Jujutsu Kaisen: When a Gambler Faced a God in an Epic Showdown!

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Summary

  • Kashimo represents strength from a bygone era, while Hakari represents the next generation of cursed techniques.
  • Hakari’s unique domain expansion challenges Kashimo’s understanding of strength, drawing out the best of both combatants.
  • This battle marks a high point for the series, blending exciting action, compelling character writing, and tying both back to the central themes.
Title Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game
Director Shota Goshozono
Studio MAPPA
Release Date ?

Note: The ensuing content may reveal key plot points from chapters 185-190 of Jujutsu Kaisen. These chapters can be accessed via VIZ Media.

In this new phrasing, I’ve tried to make it more conversational and easier for a reader to understand the importance of avoiding the content if they prefer not to have spoilers.

Jujutsu Kaisen explores various themes, including the concept of being powerful, the pitfalls of adhering too rigidly to tradition, and the crucial role of the future generation in overcoming such issues. Remarkably, a highly-acclaimed fight sequence from the Culling Game Arc – between Kinji Hakari and Hajime Kashimo – encapsulates all these themes, all while being incredibly thrilling at the same time.

Starting from the concluding moments of Chapter 185, following Panda’s sorrowful loss at Kashimo’s hands, this remarkable battle stands out among many memorable fights in the arc. It’s easy to understand why; the collision of their powers is thrilling and unforeseen, and the fight sequence is powerful and visually stunning – a testament to author Gege Akutami’s talents.

Getting to Know the Contestants

An Old God Seeking New Thrills

In a previous life, Hajime Kashimo was a powerful sorcerer reborn, one of many such magical beings ushered into the modern age in new forms, orchestrated by the villain Kenjaku. Nicknamed the God of Lightning, Kashimo was among the most formidable sorcerers of his era. Having grown tired of combat, he yearned to challenge the strongest being available. Regrettably, that strong individual was Ryomen Sukuna, who had passed away before Kashimo’s time.

As his old body started showing signs of weakness, Kashimo decided to join the Culling Game. This game promised rebirth, and he was determined to confront Sukuna, uncover the essence of strength from him. As soon as the contest commenced, Kashimo ruthlessly eliminated about 40 other participants, dismissing their strength as insufficient. Among them was Panda, whom he dismembered brutally. However, a new adversary emerged: Kinji Hakari.

The Gambling, “Good-For-Nothing” Powerhouse of the New Generation

Hakari is a third-year student at Jujutsu High who had been out of the picture until now, but not without cause. After having a confrontation with a higher-ranking official and physically attacking them, he was expelled from the school. Subsequently, he started an underground fighting arena for sorcerers. His past sheds light on the power struggles within the world of sorcery in this universe.

The traditionalist wing of the Jujutsu guild holds a rigid perspective on dark powers and their application, yet as society/technology advances, so does the form of black magic. Hakari’s ability, which operates similarly to a pinball machine, symbolizes this shift. It may appear unusual and strong, but also threatening due to its uniqueness. Given his evident defiance, he poses a challenge for the conservative faction.

A High-Stakes, Hair-Raising Brawl

Kashimo’s advantage in combat comes from the electric charge of his cursed energy, amplifying his attacks and potentially shocking opponents even if they manage to block a strike. What makes matters worse is that this accumulated electricity can be released as a powerful bolt of lightning, a move that cannot be dodged. Additionally, Kashimo has an inherent ability, but he deliberately refrains from using it during his fight against Hakari, choosing instead to save it for Sukuna.

In contrast, Hakari’s unusual technique isn’t just potent but downright peculiar, given his adversary – the mightiest of bygone eras. Although Hakari’s domain expansion clarifies the rules to an opponent, it feels like trying to explain internet memes to your grandparents when fighting a reincarnated sorcerer with what appears to be a pinball machine. Yet, Kashimo appeared unfazed by such prodigious power.

Essentially, expanding his domain allows Hakari the opportunity to align three identical numbers. If he strikes it rich, he becomes invincible for approximately 4 minutes and 11 seconds, and receives an infinite supply of cursed energy. To top it off, his body automatically executes a reversed cursed technique, regardless of whether he has learned it or not. Not even Kashimo’s lightning strike, which had previously severed Hakari’s arm, could withstand this power for long.

The End of the Lighting God’s Boredom

In a balanced standoff, both individuals are equally thrilled by their contest. By the point where Hakari secures another big win, Kashimo is all smiles from one ear to another, riding the same excitement that Hakari enjoys provoking in others. Hakari’s power lies in the gamble and payoff, as he described it in Chapter 183, “using skill to snatch luck”. His method functions under intricate regulations, whereas Kashimo’s strength is easier to grasp.

In Kashimo’s era, he was considered the strongest due to being the last one standing. His straightforward path to victory clashed with Hakari’s intricate development of cursed energy, but everything shifted when Hakari struck a second lucky blow. Although the regulations prohibit him from killing Hakari for 4 minutes and 11 seconds, Kashimo’s perception of power refuses to comply. Instead, he chooses to disobey the rules, as he believes that Hakari is invincible yet intends to end his life regardless.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Greatest Battle?

In Jujutsu Kaisen, the battle between Hakari and Kashimo isn’t just one of the best fights, but it serves as a potent reminder of the reasons why the series still manages to enthrall viewers despite its flaws becoming increasingly noticeable over time.

This fight is adored for more than just its excellent staging; it’s primarily because of the captivating charm exhibited by the two participants. Even though they were relatively new to the series, they managed to dominate each scene with a charisma that left an indelible impression. If their character traits and objectives weren’t initially evident, they were eloquently expressed with finesse and as crystal-clear as the sunlit sky by the fight’s conclusion.

Due to their unyielding determination and mutual competitive spirit, Hakari and Kashimo rose to be beloved characters by the fans. Their battles aren’t just outstanding in Jujutsu Kaisen, but they serve as a testament to why the series remains compelling despite its growing flaws over time. When this narrative falls short, it does so with impact, but when it excels, it offers an extraordinary payoff.

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2025-04-01 15:24