Jujutsu Kaisen is well known for cleverly embedding narrative foreshadowing within its anime opening (OP) and ending (ED). In the first season, the OP, titled “Kaikai Kitan,” a coined phrase which translates to “A Mysterious Story that Circles Around,” presents a continuous loop that seamlessly links back to its beginning. This intricate feature sparked a wealth of discussions among fans.
This article will break down the foreshadowing hidden in the opening and ending theme for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2.
A little spoiler warning. Also, very long post.
Analysis of the Opening
1. Song Title | “Ao no Sumika「青の棲家」”
The opening song of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is titled “Ao no Sumika” (The Blue Residence), and the visuals largely follow a blue theme. This color choice Gojo’s left eye color is blue , also relate to a scene in Volume 11 of the manga, where Gojo reflects on his memories with Getou (specifically during the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings Arc), describing it as a “blue spring（青い春）”.
2. Sleeping Gojo
The opening starts with Gojo sleeping, a parallel to the first season opening, which began with Itadori sleeping. This sleeping Gojo could be indicative of the time after the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings Arc (Manga Volume 9) when Itadori, Fushiguro, and Kugisaki wake him up. The chair in which Gojo is seated during the opening appears to be the same as the one from that scene.
3. Silhouette
A figure walking down a corridor can be seen later in the opening, speculated to be Getou after his descent into darkness. The location closely resembles the mansion from the first episode of the second season, where Utaha and others got lost due to the curse that made them repeat the same location, which required two people to leave at the same time.
The solitary figure of Getou here could symbolize his dark fall and his inability to return.
4. Applause
Throughout the opening, there are several shots of clapping hands. This could be hinting at the followers of the Star Religious Group sending applause to Ten’in’s corpse.
The dress code of those clapping appears to align with the followers’ outfits, adding to this possibility.
5. Gojo’s Pose and Title Relation
In the opening, Gojo is seen striking a pose with both hands thrust forward, mirroring the gesture for his technique “Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue”. This might be linked to the overall blue theme of the anime and the OP song “Ao no Sumika”(The Blue Residence).
6. Losing Ticket
There is a scene in the opening where Toji Fushiguro is seen discarding a ticket from a boat race where he bet 300,000 yen. This could be linked to a scene in Volume 8 of the manga where Nanami is stated to be weak at gambling.
His hobby is also listed as gambling in the official fanbook.
Analysis of the Ending
1. Song Title | “Akari「橙」”
The ending theme is titled “Akari” (Lamp). Interestingly, the color scheme here is predominantly orange, which is a complementary color to blue, the primary color used in the opening theme, “Ao no Sumika” (Blue Residence). This contrast between the OP and ED might suggest a thematic dichotomy to be explored in the season.
2. Two Fish
The ED features two fish, which we believe hint towards Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. The fish with blue eyes represents Gojo, while the one with black eyes, which eventually turns entirely black, symbolizes Geto’s descent into darkness.
Furthermore, while Gojo (the blue-eyed fish) chases the black fish with his gaze, Geto (the black-eyed fish) rejects the blue-eyed one by closing its eyes. This could foreshadow the diverging paths and strained relationship between the two.
3. Type of Fish
The fish featured in the ED are likely Betta, also known as fighting fish. These fish are known for their territorial tendencies and, if males are kept together, can fight to the death. This could be a foreshadowing of a future confrontation between Gojo and Geto.
4. The Umbrella
Gojo is seen holding an umbrella in the ED, which could foreshadow his journey to becoming the strongest, at a point where he is still unable to automatically use limitless curses.
5. Flowers
The ED also features four types of flowers. The corresponding Japanese language of flowers suggests they symbolize the following characters:
Ginkgo tree (Longevity & Repose of Souls)→ Shoko Ieiri Zenin, the user of the Reverse Cursed Technique.
Osmanthus (Noble person)→ Satoru Gojo, the one who embodies the phrase “I am the supreme ruler of this world”.
Red Spider Lily (Independence & Sad Memories)→ Suguru Geto, who became a curse user after losing hope in non-sorcerers.
Ixora chinensis (Charming & God’s Gift)→ Riko Amanai, who is a Star Plasma Vessel.
6. Arcade Center
The scene at the arcade center, where Gojo and Kamo are in the foreground playing a fighting game, while Geto, along with others, are in the background, might imply that those in the background are marked for death. Adding to the depth is Gojo winning the game.
7. Geto’s Descent into Darkness
There are numerous visual cues hinting at Geto’s descent into darkness. For instance, there are scenes where the fish inspired by Geto is the only one that disappears, or where among the trio, only Geto’s path forward is darkened. In the final scene, his path diverges from Gojo’s, further foreshadowing his downfall. These scenes are a melancholic hint for viewers, especially for those who are already familiar with Geto’s tragic fate from Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
These are some of the many layers of foreshadowing we’ve noticed in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s OP and ED.
There may well be more that we haven’t caught on to yet. Enjoy discovering them for yourself!
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s OP
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s ED
