The 27th volume of Gege Akutami’s popular series Jujutsu Kaisen was recently released in Japan, and the franchise is going all out to celebrate. In honor of Fumihiko Takaba, one of the volume’s central characters, Jujutsu Kaisen recently released a live-action parody in which Takaba plays a “superhuman” high school teacher.
The aforementioned video was recently posted on Shonen Jump’s official YouTube channel, and it depicts Takaba as an overly passionate high school teacher who speaks loudly and makes dramatic gestures in class. This sketch, according to Comic Natalie, is a direct parody of Coca-Cola’s famous “Fanta Academy Series”—a series of parodic advertisements featuring the titular soda brand. Takaba takes on the role of “Choujin-sensei” from Fanta Academy in Jujutsu Kaisen. Kenjaku (also known as pseudo-Geto), the series’ iconic antagonist, appears near the end. Readers can watch the full video below.
This is not the first time Jujutsu Kaisen has made fun of the Fanta brand. Takaba faces off against Kenjaku in Chapter 242 of the JJK manga, as part of the ongoing “Shinjuku Showdown” arc. Takaba’s famous “Comedian” technique allows him to warp reality into any imagined scenario that he finds humorous.
Using this ability, he effortlessly transports himself and Kenjaku into the trademark goofy world of a Grape Fanta commercial. Several Jujutsu Kaisen fans on X pointed out that this panel is a reference to an older gag involving the phrases “Sea of Fanta” and “Fantasea.” To promote the latest JJK volume, Jujutsu Kaisen’s official X page posted a blown-up full-color version of the Fanta panel, which has been shared more than 8,000 times as of this writing.
Takaba’s time in the spotlight is somewhat unusual for the franchise. Furthermore, neither main protagonist Yuji Itadori nor fan-favorite icon Satoru Gojo appear, which is unusual for JJK marketing. However, the series has more in store for Takaba (and Kenjaku) fans this month. From July 4 to 10, a Wi-Fi-equipped ad truck featuring Takaba’s famously corny one-liner, “I don’t want you as my Wi-Fi!” will travel through Tokyo’s Shibuya and Shinjuku neighborhoods.
Those who capture a photo of themselves alongside the visiting truck will also have a chance to win one of the costumes featured in JJK’s Fanta parody video. Jujutsu Kaisen Volumes 1-22 are available in English from VIZ Media. The physical edition of Volume 23 is currently available for preorder and will be released on August 20, 2024. MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen TV anime adaptation and accompanying prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, are now available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
With the release of Volume 27, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to captivate fans with its distinct blend of humor, action, and engaging characters. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. Don’t miss the latest volume and the exciting promotional events honoring Fumihiko Takaba!
Source – Comic Natalie
