Interview with Junichi Suwabe on Episode 17 of "Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 2

Q: Could you share your impression of the "Shibuya Incident" after reading the original manga and script?

A: "It's an incredibly intense development. It's a major turning point for the story. I thought that it would require a tremendous amount of energy from both the production staff and the cast to depict it in the anime."

Q: Sukuna makes his return to the TV series after three years, just like Itadori and the first-year students.

A: "As many of you may know, Sukuna didn't have many appearances in the first season (laughs). I was happy to be able to play a significant role in the main story again after a long time."

Q: What impression do you have of the character Sukuna?

A: "I found him to be a very challenging character. Even before the anime was announced, I had been reading the original work in serial form, but I didn't have a clear image of Sukuna's voice... I struggled a lot during the audition. But since I couldn't find an answer by worrying about it, I decided to go for it, and it worked out (laughs). However, I was very anxious until the anime started airing because the expectations for the anime were high. Especially, I wasn't sure if I had managed to match the image of Sukuna that the fans of the original work had. After the airing, I was relieved to see many positive reactions."

Q: How did you perceive the role of Sukuna and how did you decide to play him?

A: "Since the character has many elements that are not clearly revealed, it's quite difficult to fully understand him. I've been trying to interpret and play him while making my image of the character more concrete by thoroughly reading the original work. However, I still don't know if my interpretation is correct... It's really a difficult role to play."

Q: The promotional video for the "Shibuya Incident" has been released. What are your thoughts after seeing it?

A: "It finally arrived. At the stage of recording, the animation wasn't complete yet, so I was really looking forward to seeing the finished episode. Like the first season, the anime adds a lot of interest by filling in between the panels drawn in the manga and presenting the same scenes from different perspectives, especially the powerful battle scenes. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turned out."

Q: Episode 40 featured a battle with Jogo. Can you share your thoughts and highlights after recording?

A: "The battle unfolds very speedily. Although Sukuna is an overwhelmingly strong character, which means almost no action ad-libs... It seemed tough for Jogo (laughs)."

Q: There's a scene where Sukuna says to Jogo, "Be proud. You are strong." How did you feel performing this scene?

A: "I deliberately choose not to say what Sukuna might have been thinking when he said those words. Of course, I have my own interpretation, but I don't want to lead the viewers' interpretation. I leave it to your imagination. However, Jogo was crying, so I think there must have been something very touching for him. I hope at least that much comes across."

Q: With the first season having dispersed recordings, the second season has gradually returned to the normal format. Does having the other actors present change your performance?

A: "For Sukuna, there aren't many instances where his emotional state significantly changes based on what others say. In the scenes I've played so far, interacting hasn't really affected my expression."

Q: As the "Shibuya Incident" approaches its climax, do you have a message for the viewers?

A: "I believe those watching can feel the high energy with which this work is produced. The 'Shibuya Incident' is an episode that contains very important elements that will affect future developments, so please make sure not to miss it until the end. I appreciate your continued support!"

"Jujutsu Kaisen" is a dark fantasy based on the manga of the same name serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" since March 2018. It follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he steps into a world of battle centered around curses after a powerful "cursed object" is unsealed. The manga has surpassed 80 million copies in circulation, with the anime adaptation airing from October 2020 to March 2021 and gaining popularity, leading to a movie adaptation in December 2021 and the ongoing second season since July 2023.

Episode 41 Synopsis

After sustaining severe injuries in battle with Jogo, Fushiguro is caught off guard and attacked by Chojuro, putting him in a critical condition. With heavy steps, Fushiguro desperately moves forward. Reaching the wide crossroads of Dogenzaka, he invokes a specific Shikigami using his "Ten Shadows Technique".