Jujutsu Kaisen: Top 7 worst translation errors
CrunchyrollJujutsu Kaisen has several translation errors that change the narrative – here are some of the worst of them.
Jujutsu Kaisen manga is currently in its final stretch, featuring the battle against the strongest. The story is complex enough as it is. However, continuous translation errors change the meanings of the scenes and powers entirely.
Although translation errors aren’t rare in the industry, Jujutsu Kaisen fans are not happy about these regular mistakes. They often tag the official account of Viz Media on X/Twitter, requesting them to change the translator responsible. Viz rarely alters the Jujutsu Kaisen translation errors. For example, Gojo’s iconic quote before the battle of the strongest (Chapter 221) simply said “No” before.
However, after fans’ appeal, they corrected it to “Nah, I’d win.” Nonetheless, the blunders became more profound after the series got even more popular with the second season of the anime. And it’s probably not possible to fix everything, but it sure changes the narrative to some extent. Here are some of the worst Jujutsu Kaisen translation errors. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Chapter 226
Manga PlusError: “With regard to cursed technique, I’m overwhelmingly stronger.”
Correction: “When it comes down to it, my Limitless is far better.”
The battle of the strongest is the most important fight of the series, which ends with Gojo’s defeat. During the clash of Domains, Gojo declares he’s overwhelmingly stronger. Then, in Chapter 236, he says that Sukuna didn’t even use a fraction of his powers to defeat him.
In fact, Gojo never once believed that he was overwhelmingly stronger than the King of Curses. The real meaning behind this scene is lost in translation. Gojo only feels glad about having Limitless, which he can use to get an upper hand against Sukuna. Limitless allows Gojo to use “Infinity,” which is actually a big challenge for his enemies, even Sukuna. Sukuna uses Mahoraga’s adaptability to counterattack Gojo’s trump card.
Chapter 245
Manga PlusError: “She froze the water pipes so they’d rupture.”
Correction: “They froze the water pipes, causing them to rupture.”
Uraume is one the reincarnated ancient sorcerers. During the Heian Era, the golden age of Jujutsu, they were Sukuna’s subordinate and the only person who was seen near the King of Curses. The debate regarding Uraume’s gender has been going on for a while now.
Although Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 25 reveals that Uraume is reincarnated in the body of Shiori Himi (a woman) that doesn’t specify their gender. Uraume is still referred as they/them. Hence, it’s not really appropriate to use the pronoun “she” for this character. Many theories suggest they’re either non-binary or genderqueer, but the series has never confirmed anything.
Chapter 245
Manga PlusError: “The mass murder in Shinjuku…”
Correction: “The mass murder in Shibuya…”
The Shibuya Incident is by far the most tragic incident in modern Japan, not only for the Jujutsu world, but for Tokyo as well. After all, Sukuna’s infamous genocide destroyed a large part of the Shibuya ward, killing thousands in the process. At that time, Sukuna was fighting Mahoraga, who can adapt to any technique.
Thus, Sukuna uses large-scale techniques along with Domain Expansion. Mahoraga is defeated, but the entire Shibuya ward is also destroyed. However, in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 245, the translation says “Shinjuku” instead of “Shibuya,” thereby changing the narrative. Shinjuku is the place where they sorcerers are currently fighting the King of Curses.
Chapter 247
Manga PlusError: “I was extremely careful that Malevolent Shrine’s adaptation up to that point was interrupted and not nullified.”
Correction: “I was extremely careful that Mahoraga’s adaptation up to that point was interrupted and not nullified.”
The battle of the strongest, Gojo vs Sukuna is the most important fight of the series. The fight went on for months, only ending with Gojo’s death. The King of Curses was too much for even the great Satoru Gojo. However, there’s one thing Sukuna struggled with, and it’s Gojo’s Infinity. He possessed Megumi’s body just to use Mahoraga against Gojo.
With Mahoraga’s adaptability, Sukuna could pass through Gojo’s Infinity. However, Chapter 247 features Sukuna’s inner monologue reading “Malevolent Shrine’s” adaptation. Malevolent Shrine is his Domain Expansion, so it can’t be the right term to use here. Even in the Japanese text, it’s clearly stated ‘魔虚羅の適応が,’ which translates to Mahoraga’s Adaptation.
Chapter 247
Manga PlusError: “That’s what you should do.”
Correction: “That’s fine.”
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247 forces Yuji to relive his trauma as he watches Higuruma die. From Higuruma’s expression to his final words, everything parallels Kento Nanami’s death. What’s more, after Higuruma’s death, Yuji again reassures himself of being a Jujutsu sorcerer, the same way he did in Chapter 121. The only difference is that unlike Nanami’s death, Higurma’s sacrifice was planned from the beginning.
Higuruma wanted to fulfill his role, even it meant his death. During his final moments, Higuruma entrusts his Executioner’s Sword to Yuji and says “That’s what you should do.” However, in Japanese version, his final words are “それでいい” which translates to “That’s fine.” Some unofficial translations claim it’s “I’ve done what I can,” which also fits better in this situation.
Chapter 248
Manga PlusError: “He died but I lost Supreme Martial Solution.”
Correction: “He died but I lost Kamutoke.”
Higurama’s Domain forces his opponents inside a courtroom where his Shikigami, “Judgeman” passes judgment on his enemies. Guilty for mass murder and countless other crimes, Sukuna faces death penalty and confiscation of Kamutoke.
If Sukuna didn’t have Kamuto, then Higuruma could’ve easily consificated Sukuna’s Cursed Technique. However, in Chapter 248, after Higuruma dies, Sukuna thinks about losing Kamutoke. However, the official translation says “Supreme Martial Solution” instead “Kamutoke.” It’s not just this time, but Viz actually calls this cursed tool Supreme Martial Solution, which makes several fans unhappy.
Chapter 248
Manga PlusError: “Two souls were inhabiting the same flesh. I come back… no matter how many times he or his spirit breaks.”
Correction: “Our souls were forced to coexist in the same body. No matter how many times I break him or his soul, he’ll get right back up.”
While fighting Yuji, Sukuna gets annoyed that he cannot break Yuji’s spirit. He is also irritated at the notion that someone like Yuji is standing up to him. The King of Curses realizes that no matter how many times he breaks Yuji’s spirit, the latter will get back on his feet and continue fighting.
He says that he knows Yuji too well since his soul existed in his body. However, the official translation messes up the monologue and makes it difficult to follow by using workds like “flesh” instead of “body.” It also says “I come back,” implying that Sukuna is talking about himself (which he isn’t).
