Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 4 Sparks Major Divide: Japanese Fans Criticize Focus on Spectacle Over Emotional Core

The release of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Episode 4 on January 22 has sharply divided the global fanbase, creating a significant rift between international viewers and domestic Japanese audiences over the adaptation's direction. While overseas fans are celebrating the episode’s high-octane animation and intense fight choreography, Japanese viewers are voicing frustration over perceived deviations from the manga’s crucial emotional weight.

Titled “Perfect Preparation,” the episode centered on Maki Zenin’s violent confrontation with the Zenin Clan, serving as a critical setup for the impending Culling Game arc. Reports indicate that studio MAPPA leaned heavily into stylistic choices, delivering action sequences described as Kill Bill-esque alongside experimental visual framing. This approach earned high praise globally, including a 98% rating on IMDb, with viewers focusing on the sheer adrenaline and “insane aura” of the spectacle.

However, domestic criticism erupted immediately across Japanese forums. Viewers argued that the pacing was excessively fast, claiming that essential quiet moments dealing with Maki's trauma from clan abuse and the immediate aftermath of Mai’s death were sacrificed in favor of extended action set pieces. The background scoring also drew complaints, with critics suggesting it lacked the necessary sorrow to underscore the gravity of Maki’s arc.

Some Japanese critics suggested MAPPA downplayed the intended narrative parallel between Maki and Toji, prioritizing visual spectacle over author Gege Akutami's established narrative intent. This disparity fueled viral posts accusing overseas fans of valuing “amazing animation” above narrative depth and mood.

Adding to the domestic discontent was the handling of Naoya Zenin, a character who previously ranked highly in official popularity polls. His humiliation during the episode reportedly lacked sufficient buildup for Japanese viewers, further compounding the sense that the adaptation rushed critical character moments. This clash highlights a growing tension in anime adaptation regarding fidelity to the source material versus prioritizing pure spectacle for a global audience. MAPPA has issued no official statement regarding the execution of Episode 4 at the time of reporting.