Viz Media Makes Corrections To Latest ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Chapter After Fans Discover Original Localization Ruined A Hype Moment
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Though many a fan were ecstatic to see Saturo Gojo make his long-awaited return in the latest chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen, their excitement quickly gave way to cursed energy after discovering that Viz Media’s English-language localization had ruined one of the series’ more exciting moments.
Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto take the stage on Gege Akutami’s cover page to Juijutsu Kaisen Ch. 77 “Premature Death, Part 2” (2019), Shueisha
The edit in question came in the series’ 221st chapter, ‘Gain and Loss’, which released on April 23rd.
Having been finally set free from Kenjaku’s prison realm after being sealed within for roughly 19 days, Gojo immediately sets out to confront the world’s most evil jutjutsu sorcerer, Kenjaku – who at current is possessing the body of Gojo’s late best friend, Suguru Geto.
Satoru Gojo confronts Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 221 “Gain and Loss” (2023), Shueisha. Words and Art by Gege Akutami via Digital Issue
Eventually, Gojo finds himself on the verge of striking ‘Psuedo-Geto’ only to be interrupted by a Sukuna-possessed-Megumi Fushiguro, who decides to suddenly make good on his previous vow to kill the silver-haired hero.
But before he can follow through, Kenjaku interjects and stops him, reminding him that he must fulfill the terms of their own as-of-yet-unknown binding vow – though it appears to have something to do with Sukuna helping the villain achieve even further levels of power – before killing Gojo.
Honoring this agreement, the King of Curses stands down. Instead, Gojo proposes that the three of them pick things back up on Christmas Eve.
Satoru Gojo sets Showdown date with Sukuna and Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 221 “Gain and Loss” (2023), Shueisha. Words and Art by Gege Akutami via Digital Issue
Amused by what he assumes is his opponent’s arrogance, Kenjaku then asks Gojo, “You don’t expect to lose?”
This prompts Gojo to recall a conversation he had with Itadori Yuuji back in Chapter 3, wherein when asked by his young pupil, “Is [Sukuna] stronger than you, sensei?”, he replied, “Hm…Good question. If Sukuna were to completely regain his power, it might be a little tough.”
Still coming to terms with the world of jujutsu, an unsure Yuuji further questions his teacher, “Would you lose?”, to which Gojo confidently and casually responds, “Nah, I’d win”.
Yuji Itadori has questions for Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen Ch. 3 “For Myself” (2018), Shueisha. Words and art by Gege Akutami.
In the original Japanese release of the chapter, as seen in raw scans provided by fan translator @soukatsu_, Gojo meets Kenjaku’s near-identical question with the same, confident answer he had previously given to Yuuji.
A comparison of Satoru Gojo’s respective responses to Yuji and Psuedo-Geto in the Japanese releases of Ch. 3 “For Myself” and Ch. 221 “Gain and Loss” shows the sorcerer used the near exact same phrasing in both conversations.
However, in Viz Media’s version, Gojo instead offers the more blunt and simple response of “No”.
Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 221 “Gain and Loss” (2023), Shueisha. Words and Art by Gege Akutami via Digital Issue
Following this discovery, upset fans took to social media to voice their frustrations with Viz Media’s mishandling of Gojo’s comeback.
“‘NO’ That’s It? Seriously?” questioned @king_jin_woo. “He’s back after 1000 days & this is how you gonna make it sound like? Viz please stop ruining the important moments with your lazy & dull translations.”
@king_jin_woo via Twitter
“Man least they could do is follow up with their original dialogue,” @babumoshayyy noted, referring to how the original Japanese version reference Gojo and Yuuji’s prior conversation. “Viz can’t do sh!t right.”
@babumoshayyy via Twitter
Comparing Viz Media’s translation of Gojo’s dialogue to those made by fan group TCB Scans – “I’ll win” – and the official French arm of Shueisha’s official Manga Plus service – “Je vais Ganger [I will win]” – @FanDeLuna6 declared, “At least, both (TCB and Manga Moins FR) cooked it better than Viz”.
@FanDeLuna6 via Twitter
In a shocking turn of events, it seems the series’ localization team actually listened to fans’ feedback, as a few days later Gojo’s dialogue was revised to be more in line with mangaka Gege Akumata’s original intention.
As this change was applied to the digital release of the chapter, it remains to be seen which edit Viz Media will use when collecting it in tankobon form.
Satoru Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 221 “Gain and Loss” (2023), Shueisha. Words and Art by Gege Akutami via Digital Issue
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