2nd Page The final interview project for the "Jujutsu Kaisen" Movie Compilation Edition features Tatsuya Kitani! He shares his thoughts imbued in the theme song and impressions of the work. | ANIME NEWS

—While creating or singing the song, what aspects of the series were particularly important to you in your creative process?

I wanted the impression listeners get from this version of the song to feel entirely different from the original. For that reason, both the arrangement and my vocal approach are markedly different. However, I was careful not to make it feel out of place within the world of the series, so even as I changed the song, I made sure not to break the atmosphere of the work.

—The latest trailer already features the newly arranged "Ao no Sumika (Acoustic ver.)." What was your impression after watching the trailer together with this version?

Although the scenes were ones I had already seen in the anime, I was amazed at how much your impression could change! "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" itself has always felt strange and nuanced: at a glance, it seems like a refreshing youth story, but delving into the worldview reveals deep sorrow. The original "Ao no Sumika," created as an opening theme, bore the energy and freshness that gave a strong, invigorating impression. In contrast, this Acoustic version leans into a more bittersweet and sad feeling, so with just these two versions, it seems as if the story of "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" has gained even more depth and complexity.

—What is your overall impression of Jujutsu Kaisen and do you have any favorite characters?

Overall, I think the series possesses “darkness,” but it feels more like the darkness of humanity rather than its setting. If you trace back the causes of events, they connect to things we deal with in contemporary life. It’s a fantasy story, but with realistic aspects, and the human depictions—which support those realistic elements—are so carefully crafted, which, I think, makes the story compelling and credible.

Precisely because it portrays such human darkness, I am drawn to characters who embody human goodness. Personally, I like Panda and Choso. They may be a little bit annoying, but they are warm-hearted and come across as good senpai. Even though Panda is a Cursed Corpse and Choso is a vessel for a Cursed Object, I feel they are the characters that exude the most human warmth to me (laughs).

—Could you share a message with everyone looking forward to the Movie Compilation Edition’s release?

The footage is the same as what was shown in the TV anime, but because it has been re-edited, I believe the atmosphere feels entirely different. Also, by viewing what was originally divided into five episodes in one sitting, the aftertaste of the story should also feel different. Even if you’ve already watched "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" in the anime and know the ending, I’m sure you will discover something new. With "Ao no Sumika" in its Acoustic version, you’ll also see a different side of the work. I think you’ll notice a deeper dimension compared to the anime version, so I hope you’ll revisit the story of "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" with a fresh perspective. I want to experience that feeling myself when I go to see the movie in theaters.