Jujutsu Kaisen: An Absurd Mistake Makes Gojo Much Weaker in English than in Japanese
Jujutsu Kaisen fans are not happy, and it is not because of Gege Akutami, the author and creator of the popular manga/series, Jujutsu Kaisen. This time the anger is directed towards John Werry. John Werry, the official translator of Jujutsu Kaisen manga, is under fire again, facing severe backlash from outraged fans. Unfortunately, this is not the first time manga translation problems have surfaced.
This is not the first time John Werry has made an error while translating the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. A change.org petition was started against John Werry in April 2023, which is still open. Meanwhile, the unofficial translations are more accurate than the official ones.
The “Malevolent Shrine’s Adaptation” Controversy
Prior to this, the “Malevolent Shrine’s Adaptation” controversy had wrecked the entire fandom. In Chapter 247 of Jujutsu Kaisen, which features the battle between Sukuna and Higurama, Sukuna’s former monologue reads: “When I activated amplification against Satoru Gojo, I was extremely careful that Malevolent Shrine’s Adaptation up to that point was interrupted and not nullified.” However, the text in the raw chapter means “Mahogara’s Adaptation.”
Another blunder in translation by Viz official translator John Werry
Even tho its clearly stated in original Japanese release that it's
‘魔虚羅の適応が’ ~ ‘Mahoraga's Adaptation’, it somehow got translated into ‘Malevolent Shrine's Adaptation’I hope they correct it soon pic.twitter.com/IGlRGr7K0j
— Myamura (@Go_Jover) January 6, 2024
Sukuna’s Domain Expansion is called the Malevolent Shrine. Mahogara’s ability to adapt to any technique is what drew Sukuna to Megumi, after which he plotted to take over Megumi’s body so that he could defeat Gojo using Mahogara.
Also Read: Jujutsu Kaisen : 10 Reasons Why Yuji Itadori Would Still Be Powerful Without Sukuna!
A disappointed fan commented:
It's not about choice of words and the tone anymore, this is just straight up misinformation and it's happened more than once now. Gojo being able to use Cursed Spirit Manipulation, Malevolent Shrine adapting. Basic knowledge about JJK would tell you this is absolute nonsense.
— Atau Association – #ThankYouGegeAkutami (@AtauAssociation) January 5, 2024
A subreddit, r/Jujutsushi, provides unofficial resources that aim to clarify certain aspects of the manga that can get lost in translation. It comes as no surprise to see a petition to remove John Werry. Clearly, the fans are doing more at this point to keep the Jujutsu Kaisen on the right track than the official translators.
Another Controversial Translation Error Arises
However, the recent blunder is far worse than before as it raises questions about Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen. Chapter 256 of Jujutsu Kaisen is a major turning point as it showcases Yuji Itadori’s awakening.
Also Read: Gojo’s Uncertain Fate Takes Another Hit with a Mysterious Video Right Before Volume 26’s Release
The tension is pretty high, and the story is complex enough on its own. Translation errors only add to the confusion and change the meaning of the story entirely. The chapter starts with Gojo teaching the fundamentals of Black Flash. However, the blunder is right there in the first sentence. In the official translation, Gojo says: “Do you really need me to explain why I can’t use Black Flash? Well, to break things down for you, it’s because of Six Eyes.”
This entire dialogue had the fandom fuming, as it completely contradicts Gojo’s statements in the latter part of the chapter. Not only can he use the Black Flash, but he has also used it the highest number of times before Itadori Yuji breaks his record in Chapter 256.
How ironic it pretty much feels like Gojo’s still with us considering the number of flashbacks, not that I’m complaining about it #JJK256
Handsome, strong, and genius. Gojo explaining Black Flash like it’s a science vibes with him since he's the type to excel at science subjects pic.twitter.com/lxg34ySHa3
— Lightning (@lightningclare) April 8, 2024
The correct translation is: “Why am I not able to hit a Black Flash on command? I’m here thinking about what even makes you think that I can do it in the first place, but I know the answer to that is because of my Six Eyes.”
Viz Media Remains Silent
Although fans often tag Viz Media on X, requesting them to change the translator, there is no response from their end. Meanwhile, fans took to X-
This is the worst translation I’ve ever seen please can’t you change after all the complaints?? 💀💀
— Yassine (@huimoogi) April 7, 2024
At this point, it’s John Werry’s story. Gege has nothing to do with it. 😭😭
— Liz (@__lizyy__) April 7, 2024
Also Read: 10 Jujutsu Kaisen Tattoos To Inspire Fans For Their Next Ink
Viz has only fixed a few errors in the past—only those that attracted an excessive amount of criticism from the fan base. Therefore, it’s unknown when this chapter will be fixed.