Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Unhappy Over Strange Manga Translation Choices

Jujutsu Kaisen readers are raising concerns over a peculiar translation found in multiple official versions of the manga.

The passage, which features Shoko Ieiri attempting to explain the unlikelihood of her falling in love with another character, has been botched in several foreign translations, causing a stir among fans.

The mistranslated line in question is intended to express Shoko’s lack of romantic interest in a respectful way.

However, the official English translation of the manga reads, “I was in love with one of you. That’s something that would’ve never happened even if the world was turned upside down.” The translation of this line has left fans confused.

“I was in love with one of you…”
Viz truly messed up the phrasing SMH pic.twitter.com/sJomrIOPnM

— Myamura (@king_jin_woo) April 16, 2023

Furthermore, several other foreign translations of the line have also left many questioning the accuracy and clarity of the translations.

The Brazilian Portuguese version has Shoko saying that “she never really liked none of them, even in the friendly way,” according to Twitter user @caralhoerickin.

on the pt br translation what shoko says is that she never really liked none of them, even in the friendly way

— abyss king (@caralhoerickin) April 16, 2023

Meanwhile, the Russian translation, posted by @skllissues, reads, “In fact, you both loved each other. Though you wouldn’t admit it, even if the earth had collided on its axis.”

RUSSIAN TRANSLATION GOT ME DYING.

“In fact, you both loved each other. Though you wouldn’t admit it, even if the earth had collided with the celestial axis.” pic.twitter.com/vNQ0GJczsc

— сукуна (@skllissues) April 16, 2023

Only the Spanish translation appears to be the closest to the original meaning. Shared by @yaottski, it reads, “Not even if heaven and earth changed places would I have fallen in love with one of you too.”

In spanish she says “Not even if heaven and earth changed places I would have fallen in love with one of you two”. I think it makes sense pic.twitter.com/1WdHGbKDIa

— ✧ Yao (@yaottski) April 16, 2023

Many Jujutsu Kaisen fans have taken to social media to express their frustration with the official translation. Some are even saying fan translators are better than the official translation.

Bro, I’m ngl, I hate the official translations, especially when buying the volumes

— Makendo (#1 Sippin Red Enthusiast) (@youaintleanin) April 16, 2023

However, it should be noted that translations of manga and anime are often a challenging task, as they require a deep understanding of the original language and cultural context. It remains to be seen how the publishers, Viz Media, will address the issue.