Jujutsu Kaisen: Do Japanese Fans Hate Maki?

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This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen.

Few action anime have achieved the same level of popularity as Jujutsu Kaisen. Even though it’s a relatively new series, it’s quickly become a global phenomenon. Viewers love the show’s compelling story, memorable characters, and exciting action. As with any popular series, JJK fans have different opinions – some prefer a focus on plot development, while others enjoy more action-packed scenes.

The disagreements don’t end with just different series preferences. Fans often have varying opinions about the same characters, which is normal for a dedicated fanbase. However, these discussions can sometimes become overly negative. This recently happened after the fourth episode of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 aired.

The Maki Controversy In Jujutsu Kaisen

Maki’s Power Increased By A Lot

The latest episode of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 sparked a lot of conversation online. Viewers in Western countries particularly enjoyed the intense action as Maki fought and defeated most of the Zenin clan. While she didn’t initially intend to kill them, Ogi’s actions forced her hand. Ogi, bitter that he wouldn’t become the next head of the clan, tried to regain approval from his peers by harming his own family, including Maki and Mai.

He abandoned his daughters, leaving them near death, and started to leave the treasury. Unbeknownst to him, Mai would give her life to purge the remaining cursed energy from Maki. This dramatically increased Maki’s power, allowing her to defeat Ogi and several other elite assassins from her clan. Immediately after, she was confronted by Naoya Zenin, who believed he was the rightful heir to lead the clan.

Japanese Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Love Naoya Zenin

  • Naoya Zenin has scored high in popularity polls
  • Japanese fans didn’t like Naoya being beaten

The recent backlash started after Maki decisively defeated Naoya in their fight. Before gaining more power, Naoya would have easily won, but Mai’s sacrifice boosted Maki to a level comparable to Toji Fushiguro. It’s surprising, given Naoya’s unpleasant personality and disrespectful behavior towards women, that he consistently ranks high in popularity polls – he was 10th and 6th in the second and third polls, and even climbed to 5th in the fourth. Because Maki defeated such a popular character (according to the polls), the episode received low ratings in Japan. Fans aren’t upset with Maki; they simply have a strong affection for Naoya Zenin. Essentially, Japanese Jujutsu Kaisen fans don’t hate Maki, they just really like Naoya.

Naoya Zenin Is One Of The Worst Characters In Jujutsu Kaisen

Naoya Zenin Has Mistreated Many People

Even without considering his cursed techniques, Naoya Zenin is arguably one of the most despicable characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. He’s actually worse than many of the curse spirits who simply want to cause destruction. You could almost understand someone like Mahito, as he was a curse spirit, but there’s no excusing Naoya. He’s a human who deliberately preyed on those weaker than himself. Interestingly, Koji Yusa, the actor who voiced Naoya, was shocked to discover how popular the character became with fans.

I checked the character popularity polls in the manga, and he’s surprisingly high up on the list. It’s odd, considering how blunt and often harsh he is. I think some people might find it appealing to see a character so freely express their thoughts, even if they’re unpleasant. He’s confident and capable, so he just says whatever’s on his mind. Still, I’m always surprised by what comes out of his mouth. Just to be clear, those are his views, not my own. It’s really strange to me that such a character is so well-liked. — Koji Yusa

Maki decisively defeated the arrogant opponent with a powerful blow. Though Naoya is out of the picture, Maki still faces many urgent challenges. The dangerous Culling Game is approaching, and the heroes need to quickly protect Tsukimi. They also have to free Gojo Satoru from the Prison Realm, as he’s humanity’s strongest defense against curses. This will require convincing Angel to use her ability to break the cursed technique holding him. Meanwhile, Choso and Yuki must remain vigilant, as Kenjaku will likely target Tengen to further his plans.

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2026-01-31 20:36