Why Jujutsu Kaisen Did Not Follow Demon Slayer’s Formula for Success

Demon Slayer showed that an anime series could win over viewers across generations. MAPPA chose not to repeat that formula with Jujutsu Kaisen, instead building the series around the perspective and sensibility of younger creators.

The contrast goes back to Demon Slayer’s breakout success in 2019. Produced by Ufotable, the series drew wide attention with an accessible story, polished visuals and highly theatrical fight scenes. It became one of the defining anime titles of its generation.

According to MAPPA President and CEO Manabu Otsuka, Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man took a different route. Rather than trying to appeal to every age group, both productions focused more directly on young viewers. Otsuka said Demon Slayer’s strength came from creating empathy across generations. MAPPA, he said, preferred to bring out what its team felt was “cool” and suited to the viewpoint of the young people making the shows.

That youthful energy appears in Jujutsu Kaisen’s action sequences and in the relationships between Yuji Itadori and his companions. Chainsaw Man follows a similar approach, with rapid pacing, forceful action and characters explored in a more abrasive style.

Otsuka said the energy of MAPPA’s younger staff helped give the productions their distinctive appeal. He also stressed that MAPPA’s success did not emerge in isolation, but formed part of the longer development of Japanese anime. MAPPA founder Masao Maruyama has argued that a work does not need to be perfect in every respect. A single striking and compelling quality can be enough to attract an audience. Otsuka’s own approach, combined with that principle, has helped shape MAPPA’s recent identity.

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