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 1

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

—This film compiles a key arc from the anime. If you were to create a compilation of your own voice acting career, what title would you give it?

Sakurai:
That’s a great question—and I’ve thought about it a lot. When I first aspired to be a voice actor as a teenager, anime and games were considered “subculture.” Today, that word sounds almost stylish, but back then, it felt more niche and obscure. Now, of course, it's become pop culture, part of the mainstream. I’ve watched that transformation over the years, but for me, the feeling I had back then hasn’t really changed. I still live in the world of subculture—and I love it. So if I had to give my career a title, it might be something like “=Subculture.”

—That’s quite a stylish title.

Sakurai:
Isn’t it? [laughs] There was a time when people only recognized me if I went to Akihabara, but now I might get recognized at places like Lumine in Shinjuku. Times have clearly changed. What was once for a select few is now something everyone enjoys. But the feeling I had in my teens—that anime was something personal—still lives in me. Now that it’s become my profession, I’ve come to see it from different angles, but that original sentiment hasn’t disappeared. It’s just coexisting with the present.
People often ask me, “Don’t your roles blend together?” or “Is it hard to detach from your characters?” But I’ve never experienced that. I don’t over-identify with my roles. I completely separate them. It’s not like downloading—I think of it as streaming. Like having an app ready to go and just connecting when I need to. That’s how I approach it.

—This arc features charming scenes of student camaraderie. What kind of moments make you think, “This is nice,” in your own life?

Sakurai:
Recently, it’s when I’m day drinking. I have a friend, a bar owner, and we go bar-hopping during the day. For example, we’ll go to a soba restaurant, sip some sake with appetizers, then finish with noodles—starting all that in the afternoon. When I was younger, it felt a bit rebellious, but now it’s more about enjoying a relaxing, indulgent time. I treasure those moments.

—Sounds like nourishment for the soul. Is it also a way to relieve stress?

Sakurai:
I have other stress relief methods—like just taking a bath or doing a bit of shopping. I keep my ways of unwinding simple and within easy reach. Alcohol might be one, but I also enjoy watching movies or eating junk food. I like those small indulgences. If you make stress relief into something big—like needing to climb a mountain—it becomes exhausting. Stress is everywhere these days, so I think it’s best to have many casual ways to cope with it.

—A new “Jujusanpo” mini-anime was recorded to accompany the theatrical release. Can you tell us about it?

Sakurai:
It’s a short scene showing a slice of everyday life from their student days—something not depicted in the main story. For viewers familiar with the TV series, it will be a touching addition that makes you think, “Ah, so this kind of moment happened, too.” It ties in nicely with the film, and the dynamic between the three characters is captured well. It's short, but I found myself thinking, “They’re teasing me again!” [laughs] It adds depth and contrast to the film. I think it was a smart creative decision.

—How was the recording session? It must’ve been a while since you three recorded together.

Sakurai:
We didn’t have to coordinate anything special. Once we were in the booth, it just clicked. We made minor adjustments here and there, but overall, it was a joy.

—Finally, do you have a message for the readers?

Sakurai:
With this theatrical cut, the opening monologue by Geto really stands out. For first-time viewers, it gives the impression that this is his story. By watching the story in one go, you’ll pick up on things you might have missed in the TV broadcast—emotional beats, plot details—and it may even change how you view the characters. I hope everyone can enjoy it on the big screen with immersive sound.

Source : ORICON NEWS