.” Better translation:
“About your father, he’s related to the so-called reputable Zenin family, but he was so shitty that even I was apalled, so he left the family & had you.”
On the first panel, Satoru uses 側 to refer to the “powers” & “you can see them.” He’s breaking down the supernatural to a little kid. Also, the “cursed technique” here is read as “power” (furigana).
“You can see them, & have them, don’t you. Surely you’ve already noticed your own powers (cursed technique)?”
Second panel, Satoru says Zenin clan loves cursed techniques (read: talent, さいのう), not the sorcerers themselves. Not sure why they would also go with “cursed quality power” instead of just cursed technique or talent either.
“The Zenin family love talent (cursed techniques)!”
Also, reminder that Satoru was a creep to Megumi with those wavy fingers. Also, slight changes in Satoru’s look since Megumi’s original flashback.
Satoru tells Megumi “Don’t get left behind by me.” Viz left out the emphasized part, which indicates more involvement on Satoru’s part.
Slight correction on dialogue bubble 3, italicized:
“Gojo-sensei.
He actually sleeps, huh?
Of course! What are you trying to say?
Gojo-sensei!!”
On the tankobon version, the bubbles for Mechamaru’s CT description get turned into narration boxes. So it should sound a little more formal, since it’s not Utahime describing it.
Mechamaru is more blunt in this dialogue:
“You’re late.
I thought you forgot about me.”
Viz misses an important hint in Fake Suguru’s first dialogue regarding Mechamaru’s condition. Slightly revised version:
“You, given that body of yours, should know very well about the consequences of cursed restriction.”
Once again, this reinforces that Heavenly Restriction is another form of “Binding Vow.”
Mechamaru is again more blunt here:
“I don’t feel like arguing over details with a curse.”
Chapter 80
Mahito says 必要 (hitsuyo), which means “to need to,” which Viz translates as “reason.” That’s fine for the most part… but it’s just better to just translate 必要 as a need, whose meaning is closer to that.
“He ran away. Well, I suppose he didn’t need to kill us.”
Ultimate Mechamaru is likely a reference to the Eva series from Neon Genesis Evangelion. It most closely resembles Eva Unit-02, piloted by Asuka Langley (Shikinami in the Rebuild series). The “Absolute” could also be a reference to the A.T. (Absolute Terror) Field.
Even the pilot position and the timer look similar to that of the inside of the Eva.
Furigana alert: Mahito is going to drag Kokichi out of his cockpit (read: there).
A more insightful translation of dialogue 3-4:
“Mechamaru’s attacks can’t cause enough damage to get to his soul.
And he’s become sure of that too just now.”
Don’t know why the translator used “curse” to refer to Mahito here in his thoughts, that’s a little out-of-tone. Kokichi now uses 奴 (yatsu, male pronoun) to refer to Mahito. Also it misses the point of something. A better translation to Mechamaru’s dialogues here:
“He has no idea about my attacks.
I’ll launch this… towards him!!”
Kokichi is capitalizing on the fact that Mahito doesn’t know about the full nature of his attacks, not that he’s not paying attention.
Chapter 81
Translation is fine, just adding a little bit more from the original dialogue (bolded was omitted):
“Let’s finish this in one go!!”
A better translation here would be:
“There’s no point. What did you even see up until now?”
This is meant to play with what Kokichi said earlier: “I’ve seen everything” regarding the fights involving Miwa, Yuji, Mahito, Megumi, and Aoi. And it’s also meant to play up the moment when he uses a Simple Domain tube:
Translation in retrospect, but for consistency it’s better to replace “release of cursed energy” to “cursed energy output.” The term used is 呪力出力, which is the same term used to describe Ryu Ishigori’s special talent. Nothing wrong with the translation though, just consistency.
From the tankobon version, we get a glimpse of Arata Nitta. It isn’t until much later when we get to see him with Aoi Todo in Shibuya arc.
Chapter 82
Mahito says 気の毒 (ki no doku), which translates closer to “pitiful, wretched,” not awkward.
“It’s so pitiful that I don’t know how to react.”
Just wanted to point out that Kokichi uses 奴 (his) to refer to Mahito in this thoughts again. Viz translator had the sense not to use “curse” this time around.
Major stop. Here we go again.
“Invented by Ashiya Sadatsuna during the Heian era.
In an era when jujutsu was at the peak of its prosperity, in order to protect his disciples from evil, cunning curse users and cursed spirits, a technique was born.
This technique is inherited by his sect. Intentionally spreading it to outsiders is forbidden by a Binding Vow.
This technique protects oneself from a “domain.” It is the “domain” for the weak.”
Viz simplified the part where the curse users and cursed spirits back then were 凶悪巧者, which is closer to “skilled/cunning in evil, brutality.” to just “evil.” And they also missed that there is a Binding vow protecting the technique from being taught to outsiders. Although, note that the Fanbook states it doesn’t prevent it from being “stolen” or “seen.” Poor Sadatsuna, loophole discovered.
“Simple Domain” should be in brackets or apostrophes. I think this helps distinguish the Simple Domain of the New Shadow Style (Shin Kage-ryu) from potentially other Simple Domains like the Kuchisake-onna’s. By the way, New Shadow Style is a real form of swordsmanship in Japanese swordsmanship, founded by Kamiizuni Nobutsuna, inherited by his student Yagyu Munetoshi. Read more about it here.
Fake Suguru’s “Simple Domain” should have apostrophes on it.
All seems fine except the third dialogue. They left out Mahito’s cursed technique when factoring damage to him. Also, I wouldn’t use the word “misleading” to translate 簡易とはいえ, but here’s my own interpretation:
“That being said, the word “Simple” means this.
If another domain is activated inside of the main one, then Mahito despite his cursed technique can take damage too.”
Here the fake Suguru implies that he outsourced the curtain. The original also implies that given 嘱託式の帳 means “commissioned curtain.” There’s a very slight chance it could mean “curtain worked on by [fake Suguru] part-time” but I doubt it.
I just thought this was an interesting point considering that this is the person who is supposed to be the best barrier user after Lord Tengen himself. Was he still not good enough that he had to commission it out to another entity? Or maybe he worked on it part-time with somebody else?
Note that Akutami uses 自分の中 (jibun no naka) here when referring to oneself or an individual. This also has the play on words to mean “inside of one” so it could be thought of as an “inner practice” (maybe like mental training?). As we know, innate domains do exist and Megumi has also alluded to it by trying to visualize himself expanding his Domain Expansion.
I don’t quite get what you’re saying: cursed techniques
Innate cursed technique: A cursed technique engraved onto a person at the time of birth. They’re almost impossible to be copied by others. In the manga, when “cursed technique” is written it often refers to an innate cursed technique.
Yuta Okkotsu: Hold my sword.
Barrier technique: Fundamentally, if a [sorcerer] possesses a certain amount of cursed energy, then with enough effort on their part [barriers] can be learned (although the gap between the good and bad is huge). One must start from scratch, add empowered words, and activate it with cursed energy. “Curtains” are often associated [with barriers] but “domain expansion” also requires a bunch of barrier elements too. A premise point of barriers such as “curtains” is that they work on civilians but can be broken by sorcerers, which is why the one casted in the Goodwill event was rare.
Probably why it took Satoru so long to break it. Also note the use of 言霊 (gotodama, lit. ghost speech) here which Viz translates as “empowered words.” Just words fueled with cursed energy. Not to be confused with the CT Cursed Speech (呪言, juugon) which can turn commands into reality. Megumi uses 言霊 to describe Toge’s CT to Yuji, but in fact anybody can reinforce their words with cursed energy - just not to perform Cursed Speech.
New Shadow Style, etc.: Same as barrier techniques, they’re constructed from scratch by oneself and activated with cursed energy.
Akutami got pretty lazy with this, huh.
Divergent Fist, Black Flash, etc.: Since they use cursed energy to reinforce the body, they are not considered cursed techniques. It’s up to personal preference as to whether to call them jujutsu or not.
This is what Fushiguro was referring to when he said something along the lines of “It’s not jujutsu, you’re hurling out cursed energy!”
But this doesn’t mean he doesn’t recognize Itadori, who has no cursed technique, as a jujutsu sorcerer, so it’s just a matter of personal feeling.
Basically using CE does not necessarily mean using a CT, but you can still classify the person as a “sorcerer.” So someone like Toji who technically doesn’t have any CE, may still be considered as a sorcerer since he uses cursed tools. The Zenin clan are just very rigid in their views.
Reversed cursed technique: An individual only multiples cursed energy (-) with cursed energy (-) to do this [RCT], so it’s not a cursed technique. It’s got multiplication but it’s not a technique. Even though it’s got “cursed technique” in its name, it’s not a cursed technique. The person who thought of this is weird.
Akutami taking jabs at himself yet again (or whoever thought up of the name RCT in-universe).
In conclusion: It’s so confuuuuuuuuuuuuuusing!!
Chapter 83
This is why Toji, who has zero CE, could move in and out of Tengen’s barrier undetected.
Last dialogue: Nanami says here 先輩風は程々に which means Ino is trying to give off too much of the air of a ‘senpai’ when he should be doing it in moderation. He’s just trying to be a good senpai, not a show-off.
Here Naobito’s title is 特別 1 級術師 which means “Special Grade 1 Sorcerer,” not “Supreme.” 特別 (tokubetsu) means “special.” According to the Fanbook, it’s just a title for those equivalently Grade 1 and not affiliated with the Tokyo Jujutsu technical college. This is fixed later on, it’s the same title as that of Naoya, Ogi, and Jinichi Zenin.
It goes without saying, but it shouldn’t be confused with the 特級 (tokkyu) in 特級術師 (tokkyu-jutsushi), the “Special Grade Sorcerer” as Viz calls it. Additional explanation follows.
級 (kyu) is the term for classification, 1-4 or 特 (toku) is the level. The 特 by itself (so not 特別, tokubetsu) can mean “exceptional, extraordinary.” Thus, you can think of it as Grade: 1, and Grade: 特 (toku). And then you have the Special Grade: 1, which is simply a type of Grade 1. The special adjective in this case doesn’t refer to power, but to affiliation.
Incidentally, the reason why Naobito was the only out of the three main families to be stationed out is because, according to the Fanbook, he would be paid a very handsome amount for his services. It’s the one thing that will drag him out of Kyoto (where the Zenin household is located) to Tokyo.
On every Halloween (October 31), there is indeed a massive parade of people in costume called Shibuya Halloween. It is a very unique event in Japan held annually (& unofficially) on the streets of Shibuya around Shibuya Center Gai Street & Shibuya Scrambling. Check out a video on Shibuya Halloween 2019 here. It’s basically a big street party that lasts until morning.
Viz gets the idea right but there’s a little more nuance. Ui Ui calls Satoru a 贅沢な男 after getting his sister Mei Mei as backup. Meaning he likes to live luxuriously (given Ui Ui’s high opinion of his sister), but that’s also true of Satoru in general. A more literal translation would be:
“Gojo Satoru… what an extravagant, excessive man.”
Fittingly enough, Mei Mei according to the Fanbook has a net worth roughly equivalent to 50 billion yen ($400 million by current yen-USD exchange rate). And Satoru did pay her off about $100,000 to promote the first-years back in Ch. 63. So yeah, on paper, hiring her would be quite extravagant.
Mei Mei calls Ui Ui a 愛い奴 (ui-yatsu), which is a pun on his name (not the same kanji though). 愛い (ui) here means closer to “good kid.” Also, it ties in to what Ui Ui says next:
Ui Ui claims that Mei Mei doesn’t “love” (愛でている) him, using the same kanji that Mei Mei used to describe him. Feels like brother-sister flirting. Also, third line is better translated as:
“You don’t really think that!
What Sister loves isn’t family, it’s family that you can use for employment, isn’t it?”
And Mei Mei & Ui Ui are indeed biological siblings, according to the Fanbook. But those are not their real names.
Chapter 84
Jogo uses is 展延 (ten en), which means closer to “stretch out thinly.” In fact, “ten en” can even mean “expansion” in certain circumstances. Using “Amplification” is misleading and also inaccurate since they are not actually “amplifying” their domain; they are merely “wearing” it. A closer translation would be “Domain Envelope.”
A more accurate translation that keeps important details of DA, such as its comparison to Domain Expansion and the clear mention of guaranteed/sure-hit:
“Domain amplification... it’s the same as New Shadow’s Simple Domain.
Speaking in terms of fundamental barrier techniques, if you consider the foe-imprisoning Domain Expansion as a “box” or “prison,” then Domain Amplification is “water”...!! You engulf yourself only in a liquid.
Maybe it’s closest to the feeling of when you initially respond by pushing back against a Domain?
Your guaranteed hit becomes weaker, but you will definitely neutralize the Cursed Technique.
With this, even I’m vulnerable to attacks.”
Note: Domain Amplification is not a Barrier Technique, as indicated in Ch. 231. Only Domain Expansion.
A more literal translation, since “In his element” is quite liberal:
“Do you know when Satoru Gojo is able to exert his maximum power?”
Note: Cursed Technique Reversal comes from using positive energy, which is Negative (Cursed) Energy x Negative energy. That means Cursed Energy to the power of 2, not twofold. Even though canonically CTR outputs twice as much Cursed Energy, the math notation is incorrect. Probably a mathematical brainfart on Akutami’s part.
The “energy” is not actually said by Fake Suguru. He just said “ it would be like taking a dump on them.” But given how he follows it up with instant death, adding in “energy” to the translation gives it a lot more sense.
To point out some subtleties in the way that Fake Suguru talks about Domains:
Instead of saying “Domain Expansion” (領域展開), he says “expanding your/his Domain” (領域を展開する). Fake Suguru places more emphasis on the idea of the Domain as the foundation, and then aspects of it like its name, inside of it (領域内, ryoikinai), doing stuff like expanding it (展開, tenkai) and having clashes/tug-of-wars with it (押し合い, oshiai). This gives more emphasis on the Domain itself as the central subject rather than just “Domain Expansion.”
Correction: “To be honest, I’m surprised…”
Gojo more literally says in the third line:
“This is our third meeting, right?
Still underestimating the hell out of me.”
The kanji is for “exorcise,” but the furigana is “to kill” (ころす).
“I’m going to kill you first!”
Chapter 85
As before, the Kanji is for “exorcise” and the furigana is “to kill” (ころす).
“I’m going to kill you first!”
It’s not a big deal, but the last part Hanami actually says そしてこの男: “And this man...” This is quite a feminine thing to say in Japanese, which gives the impression that Hanami is female as far as gender goes for Curses. This reinforces her female voice casting in the anime.
For further clarity, Hanami says “Cursed Energy manipulation” as opposed to “use Cursed Energy.” Same thing that Jogo says later on.
Satoru calls Hanami a 独活 (udo), which is a type of plant used in medicine/cooking in Asia, so she's neither useless nor a tree (still used as an insult)! But that’s not the important part:
“This plant (udo) over here…
…he’s well enough to be able to handle it anymore, is he?”
Indicating that Hanami’s roots greatly weakened her.
Chapter 86
Because some readers unfamiliar with the geography may be confused by how Mei Mei’s group got inside the barrier, here is a basic summary:
- Initially they were stationed at Aoyama Cementary. West of where they are is Harajuku Station, and around there is Meiji-Jingumae Station, where the group headed off to.
- It takes about 20 min. to walk from Aoyama Cemetery to Meiji-Jingumae Station, so ~10 min. if you run.
- From Meiji-Jingumae to the south of Harajuku station, you will find Shibuya station.
- The others (Nanami’s, Naobito’s, Kusakabe’s groups) are stationed outside of Shibuya Station.
- There are stationed Transfigured Humans as well as Mahito guarding the floors that allow civilians to escape.
- Yuji and Mei Mei are forcing their way through those humans and Mahito, as well as taking other routes inside Shibuya station to reach the Curtain caster (Fake Suguru).
Pretty cool JP language trivia, but the Grasshopper curse speaks in Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. The fact it mixes all three without consideration demonstrates an implied limit to its intelligence.
The JP word for “smart” here is 賢い (kashikoi), which can also mean “well-behaved, obedient,” e.g. for pets, servants. Ironic considering Grasshoper curse is guarding the entrance on behalf of Fake Suguru.
Refer to my endnotes from Ch. 82 for more information on barrier techniques.
Chapter 87
KO-GUY, AKA the Grasshopper Curse, means “Locust Guy” in reference to the Grasshopper plague.
Books I used for reference to draw KO-GUY!!
- When Lonely Grasshoppers Flock Together; The Mutation and Outbreak of the Desert Locust by Kotaro Ould Maeno-Sensei.
- Bear Storm by Akira Yoshimura-Sensei.
I casually opened his book like I would an illustrated encyclopedia, but Maeno-Sensei’s work was so funny I finished the whole thing laughing my ass off. I liked the part about washing all the eggs.
As you all know, this book is about the Grasshopper Plague but the scenes of the plague really left an impression on me and I couldn’t get them out of my head, so…
Jujutsu Kaisen is a very shitty work of fiction. It should go without saying that the works of both Senseis are not though…
I’m so sorry.
Chapter 88
A more literal translation of Mei Mei’s assessment of Yuji:
“To be honest, I thought you’d have a little bit more of a hard time.
You’re already good enough as a Grade 1 Sorcerer.
You’re the only one to be this good without a Cursed Technique since Kusakabe.”
I want to emphasize that Gojo is using harsher language here, on the same level as profanity due to -やがる (-yagaru). He’s basically really distressed.
“What the HELL are they planning?!”
Mahito actually has a long pause at the end before saying “For real?” Indicating either his shock or fondness for Hanami.
“......
For real?”
Chapter 116
Sukuna’s dialogue can be interpreted in two ways:
“Humans. Jujutsu sorcerers. Cursed Spirits.
You’re pretty good/not bad among those I fought 1000 years ago.”
Or
“Humans. Jujutsu sorcerers. Cursed Spirits.
You’re better than those I fought 1000 years ago.”
The key phrase is 「マシな方」(mashi na kata) which could mean either “not as bad as the others” or “better than those (more favorable).” The usage depends on both person and context (and in some cases, Japanese Prefecture), but here it is a little ambiguous. The main idea nevertheless is that Jogo ranks more favorably among those that Sukuna’s fought 1000 years ago.
Chapter 117
A more literal translation:
“That doesn’t mean I can become a Sorcerer who can win against you.”
八握剣異戒神将魔虚羅: Yatsuka-no-Tsurugi Ikaishinshō Makora
Breaking down the individual Kanji:
八握剣: Yatsuka-no-Tsurugi. The Eight-Handled Sword, one of the 10 Sacred Treasures handed down by Nigihayahi no Mikoto. The symbol of the 10 Treasures are also on various Shikigami of the Ten Shadows Technique.
異戒神将: Ikaishinshō. The first Kanji in 異戒 denotes “otherwordly, different,” while the second is that of “commandment” (Buddhism) or sila. Sila in Buddhism can have various meanings, e.g. as the path of morality, right conduct and action.
神将 is for “Divine General,” taken from the 十二神将 (12 Divine Generals).
魔虚羅: Makora. Also Mahoraga in Sanskrit. One of the 12 Divine Generals of the Yakushi Buddha, the Medicine Buddha.
Chapter 119
A major correction regarding Sukuna’s “Divine” Domain Expansion:「結界を閉じず」means “without closing its barrier.” VIZ loosely interpreted this as Sukuna not using/creating a barrier for a DE, but we know this is wrong because a DE’s sure-hit is created by the existence of a barrier (as explained in Ch. 171). This nuanced wording is very important and establishes that as powerful as Sukuna is, even he is not fully exempt from Jujutsu rules.
Furthermore, the first line is a little more nuanced:「結界で空間を分断しない」 more literally means “does not separate space from its barrier.” The word 空間 (kukan) can be thought of as either space in the physical sense (spacetime) or airspace. The key takeaway is that Sukuna still has a barrier, and here it becomes the airspace itself; hence “drawing/painting on air.”
“Malevolent Shrine differs from other Domains in that it doesn’t separate the space/airspace from its barrier.
The ability to materialize one’s Innate Domain without closing its barrier is akin to drawing not on a canvas, but on air. A truly divine technique.”
VIZ rectifies the usage of「結界を閉じず」in Ch. 206 when describing Kenjaku’s DE:
More of my own thoughts on the nature of open-barrier DEs here:
https://twitter.com/Lightning446/status/1599435982172225541
https://twitter.com/Lightning446/status/1628804349391683584?s=20
Chapter 138
Naoya Zenin. The apostrophe in the Viz is to indicate that it’s pronounced Zen-in. He’s a Special Grade 1 Sorcerer, which is the same status as Naobito Zenin. This is the correct translation, as 特別 (tokubetsu) means “special,” but not to be confused with 特級 (tokkyu) in “Special Grade Sorcerer.”
Previously, & incorrectly, this title was dubbed “Supreme Grade 1 Sorcerer.” According to the Fanbook, Special Grade 1 sorcerers are simply the equivalent of Grade 1 sorcerers who are not affiliated with Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High (see Ch. 83 for more details on my explanation of classifications).
Naoya speaks in Kansai dialect, which makes all of his vowels, consonants, & pitches sound somewhat different from regular Japanese (normally considered to be Tokyo dialect), & also contracts his verbs & particles in speech. This makes sense considering the Zenin household is located in Kyoto, which is in the Kansai region. However, only Naoya has been shown to speak Kansai out of all Zenin members. To give an example, the closest I could think of Naoya’s likeness who also speaks Kansai dialect is Gin Ichimaru from the series Bleach (of which Akutami is also a huge fan of).
Naoya refers to Mai as “Mai-chan,” which Viz translates to “that girl Mai.” I’m generally of the translation camp to leave the honorifics as they are, but it is what it is. The honorific -chan is generally used to indicate affection, but in the case of Naoya, it’s probably used in a mocking fashion.
Naoya calls Maki a べっぴんさん (beppin-san) which is more casual for “babe, hot.” It’s also a common word in Kansai dialect. Viz’s translation isn’t incorrect, but to match Naoya’s tone, here’s an alternative:
“Maki-chan’s a babe but no good. She can’t support a man.”
Naoya calls his brothers ポンコツ (ponkotsu) which can also mean “pieces of trash, unreliable, worthless.”
Here, Naoya is referring to Ogi’s daughters (Maki & Mai), not Naobito’s daughters. Naobito has no daughters according to Akutami’s family tree (in the tankobon extras). The reason for this mistake in Viz is because it’s a little bit ambiguous as to whose daughters he’s referring to (その娘 = those daughter(s)), & at the time of release it was certainly unsure. I don’t blame Viz on this, as anybody could have made this mistake.
“My older brothers are all worthless.
And you, Uncle, aren’t worth anything despite being [his] little brother. Those daughters [of yours] are out of the question.
Jinichi-kun is, well…”
Jinichi & Toji are actually brothers. They even share the same kanji 爾 (ji) in their name, a hint to their relation with Jinichi being the older brother (壱 = ichi = one). This is also a theme with other Zenin family members, such as Mai & Maki sharing the same kanji 真 (ma) & Naobito & Naoya sharing 直 (na).
This is in accordance with the flashback in Ch. 113, where Toji & Naobito struck a deal for Megumi; during that time, it was clear that Naobito highly valued inherited CTs, possibly arising from Toji’s lineage.
The fact that he was willing to put Megumi, an outsider, over his own sons (despite Naoya having another inherited CT as will be shown) solidifies the notion that Ten Shadows Manipulation is the magnum opus of the Zenin family, in similar respects to the Gojo’s Limitless & the Kamo’s Blood Manipulation. It was stated that Noritoshi Kamo, despite not being in the main family, would also become the next head of the Kamo clan simply due to his inherited CT.
Viz likes to tone down Naoya’s crude language, it seems. The first line in Naoya’s more crude language:
“Those two have no balls, after all.”
The assistant says 詳しくは…ただ which is more literally “The only details I’m aware of…” but Viz has the right gist of it. The ellipse is meant to indicate that she doesn’t know much about the details, most likely.
Yuki says 送り届ける which means “sending back to home.” Viz’s translation makes it sound more ominous than it actually is.
“By way of apology, my comrades & I will take responsibility for sending those kids who were there back home.”
Chapter 139
Would only like to point out that 凄まじい (susamaji) can generally mean “frightening, intense, fierce” more so than “incredible,” & that 桁違い (ketachigai) could also mean “of a different caliber, unbelievable, unimaginable” more so than “unreal.”
Here Ino used 融通 (yuzu) which, to elaborate further, means flexible in the sense of being accommodating, like handing out loans or favors. Satoru basically flexed his money & power around to help those around him.
Naoya says 舐める (nameru) meaning to “underestimate.”
“You’re tougher than I thought. To be honest, I underestimated you.”
The sound effect here is ぬる (nuru), which is the SFX for something slimy, greasy, gooey. This likely refers to the “shape” of Yuta’s CE, & fits with Yuji’s description of it being “creepy” (不気味, bukimi), also “ominous, eerie.”
Chapter 140
“Scary” doesn’t do Naoya’s line justice, since 肝冷えるわ literally means his innards froze. A more literal translation of his third line would be:
“It would’ve been better to keep quiet about Megumi-kun. My insides froze.”
Again, literal does not necessarily mean better, but I do think the last line could have conveyed Naoya’s sentiments about Yuta’s presence a little more emphatically.
Choso says オマエこそ, which means closer to “That’s my line” or “I should say the same to you.” Not a warning but an actual threat.
“Energy” here is the furigana reading for “cursed energy,” so Satoru doesn’t run out of CE. Also, I believe Yuta just did a 情報の開示 (disclosing information) which presumably boosts his abilities (CE, CT, stats, etc.). Also, Viz missed the performance part in Yuta’s explanation, & it would be more literal to say Sensei is “number one” (一番), although the best is also fine in this case. A more closer translation:
“But Sensei has Six Eyes, so he loses close to zero (cursed) energy whenever he activates his cursed technique.
When it comes to performance, Sensei is number one, after all. I can run out of cursed energy but he doesn’t.
Now I’m done talking.”
Which is why fighting Toji was such a hassle for Satoru, because he couldn’t read his movements at all due to having no CE to visualize.
Yuji here says 以前の問題 (izen no mondai) so it’s not that it isn’t a problem, it’s just not as much of a problem compared to Yuta’s immense CE.
Chapter 141
Specifically, Yuta wonders if it’s an “outdoor” drive. Also, the knife is implied to be used for recreational use.
“Oh, must be from that four-wheel drive. Is it used for outdoors? It might be a survival knife (for recreational use).”
Pretty sure that Satoru here is referring to the type of sorcerer, not the type of weapon. Given type (タイプ) has been consistently used to refer to the “type” of fighter in the recent chapters, e.g. Naoya’s a speed type, Yuji’s a power type (like Maki). Also, Viz translator got the wrong kanji, it’s 進める (susumeru), which means to “advance,” not 勧める (susumeru), which means to “recommend.”
“Depending on the type of [sorcerer you are], you should continue forward with practicing on how to use weapons properly, but you wouldn’t want to rely on cursed weapons to the point of neglecting your cursed energy control…”
Implying that CE control for your body & CE control for tools require different kinds of training. Having great CE control over your fists does not mean you can do the same for a sword.
To clarify, Yuta uses 一筋縄ではかない which could also mean “tricky, difficult to deal with.” Viz also makes it sound as if he knew Yuji was going to be hard to handle from the beginning. That’s not implied in that phrase, but maybe it was used to make it sound as if Yuta was cutting him some slack. My translation would simply be:
“He’s difficult to handle.”
Choso wonders about the “trick, source” of his cursed technique, 術式の種. This references his previous statement of Naoya’s CT having some kind of “trick.” Viz being inconsistent with translation on this one.
“I can’t figure out the trick of his cursed technique at all!!”
And Choso figures Naoya’s not going to do a 開示 (kaiji), i.e. disclosing information on it (presumably for a boost in abilities).
Chapter 142
Viz makes Naoya’s first line 成程な (naruhodo na) sound a little too apathetic, like he sounds bored. A closer translation would be:
“He’s adjusted to me. I get it.”
I wanted to point out that Flowing Red Scale is one of the few ways we’ve seen sorcerers use to enhance their visual perception, or their senses. There are other ways in which it can be achieved (Six Eyes, Heavenly Restriction, Black Flash athlete zone), but this is the first time as far as CE control goes. Previously the primary use of CE control was to enhance physical attributes (strength, speed, defense).
A little bit more nuanced, but it’s not that Naoya thought it best to use a weapon, it’s more like he was forced to use it.
“You made me use it since you’re a pain in the ass…
This weapon.”
Continuing the theme of weapons started during Yuji vs. Yuta, here Naoya provides an additional perspective on weapons usage. His perspective actually resonates with what Satoru said in Yuji’s flashback in Ch. 141, where one could start relying on it too much in favor of developing better CE control. Naoya’s case is about winning battles rather than the fundamentals, so not quite the same of course, but it does ultimately lead to the same effect.
In the second & third lines, older brother (兄) should be read as “I” (おれ). Choso is talking about himself as an older brother.
First line is closer to “What’s going on?!”
On the fifth line, it should be noted that the “special constitution” refers to Choso’s body constitution (体質). It’s more of a physical trait than a CE control trait.
Yes, what Naoya wears is a hakama, but he says “fabric” (生地, kiji) rather than “hakama” outright here. Viz just adding more extra details.
Naoya just described Projection sorcery, the same CT as Naobito’s. That explains why he’s the “speed” type.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this technique. It was actually used during his battle with Satoru (Ch. 89). However, this is the first time we have background information divulged on the technique.
Yuta says 辛い (tsurai) to describe Naoya’s condition. A more closer translation:
“That looks painful, Naoya.”
Chapter 143
Continuation of the previous chapter, again Yuta says here “That looks painful.”
Indicates that Yuta’s RCT is potent enough to be able to heal poison, which is no easy feat. Recall Uraume was not able to heal, or had difficulty healing the poison from Choso’s body, despite knowing RCT themself; young Gojo also mentioned it would take some time for him to be able to distinguish the composition of poisons himself too.
Great symbolism here. Jin’s name is written with the same kanji as that of Yuji’s (悠仁), so he basically named Yuji after himself. Also, the flower in the background is the flower “itadori,” their last name. Read more about meaning of Yuji Itadori’s name here.
Wasuke more specifically uses 叶う (kanau, to wish, to hope for) here, giving the attempt to have a child a much stronger attachment. Like a wish that didn’t come true.
“I know you wanted a child with Kaori but that wish didn’t come true.”
Yuji’s “father” whom Choso mentioned to have stitches actually turned out to be his mother.
Satoru uses 予感 (yokan), which is closer to “premonition, hunch” instead of 感 (kan) which is closer to “feeling.” And he wants Yuta to take care of the students, but the meaning of the gesture doesn’t change much.
“I got a bad hunch. I want you [Yuta] to take care of the current first & second years if something happens to me.”
Yuta uses 女性関係 (josei kankei), which means “relationships/issues with women,” not necessarily “getting a girlfriend.” There’s also a pause where Satoru is processing what Yuta just said.
“If anything happens [to Satoru]... is it trouble with women?
… Yuta, you’ve learned how to tell jokes, huh.
No, I just can’t imagine “something” happening to Gojo-sensei.”
Yuta: “It seems he doesn’t want to see you.”
Yuta uses 背負う (seou) here which means “to bear responsibility/burden for” in both his first & second line. The way Viz translates it is kind of inconsistent.
“I, too, once carried a power I couldn’t handle.
I thought I was forced to carry this power, but I had invited it upon myself.
But you’re different. The power you carry isn’t your own power.”
Yuta says here 悪くない (warukunai), which literally means “aren’t a bad [person]” but given the context of his previous line & what Yuji says next, it’s fine to interpret it to mean “blame.”
Second panel is not quite right. Here Yuji says “俺は…人を” which means:
“I… to people…”
It is implied that he’s talking about him killing people. And it connects with what he says to Megumi here.
This is an okay translation, but just wanted to elaborate a little more on what Megumi says here. A more accurate translation:
“It’s because no person who can judge our true value exists,
that we must continue to prove the meaning of our existence.”
Megumi isn’t really begging. 頼む (tanomu) means closer to “I’m asking/relying on you for your help.”
Here we start the “Culling Games!” Of course, that’s not what 死滅海遊 (shimetsu kaiyu) literally means, so an explanation follows.
“Shimetsu kaiyu” can be literally translated to “annihilation migration.” The participants are the 泳者 (oyosha, lit. swimmers), but the Furigana reading is “player.” The idea in the name of the event & its players is actually a reference to a phenomenon in real life: “shimetsu kaiyu” is a term used to describe a fish migration pattern where ocean currents influence fish to migrate to previously uninhabitable areas, & those fish that cannot adapt or respond to the new ocean environment (e.g. temperature) will die. Read more about it here.
And for that reason, it is exactly why the kanji for “players” is “swimmer.” The idea of the Culling game is to evoke the imagery of its participants as “fish” that “swim” around their colonies trying to adapt (i.e. not get killed). They are managed by a 管理者 (kanrisha, lit. manager/supervisor/warden) whose Furigana reading is “Game master.”
Personal opinion: the name “Culling game” is actually a very clever one (not to mention it sounds cool). It exactly describes the nature of the game where players will die (get culled) if they don’t adapt to their new environment (if their points don’t change after 19 days, Rule 8).
Chapter 144
Again, not begging, but rather “asking/relying for help/assistance.”
Callback to his grandfather’s (Wasuke’s) words on his deathbed. However, the part here that’s only shown is actually 人を助けろ (help people). The “You’re a strong kid” part was said but not included in the above & was probably added only to provide some context to the reader.
Also it doesn’t seem to be a curse in the negative sense, just like Nanami’s last words. So far, Yuji hasn’t been “cursed” in the sense of performing or conducting something detrimental.
Yuta’s second line is completely off & wrong. He uses 死力を尽くす where 死力 (all-out effort, maximum effort) has the Furigana reading “best”:
“Understood.
I’ll give it my best (all-out effort).”
The concealing part should be in quotation marks. Also 隠す (kakusu) means closer to “hiding.”
“The problem is Master Tengen’s “hiding” barrier.”
Should be “that ‘hiding/concealing’ barrier.”
Furigana alert: Viz has Choso say death painting womb, but it should be read as “us” (おれたち, oretachi), with death painting womb being the kanji.
“Mahito once stole Sukuna’s fingers and us (death painting wombs), right?”
This entire dialogue needs a revision because:
- It’s not that RCT leaves a mark as part of the technique, the marks are there in the first place.
- Sasuga -> “expect nothing less” is too much of a stretch, like Yuki anticipated it (if I had a dime for every time “shikatanai” was translated into “it can’t be helped,” I’d be beating inflation right now).
- Yuki was speaking in more general terms when describing what saved Maki’s life, she was talking about 生死 (seishi), or “matter of life or death.”
- There is no business implied of the sort (like politics or inheritance, etc.), she was just referring to the head himself.
- Not sure how Viz got “I wasn’t going for it” from Maki’s statement. She said she wasn’t trying to compete (競う, kisou) with regards to what Yuki said, presumably between herself & Naobito’s durability/survival.
Revised dialogue:
“Yuki: Those burn scars are understandable, since marks remain even from reversed cursed technique.
But that’s Heavenly Restriction’s physical gift for you.
At the end of it all, it wasn’t cursed tolerance, but rather inborn physical durability that decided the course of life or death.
It’s too bad about the head himself.
Maki: It’s not like I was trying to compete or anything though.”
Yuki actually uses English here to say “good!!”
We finally get the names of all of Choso’s remaining brothers. And as one would expect, they are all named after the Kusozu paintings depicting the natural phases (相, so) decay of a human corpse: Choso, Eso, Kechizuso (although Akutami uses Kechizu for some reason), etc. The -so in their names does indeed come from the aforementioned. Read more about them here in English.
Choso’s name means “expansion phase,” which is befitting considering that a huge tide of blood could come out of his body.
Yuki uses 歪み (hizumi) here which does mean to get distorted, but just wanted to clarify that this term can be used to denote when things undergo a period of great stress, like an economy undergoing a recession or an ongoing war.
Tengen uses 禪院の子 (Zenin no ko), which although 子 is singular, doesn’t necessarily indicate just one person, especially given the context of Megumi & Maki being present. Thus it should be:
“Children of the Zenin.”
Chapter 150
Naoya says やかましい (yakamashii, lit. noisy, annoying) which is a verb, not a noun. A more accurate translation:
“What the hell? It’s so annoying.”
Furthermore, Ranta addresses Jinichi as “Jinichi-san.” That can be for seniority, but certainly not an honorific for “Master.” I don’t know why Viz would put this as such.
Jinichi and Naoya’s lines in Japanese are supposed to form a complete sentence based on the structure:
Jinichi: “Ogi was…”
Naoya: “Killed by her...?”
“Ton” here in the context of Buddhism means “attaining enlightenment in one’s effort.” Which is somewhat befitting considering what happens next is Maki realizes that the right path she should have chosen was to be falling down the hole with Mai:
“Oh my” doesn’t really do justice to Nobuaki’s surprised remark びっくらぽんだ.”
“This is quite a shock.”
Akutami actually redrew Jinichi for the volume release (right panel), specifically his height, head, and right-hand posture.
Some trivia: The Zenin clan having battle squads such as Kukuru and Hei signify their importance in the Three Great Families as the primary “battle clan,” placing sorcerer ability and power over everything. This fact is emphasized much more in the GIGA Autumn Jump column 2022.
The famous unfinished pages from the serialization (right to left). No, it’s not Ranta’s Cursed Technique warping the pages. Here are the actual pages from Volume 17:
Nobuaki also has an additional line:
“She’s fast…!!
I even guarded with Cursed Energy…!!”
Having/not having a “human heart” is a phrase that is commonly used in Japanese to denote lack of feelings, coldness, apathy, detachment from one’s own humanity, etc. To not have a human heart is to not have any compassion for life either.
Maki’s line in Japanese is also ambiguous: “アイツがもってちまったからな” where アイツ can refer to “that person” (either Mai or Ogi in this case). Viz did well by keeping it ambiguous this way, although their volume release indicates differently:
This is most likely correct, as Maki has referred to Mai in the same manner during the Goodwill Event.
Chapter 151
Japan uses the metric system, so instead of “ounce of cursed energy,” Naoya actually says “milli(gram) of cursed energy.”
Young Naoya’s full shocked face from Volume 17.
Viz left out 側 (lit. side) in this translation:
“The one who stands on their side…”
To overall summarize the main points of Projection sorcery:
- User traces predetermined movements by dividing 1 sec. into 24 frames (1/24 sec. per frame).
- Movements can’t be adjusted once started.
- While CT is activated, anything touched by their palm must follow Rule 1. Otherwise, they get frozen for 1 sec.
- Physics can’t be broken too blatantly, otherwise the user also gets frozen for 1 sec.
- Acceleration limit is predetermined.
- Speed can be continuously stacked.
Maki here says “抱いてやるよ” which does mean to hug, embrace. However, 抱き (to hug) also is an innuendo for sex (or to “fuck” using cruder terms). Alternatively, one can also think of Maki saying:
“I’m going to fuck you up.”
Trivia: I’m an aerodynamicist IRL, so anything related to aerodynamics or fluid mechanics is my expertise. Here, Naoya has surpassed subsonic speed, meaning he is traveling either at or above the speed of sound. On Maki’s left, you can see the sound barrier being broken, meaning he just surpassed the speed of sound (also known as Mach 1). Generally speaking:
Subsonic: Mach number (M) < 1
Sonic: M = 1
Supersonic: 1 < M < 5
Hypersonic: M > 5
More trivia: Shiranui-gata (lit. Shiranui style) is a Sumo wrestling style, one of the two types of yokozuna (highest rank in Sumo) when entering the Sumo ring (土俵, dohyō). It is originally said to have been developed by the 11th yokozuna, Shiranui Dakuemon. It is characterized by opening both arms wide with an aggressive stance. See below:
This misses a subtlety of the explanation, specifically the 1/24 sec. rule:
“The opponent who is touched by Projection Sorcery while it is activated must also create their movements in 1/24 of a sec.”
Maki here uses “違和感” for the strange feeling, something like a “sixth sense,” just as she felt Chojuro activating his CT during the battle with Hei squad. It is also the same phrase (‘uneasiness’ by Viz) used and feeling Toji had back in Ch. 75 during his battle with Satoru (see notes for Ch. 75).
Chapter 173
Reggie here says 道化 which means closer to “clown, jester.”
“Let fate toy with you before you die like a clown.”
Hanezoki on his second line asks a rhetorical question which sounds more threatening to Takaba, translated closer to:
“I’m going home.
You wanna die?”
Takaba’s Cursed Technique “Comedian” has the Kanji 超人 which means literally “Superhuman.”
Megumi actually curses his sister in a more vulgar manner here:
“Shitty sister.”
Cursed energy output here is 呪力出力 (jyuryoku shitsuryoku), which is the same term that Kenjaku used to describe Absolute Mechamaru’s energy blasts (see Ch. 81 notes). Also, Ryu is not a “hotshot” but a 大砲 = cannon:
“A cannon who boasts the highest Cursed Energy output of all players.”
My personal description of CE output and other characteristics of CE is described in this thread: https://twitter.com/Lightning446/status/1605634860642598931
Takako’s surname “Uro” is written as 烏鷺 which means literally “crows & herons,” a metaphor for “black & white” in the game of Shogi. It may also be a reference to her CT Sky Manipulation, related to flying.
Here, Takako is described as the former captain associated with “Toh,” (藤氏, toushi) which is the abbreviated form for the Fujiwara clan. The name “Fujiwara” is not explicitly said here in the Japanese narration either, but rather its abbreviated form.
I understand that there has been a lot of controversy & confusion surrounding this statement, so I want to emphasize here: VIZ is actually CORRECT on this translation.
The statement of interest here is: 五条に次ぐ現代の異能 which translates literally to “next after Gojo in unusual abilities/supernatural powers in the modern era.” The key term is 異能 (inou) which simply means powers/abilities beyond that of normal people. Unique abilities, supernatural abilities, etc. are all proper translation choices.
The alternative translation from fan translations is that Yuta is “a prodigy.” Specifically, they treat the Satoru Gojo comparison as “second in the modern era” and 異能 (which they translate as ‘prodigy’) as two separate clauses.
As far as translation accuracy goes, the fan translation is NOT correct. 異能 doesn’t mean “prodigy” & the 2 clauses are undoubtedly connected (現代の異能).
More thoughts on my thread here:
https://twitter.com/Lightning446/status/1588258172674117633
Chapter 177
Toned down roast. Takako literally says:
“Shut up, you dick shit/scum!!!”
Chapter 178
There are many clarifications and corrections needed here:
“Rika is what Rika Orimoto left behind for Okkotsu after passing on.
A storage for external Cursed Techniques and Cursed Energy.”
The phrase that Akutami uses for Rika Orimoto passing away is 成仏 (joubutsu), which is also a Buddhist term for attaining Enlightenment/Nirvana when dying with no regrets in peace.
VIZ interpreted “外付けの術式” (external CT) and “呪力の備蓄” (CE storage) as two separated terms, hence their translation. However, this doesn’t make as much sense because 1) Yuki confirms that Yuta stores other CTs externally, i.e. not in his brain, 2) he fulfills the Copy condition via Rika and can only use Copied CTs when Rika is on the field, 3) the device-like terminology associated with Yuta’s CT description suggests Rika is like an “external hard drive” for his Copied CTs.
A defense to VIZ’s interpretation is that the Jujutsu Kaisen Fanbook lists “Rika” as Yuta’s CT. However, do note that the Fanbook only goes up to Shibuya Incident arc, and is prefaced with the statement that information is subject to change as the manga progresses.
Chapter 186
There is a crucial mistranslation regarding Kinji’s Domain Expansion here:「押し合いに強く」= “it is strong in a clash [of Domains].” VIZ failed to realize it’s actually a separate clause from the rest of the sentence because 押し合い is often used by Akutami in the context of DE battles.
“In order to make the guaranteed hit of Hakari’s Domain harmless…
…it is powerful in a [Domain] clash, and the activation of his Cursed Technique is also fast.”
Basically, Kinji trades in lethality of his guaranteed-hit for quick activation speed of his CT and strength in Domain clashes.
Chapter 198
Naoya’s Domain Expansion is called 時胞月宮殿 (Jihogekkyuden), which translates literally to Time Cell Moon Palace. The Moon Palace comes from old Chinese legends and is said to be a palace on the moon inhabited by Koga (嫦娥), who in some legends was the Moon Goddess. More info can be found in the Japanese Wikipedia page here.
Furthermore, Naoya’s hand seals represent Gigeiten (伎芸天), Goddess of Performing Arts and Happiness, said to have been born from the hairline of Daijizaiten. Gigeiten was also said to be beautiful and proper, and Naoya as a human was also considered to be attractive.
As the Domain itself is in the shape of a woman’s womb, the motif of Naoya’s Domain is clear: women. Domains often reflect the nature of the person, and given Naoya has expressed misogynistic tendencies in his behavior, for his Domain to be so feminine implies something must have happened to him in the past with regards to women. At the very least, it is quite ironic.
A slight nuance is lost on the second narration box:
“Because Maki and Toji have absolutely no Cursed Energy…
…barrier techniques treat them no different than buildings and such.
Unless an actual structure as the barrier’s exterior shell, like the one Fushiguro showed in Tokyo Colony No. 1, is used…
…or unless the person themselves consents, or willingly invades the barrier…
…Maki cannot be trapped inside a Domain.”
An inconsistency in translation; this is a continutation of the promise Mai asked back in Ch. 149:
“You were able…
…to properly destroy it [all].”
Just wanted to provide a little more clarity. 並ぶ (narabu) can generally mean “to rival, to match, to be as powerful as.” Equal is also acceptable, but might be a little too strict in the definition in English.
鬼人 (kijin) means literally “demonic human,” where the first Kanji is that of Oni, which is a Japanese folktale monster. This is the same type of description used when Choso compared Yuji to a “demon god.” I personally do like “demonic fighter” though, it sounds badass.
Chapter 210
VIZ makes Hana sound like she’s shouting or being indignant, but based on her tone she’s most likely not. The exclamation points are missing, but she still speaks politely such as telling Takaba to “please shut up” (also left out):
“He’s their guide. The traitor.
You just wanted to try saying that. Please shut up.”
Hana made it a statement rather than a question here:
“In fact, it’s more strange that Japan hasn’t thought about this.”
In the ritual part, Angel says 慣らし (narashi) which means closer to a “warm-up, accustomization.” The word ritual fits the context but misses the slight nuance in ‘narashi.’
Megumi says 死滅回遊のデスゲーム = “Culling Game’s Death Game.” It sounds awkward in EN but okay in JP, as 死滅回遊 (shimetsu kaiyu) means literally “Annihilation Migration” (see Ch. 141 notes).
Angel just simply says “no.” This one’s a little nitpicky, but Angel’s blunt attitude is more clear here. It’s a clear firm “no” about preservation of herself/Hana instead of a roundabout response that VIZ used to imply she was talking about the CG merging.
Yuji simply responds with だから何だよ in both instances:
“So… what?
SO… WHAT?”
A defiant proclamation that no further reason is needed to save a life.
VIZ misses the curt tone in Yuji’s first line due to cutting the auxiliary verb short (すんな). VIZ then misses the plural directed at Angel in his 2nd line:
“Don’t boss us around. I don’t trust any of you.”
Here Yuji was passing off his true feelings & Megumi was trying to logically guess what Yuji meant, only to find out he actually DID mean that to Hana.
Yuji: “Is that so?”
Megumi: “Everything else aside… by ‘any of you,’ you meant Sukuna and Angel, right?”
This might be an instance where a literal translation isn’t always best; JP is an expressive language but this doesn’t go well in EN, as “fate is all” makes little sense.
Also, Hana uses 巡り合う for “meeting again” but that translation doesn’t do the line justice in my opinion. ‘Meguriau’ means a chance encounter but is primarily used as a romantic term when someone is searching or waiting for a certain special person and finally meets them after a long time. A fuller explanation here:
https://twitter.com/Lightning446/status/1617222302713929730
“Everything is due to fate. I kept believing that our paths would someday cross again…”
“This is unpleasant/disgusting/discomforting.”
The “either way” is extra, but might’ve been added to help transition the random skip from the Yuji vs. Angel argument to this panel. I think Angel clearly refers to the dead body/curse, but might also refer to Yuji’s proposal.
Chapter 215
The second line is misleading; its nuance is that the ability to control Megumi’s body isn’t as bad as the Cursed Energy drop when he uses his Cursed Technique:
“There are some irregularities, but my CE output is falling below 10%…
It doesn't go as far as hindering my movements in this vessel, but…”
Sukuna uses more sophisticated wording for his wrong assumption about Maki:
“I don’t see damage from [Nue]... So she wasn’t a woman who could be crudely culled out…”
Yuji’s line is also botched:
“This guy won’t die even if you kill him!”
VIZ added an extra layer of meaning to the original dialogue – that the duo must go all-out – which is weird since Maki recites Yuji’s literal exact words next up.
Maki: I feel freaking uneasy about having a battle with someone as powerful having Megumi’s face.
Even if he won’t die, can he heal from wounds inflicted by my Split Soul Katana using Reversed Cursed Technique…?
Yuji.
For now, our goal is to capture that even if we kill him, right?
Yuji: Yes.
Maki: Is it okay if I go faster?
Yuji: Yes!!
As I mentioned earlier, Maki recites Yuji’s hazy but short summary; she says “capture,” not stop; and she also mentions RCT, which VIZ seems to have missed. Also, Yuji says 押忍 (osu) twice, responding in the affirmative instead of yes then no. We saw a similar phrasing being altered back in Ch. 210 when Yuji was arguing with Angel.
Sukuna says the “CE output towards his CT,” not his CE output in general:
“Probably when I try to hurt his comrades, this body strongly resists me and drops my Cursed Technique’s Cursed Energy output. In that case…”
Note: From this statement, he is referring to when: 1) he attacks, 2) it specifically affects his CT. We saw this earlier at the start of the chapter too, implying his CE output drop is only/mainly with regards to his CT, not necessarily his general usage of it (e.g. CE reinforcement).
Some trivia: Sukuna in response to Uraume is literally:
“As always, your hands help reach that sweet/right spot for me.”
which VIZ translates to “you attend to every detail.” The meaning comes from an idiom for scratching someone else’s back (e.g. at a bathhouse). Often used as a compliment towards secretaries and assistants.
Sukuna: He’s so pitiful.
Hey, there we go! It's just like [that] Harima[‘s]!!
Uraume: Pfft. That’s true… especially around the mouth.
Sukuna: They look the same, right?!
An ambiguous line and VIZ decided to go for one interpretation of it. This may actually be correct, since the alternative interpretation Harima Province wasn’t established until the 7th century, long after the Heian Era. But the current fact is that we as of now do not know who or what they’re referring to for sure.
Chapter 234
A more accurate translation:
Kinji: Calm down, Okkotsu. Kashimo is right in this case.
Gojo would only accept our intervention if he gets weaker than the likes of you or me.
Yuta: Shouldn’t it be on a case-by-case basis? Sukuna’s Domain is now sealed.
Rika and I would definitely be of use against the two Shikigami.
Maki: If anyone’s going out, it’s me! (Hajime: Fuck you!)
Don’t forget your role.
If you get defeated, we lose a lot of our insurance.
A couple of main differences: Kinji uses the particle や which implies the list is not exhaustive (e.g. Maki, one of the main force). Maki uses いくつ which generally means “some/a lot/most,” and rarely “all” if ever. Also, Hajime’s retort should be vehemently harsh and rude.
Yuta: So you’re saying we shouldn’t provoke him?
Atsuyu: Right. That monster Uraume or whatever is also on standby.
Sukuna, who can’t afford to go all-out, is facing Gojo who is unhindered at full power.
The current situation has our best chances of winning.
纏いなしの全力 = unhindered at full power/fully exerted/going at his best.
“Mahoraga… you dare keep me waiting? What I want to see is not this.
You don’t belong to Megumi Fushiguro anymore; you are now my Shadow.
Enchant me!”
The last line is the same thing Sukuna told Megumi in Ch. 9 and Ch. 118.
Chapter 235
Note: Satoru’s “Voltage” increase/ramp-up parallels the “Potential” increase associated with pulling off a Black Flash. In fact, from electromagnetism, voltage is synonymous with potential difference. This also ties back to Satoru’s analogy of Cursed Energy as “electricity” and Cursed Technique as “electronics.”
Essentially, Gojo’s 潜在能力 (latent ability, read as potential in JP) is at 120% or perhaps more.
VIZ implies that Blue is independent of Satoru’s control. A more accurate translation:
“Beyond the Red that Gojo had released…
…is the continuation of Blue after crushing Agito.”
It’s not that it kept going by itself; Satoru just didn’t deactivate it.
Note: This might be a reference to Kenjaku’s statement about Satoru back in Ch. 84. Satoru can exert his full power when he is alone by himself.
“If I don’t direct it, then I’ll get caught in the unrestrained Purple too…
…with a difference in our amount of damage.
Maybe it’s huge because it used my own Cursed Energy .
The result was good.”
Note: Just an interesting translation note, but this is the second time a sorcerer has said to “ad-lib” (アドリブ) an attack. First time was Kenjaku using his own body as a Domain to strengthen Anti-Gravity system.