Jujutsu Kaisen: Akutami shares illness and Oda’s support in manga’s final arc

Gege Akutami, creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, stunned fans by revealing that health issues directly affected the manga’s conclusion, finalized in September 2024. The work, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2018, ended after six years, sparking heated debates over its final battles and fast-paced closure. In a recent statement, Akutami disclosed facing serious health challenges, possibly burnout, during the final stretch, limiting his ability to progress. Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, provided critical support by referring him to a specialized hospital. After recovering, Akutami expressed gratitude by designing cards for One Piece’s TCG game. This revelation sheds light on criticisms of the abrupt ending and underscores the intense pressure mangakas face in weekly publications.

Akutami’s statement offered new context for Jujutsu Kaisen’s ending, which reached 100 million copies sold by 2024. Fans are now discussing how his health may have shaped narrative choices, while awaiting updates on the anime, with its third season slated for 2025.

Gege Akutami’s Message after Drawing the New Gorosei Cards. pic.twitter.com/uoQ2ru1YT8

— Pew (@pewpiece) August 10, 2025

• Key points from the revelation:
  • Akutami faced severe health issues during the final serialization.
  • Eiichiro Oda recommended a hospital that aided his recovery.
  • The rushed final arc may be linked to Akutami’s health struggles.

Fans’ reactions to Akutami’s revelations

The Jujutsu Kaisen community responded with a mix of support and surprise to Akutami’s statements. Many fans, initially critical of the abrupt ending, began reevaluating narrative choices in light of the author’s personal struggles. Across forums and social media, messages of support highlight gratitude for the work’s impact despite challenging circumstances.

Oda’s involvement also drew positive feedback, with readers praising the solidarity among mangakas. The pressure of weekly serialization, notorious for affecting creators’ physical and mental health, resurfaced as a key discussion point. Some fans speculate Akutami suffered burnout from the intense workload, while others suggest more serious, undisclosed conditions.

• Fan sentiments:
  • Gratitude for Akutami’s effort to complete the work under pressure.
  • Admiration for Oda’s support, highlighting bonds in the manga industry.
  • Calls for better working conditions for mangakas.
  • Anticipation for Akutami’s future projects post-recovery.

Weekly serialization’s toll on mangakas’ health

Akutami’s revelation highlights the grueling challenges faced by mangakas at Weekly Shonen Jump, where tight deadlines and high expectations are standard. Weekly serialization demands roughly 20-page chapters, often at the cost of sleep and health. Burnout and physical issues are common, with other mangakas, like Tetsuya Endo of Spy x Family, also reporting health-related breaks.

For Akutami, an unspecified illness halted progress on Jujutsu Kaisen during its critical final arc. Oda’s support, drawing from his own decades-long experience with One Piece, underscores the value of camaraderie among creators. Akutami’s break after chapter 262 in June 2024 was announced due to sudden illness, with full recovery achieved only after specialized treatment.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s cultural impact

Jujutsu Kaisen solidified its status as a global phenomenon, with 100 million copies sold by December 2024, including volumes 29 and 30 released during the holidays. Launched in 2018, the manga blends intense action, complex characters, and a dark tone, captivating readers in Japan and worldwide. In Brazil, Panini publishes the manga, while the anime, produced by MAPPA, is available on Crunchyroll with Portuguese dubbing.

The franchise’s success shone at Jump Festa 2025, where details of the third season, focusing on the Culling Game arc, and a film covering the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc, set for May 30, 2025, were announced. Characters like Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori have driven merchandise sales and collaborations, including skins in games like Fortnite.

• Jujutsu Kaisen’s achievements:
  • 100 million copies sold globally by 2024.
  • Anime with two seasons and a film available on Crunchyroll.
  • Hidden Inventory arc film scheduled for May 2025.
  • Collaborations in games and cultural events like Jump Festa.

Eiichiro Oda’s solidarity and Akutami’s gratitude

Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, played a pivotal role by recommending a hospital that helped Akutami overcome his health crisis. The bond between the two authors reflects the camaraderie in the manga industry, where veterans often support younger creators. Oda, with over 25 years at Shonen Jump, likely drew from his own challenges to assist Akutami.

In gratitude, Akutami designed Five Elders cards for One Piece’s card game, a symbolic gesture strengthening ties between the authors. Even during recovery, Akutami’s dedication to his craft and community shone through. Fans celebrated this collaboration as a standout moment in the industry.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s future and Akutami’s next steps

With the manga concluded, attention shifts to the anime adaptation and Akutami’s potential new projects. The third season, still undated, will adapt the Culling Game arc, while the May 2025 film explores Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto’s past. These projects’ reception will be key to sustaining Jujutsu Kaisen’s legacy, especially after the manga’s divisive ending.

Akutami’s full recovery opens possibilities for new works. Known for his low profile, using a pseudonym and avoiding public appearances, fans are eager for his next move. His experience with Jujutsu Kaisen, marked by success and challenges, may lead to a more balanced project with less deadline pressure.

• Jujutsu Kaisen’s next steps:
  • Third anime season in development for 2025.
  • Hidden Inventory/Premature Death film set for May 2025.
  • Anticipation for Akutami’s new projects post-recovery.
  • Potential creative break before a new manga.

Debate over the ending and narrative criticism

Jujutsu Kaisen’s conclusion divided fans, particularly in Japan, where the final chapter, released on September 30, 2024, was seen as calm by some but underwhelming by others. The lack of detailed Sukuna flashbacks and Gojo’s non-resurrection fueled memes and debates. Akutami’s health revelation provided context, with many attributing the rushed pace to his personal struggles.

Critics noted the final arc prioritized battles over emotional resolutions, but Akutami’s explanation softened some discontent. Despite controversies, the work is celebrated for its originality and cultural impact, remaining a benchmark in the shonen genre.

Akutami’s legacy in the manga industry

Gege Akutami, despite his enigmatic persona, has become a central figure in manga. His narrative style, blending action, humor, and dark themes, redefined modern shonen. Creating iconic characters like Gojo and Sukuna and exploring themes like sacrifice and morality secured Jujutsu Kaisen’s place among Shonen Jump’s greats.

Akutami’s experience also raises questions about the sustainability of weekly serialization. The industry may see changes, with publishers like Shueisha considering more frequent breaks to protect creators’ health. Oda’s support and Akutami’s recovery highlight the need for a more humane system for mangakas.

• Akutami’s contributions:
  • Redefining shonen with complex storytelling.
  • Creating iconic characters like Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori.
  • Sparking debate on mental health and working conditions in manga.
  • Collaboration with Oda, symbolizing unity among mangakas.