English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen “Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event – Group Battle 1 -“

Overview: During the exchange event, the students of the Kyoto school plot to kill Itadori (Adam McArthur), but he’s not alone as the Tokyo school steps in to help the new jujutsu sorcerer. 

Our Take: Todo vs. Yuji is more than likely the matchup most have been salivating for due to their respective personalities and fighting styles no doubt. And it’s because of those reasons that their introduction to one another and the beginning of their battle pays off so well. Ever since Todo asked Fushigoro about his ideal woman, you knew Itadori was the ideal candidate to have that fated question posed to him, especially considering how he’s made his tastes in women known. Man, did this episode not disappoint in the slightest. The Jennifer Lawrence comment volunteers as tribute (I’m here all night folks) and not only perfectly encapsulates Yuji’s personality but also how good friends they’d be. Or in Todo’s eyes, already are, as he recollects a “memory” (some may call delusion) with him and Yuji in high school. The distorted down to earth way that Todo views their “relationship” is what makes it so entertaining. Not just that but the little touches go a long way in making even more ridiculously funny like the change in the aspect ratio or how his idol Takada is his high school crush. All this marinates to make Todo, an already imposing threat, a good comedic relief as well. Also their fight was one I quite enjoyed due to how it differs so much from ones we’ve gotten thus far in the series. This bout is much more focused on close quarters, hand-to-hand combat than that of the usual cursed technique spectacles up to this point. Very befitting and interesting to watch not only because of the smooth animation with simple, more subtler movements but also to see Jujutsu Kaisen offer some variety in how it proceeds with showdowns. 

The other significant subject of this episode is the plot to kill Yuji from the Kyoto school. It does, however, feel weirdly abandoned in this particular episode. While technically left to Todo and his buff biceps, the logic in giving it to him is odd considering his disposition towards the assassination. It’s understandable that the Kyoto students wouldn’t want to piss him off but still begs the question: why formally leave it to him in the first place? Although this is a very minor gripe in the grand scheme of things as it does come into play throughout the next few chapters. Episode 15 also nicely sets up all of the battles to come in future episodes, like Miwa against Maki, Megumi squaring off with Kamo and also teases Panda and Nobara’s battles as well. Jujutsu Kaisen keeps the ball rolling with an action packed and hilarious new entry in the school’s first group battle.