Akutami's letter proves how badly Jujutsu Kaisen fans' reaction affected him

Following the conclusion of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, fans were treated to an epilogue chapter that provided closure for many characters. It also included a parting letter from mangaka Gege Akutami.

However, it stood out for its deeply harsh tone and was strikingly filled with self-criticism. While Akutami sensei conveyed sincere gratitude to colleagues and fans, the letter also reflected his troubled mental state, possibly influenced by the pressure of intense fan scrutiny and criticism.

---

Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Feels the Weight of Fan Criticism, and his parting letter reflects it

The epilogue of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga not only concluded the journeys of many characters but also featured an afterword from the creator, Gege Akutami, which reflects the emotional toll fan feedback has taken on his mental well-being. Akutami sensei’s closing remarks in the manga’s concluding volume are heavily laced with self-criticism, seemingly influenced by the burden of harsh reactions from fans. He begins his afterword with:

"The product 'Jujutsu Kaisen' was pissed out for six and a half years, nearly seven years if you include the serialization of the special issues, and what I learned was 'I am really an idiot….'"

The use of the phrase "pissed out" in the opening sentence probably stems from his frustration and exhaustion. It likely suggests that Akutami sensei felt he was simply pushing the story forward despite his declining mental health, which may also explain the occasional fluctuations in the series’ quality.

Jujutsu Kaisen mangaka Gege Akutami and his afterword (Image via MAPPA/Shueisha)

Jujutsu Kaisen fans have frequently criticized Akutami sensei for his decisions, particularly regarding the deaths of characters and certain story choices. While respectful criticism is essential, many fans crossed the line, and the effects of this harsh feedback are evident in his afterword.

Despite everything, Akutami sensei's farewell letter shows immense gratitude toward his colleagues, editors, publishers, and fans. However, beneath the gratitude, it’s clear that the impact of harsh criticism has weighed heavily on him. The Jujutsu Kaisen mangaka acknowledges that his "already rough" mental state worsened as the series progressed, becoming more absentminded after about three years of serialization.

He emphasized the effort and dedication he poured into Jujutsu Kaisen, expressing a strong desire to be seen as a good person through his work. However, as the pressure mounted, he became more withdrawn and stopped engaging as much between volumes, as he admitted himself.

---

Akutami sensei joins the long list of creators affected by fan backlash

The pressure of releasing a chapter every week is already immense for a mangaka, but the added expectation to consistently deliver something extraordinary that satisfies an entire fanbase can become overwhelming. While such dedication from fans is a testament to the story’s impact and success, it also intensifies the burden on creators as the narrative progresses.

Constructive criticism is vital for any form of art, as it helps refine the work and ensures high-quality results. However, the line is often crossed when this feedback becomes a relentless demand for creators to cater to fan expectations rather than following their artistic vision.

This issue is not unique to Gege Akutami. Many mangaka have faced similar challenges, often becoming targets of extreme behavior from a vocal subset of fans. Overzealous admirers can sometimes escalate their opinions into harmful, spiteful, and even insulting remarks, directed not only at the creator but at the series itself.

In extreme cases, mangaka have even received death threats for deviating from what a certain segment of fans preferred. Such behavior stems from a lack of basic respect and recognition that creators are also human beings with their own ideas and aspirations for their stories.

Fans often forget that the creators deserve the freedom to steer their narratives in the direction they envision, rather than having their work dictated by the whims of a demanding audience. This undue pressure not only strains the mental health of mangaka but can also undermine the very essence of their creations.

---

Final thoughts

Akutami Sensei’s self-critical tone in his afterword in Jujutsu Kaisen’s final volume highlights the profound impact harsh fan feedback has had on his confidence, which is a heartbreaking reality for the creator of a series beloved by many.

At the same time, there have been many supportive fans who, after reading his letter, felt equally hurt and have expressed their heartfelt gratitude and encouragement for the mangaka.

While criticism is a natural part of fandom, it’s crucial for fans to approach it with respect and understanding. Acknowledging the immense effort and personal struggles of the creators behind their favorite series is essential. By offering constructive feedback with kindness, fans can continue to support the creators they admire, even when expressing their opinions or concerns.

---