Jujutsu Kaisen, based on the popular manga by Gege Akutami, has set itself apart as one of the standouts of 2020's anime roster. The dark series follows Yuuji Itadori, who, after swallowing a cursed rotting finger, becomes enveloped into a world of fiendish Curses and the Jujutsu Sorcerers who combat them. When Itadori inadvertently becomes the vessel for the infamous Sukuna -- King of Curses -- he joins Jujutsu Tech with Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki and Satoru Gojou.
Leading the anime's journey into the macabre is Sunghoo Park, who recently directed another MAPPA project, The God of High School. CBR spoke with Park about his introduction to the horror-fantasy series and how his previous works helped him with Jujutsu Kaisen.
CBR: Jujutsu Kaisen is an incredibly popular manga. How were you first introduced to the series?
SP: I have been asked this question many times, but I first read the manga when I got the offer to direct the anime. I had heard about it as it was very popular in Shonen Jump. I even learned that my daughters were fans of the manga after I accepted the offer!
The series seamlessly blends its action into the darker fantasy of the world. How was it diving into the horror side?
SP: I like dark fantasies as a genre, so it wasn’t very difficult for me to get into the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. Garo - Vanishing Line-, which I previously directed, was also in a similar genre. I think I am good at diving into horror stories.
One of the exciting aspects of the series is its fantastic cast of characters. Who is your favorite Curse and Sorcerer, and why?
SP: If I must pick one, it’d be Hanami. He cares for the planet and wishes to cleanse it. If you listen to his philosophy, you cannot help but agree with him. Atsuko Tanaka is the voice actor for the character and I spontaneously muttered “I’m sorry I am a human” when I heard her line. In Jujutsu Kaisen, even curses are enchanting. Please watch closer to each one of the characters.
You've worked on a variety of projects with MAPPA in the past, including Garo: Vanishing Line, Banana Fish and The God of High School. Was there a particular work or experience that helped you tackle adapting Jujutsu Kaisen?
SP: Frankly speaking, it’s everything. I’m making use of everything I’ve learned in my career to direct this anime. My first work as a director was Garo: Vanishing Line. I definitely had more perspectives directing The God of High School after that. I am fortunate to see my own growth directing Jujutsu Kaisen this time, and am striving to work harder and keep getting better.
Jujutsu Kaisen's first season premiered on October 2nd, with new episodes every Friday on Crunchyroll.
