The theatrical compilation film Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, which condenses all five episodes of the second season arc “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death,” premiered nationwide in Japan on the 30th. Takahiro Sakurai, who continues to voice the character Suguru Geto from the TV anime, spoke in a special interview about the character’s appeal and his memories from the recording sessions.

Interview Part 2

This film compiles the “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc from the 2023 second season of the anime. The soundtrack has been remixed in 5.1-channel surround sound to match the theater setting, with several tracks rearranged for the big screen. Additionally, the opening theme from the TV series has been reimagined into an acoustic version, “Ao no Sumika (Acoustic ver.)” by Tatsuya Kitani, which now serves as the film’s theme song.

Interview

— The “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death” arc stood out as it depicted Geto’s transformation in his past. Reflecting on that time, what did you focus on while recording?

Sakurai:
Since the anime progresses in a non-linear fashion—from Season 1, to Jujutsu Kaisen 0, then rewinding to Season 2's “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death”—it was important not to overthink things despite already knowing what lies ahead. I wanted to simply portray Geto’s youth during his student days as naturally as possible. He was the version of Geto I most wanted to play—before he became a more complicated figure. Though he carried inner burdens and loneliness, I hoped to convey the atmosphere of youth and high school life with the rest of the cast. That ambiance was what I wanted to preserve in my performance.

— When you say it was the version of Geto you most wanted to play, do you mean his pure side?

Sakurai:
Exactly. Things become more complicated later on. So I focused on expressing his youth and immaturity—like when he and Gojo would proclaim, “We are the strongest,” only to be called “idiots” or “trash” by Shoko. It was a childish yet beautiful time. The complexities that follow are certainly engaging from a performance standpoint, but this part of the story allowed me to approach it with a more unadorned mindset, making it very special to me.

— What do you think is Geto’s most attractive quality?

Sakurai:
Hmm… I think he’s just really cool. That may sound simplistic, but he’s kind, and there’s a strange allure to him. Especially during his time at Jujutsu High, his dynamic with Gojo stands out—Geto being the rational one who reins in the more reckless Gojo. Their partnership has a unique charm. Despite that, they still call themselves the “strongest,” acting like mischievous kids. That brightness and sparkle stem from their youth and inexperience, and that era where they formed something together as a group brings a kind of nostalgic sadness. He wasn’t someone who stood alone. So if I were to explain his appeal, I’d say it’s his kindness, his thoughtfulness, his selflessness—how he often puts others before himself. You can tell from where his gaze lands—on Gojo, or on Riko Amanai. That’s where his beauty shines through.

— That kindness creates a stark contrast with how his life unfolds later.

Sakurai:
Yes. Even though he eventually strays, I don’t think his core values changed all that much. He believed in protecting non-sorcerers with jujutsu. Though the incident with Nanako and Mimiko changed his perception—making sorcerers the ones in need of protection—his fundamental ideals remained intact. He simply chose a different path. While his position shifted drastically, his core motivations might not have. In that sense, the people he chose to protect changed, but his desire to protect didn’t.

— Do you have any memorable episodes from the recording sessions?

Sakurai:
The recording process went smoothly, with moments of casual conversation in between. But what really stood out was Takehito Koyasu as Toji Fushiguro—his presence was commanding. Both the role and the man himself were powerful [laughs]. A solitary assassin with no cursed energy, fighting on par with the likes of Gojo—his strength was palpable, and I even heard it was a role Koyasu-san wanted to try. I thought he was perfect for it. His performance conveyed overwhelming strength with an undercurrent of emptiness, which was captivating. There was a fragile beauty to it that left a strong impression.

— Are you usually talkative in the recording studio?

Sakurai:
It depends on the setting, but I’m open if someone starts a conversation [laughs]. Those interactions can help build rhythm and communication, aligning everyone’s moods and motivations in subtle ways—almost like tuning instruments to the same key.

— So it’s about aligning everything to peak at the right moment during recording?

Sakurai:
That’s right. I see it as one of the tools to achieve that balance.

Source : ORICON NEWS