To commemorate the May 30 release of Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death - The Movie Recap Edition, an official interview with theme song artist Tatsuya Kitani has been published. Additionally, the acoustic version of his hit theme song "Ao no Sumika" will be available for digital streaming starting the same day. Kitani is also scheduled to perform live on TBS’s “CDTV Live! Live!” on June 2.

“Ao no Sumika” Returns as Theme for the Recap Film

When asked about his feelings on having Ao no Sumika (Acoustic ver.) selected again as the theme song, Kitani expressed pure joy.

“It means a lot that people felt ‘Ao no Sumika’ was a natural fit for Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death,” he said. “To me, this song and that story arc are already inseparable. So I was truly honored they wanted to use it again for the theatrical release.”

Unlike its use as an opening theme for the TV anime, this time the song plays after the film’s ending, prompting a different approach to the arrangement.

From Hopeful Youth to Sorrowful Reflection: The Shift in Tone

Kitani elaborated on how he adjusted the mood for the new version:

“The original was used as an opening, before the story unfolded, so I didn’t want it to lean too far into sadness or freshness. That arc portrays youthful memories, but with cruel twists of fate. Since the recap version plays the song after the story ends, I reworked the arrangement to shift the emotional weight toward something sorrowful and heartbreaking.”

This change was intentional, reflecting the film’s tragic themes from a retrospective angle.

Adapting the Arrangement While Honoring the Story

Kitani shared that his aim was to create a version that feels completely different from the original, both in tone and delivery:

“I deliberately altered my singing style and arrangement. At the same time, I was careful not to break the essence of the work. It had to feel new, but still consistent with the atmosphere of Jujutsu Kaisen.”

Watching the Trailer with the Acoustic Version

Upon watching the trailer featuring the acoustic version, Kitani felt a renewed emotional impact:

“Even though I’d already seen those scenes in the anime, they hit differently this time. The arc has this surreal brightness to it, but it’s deeply melancholic once you sink into the world. The contrast between the energetic original and the pensive acoustic version made the story feel deeper.”

Tatsuya Kitani on the Darkness and Humanity in Jujutsu Kaisen

Kitani described Jujutsu Kaisen as a work that reflects the darker sides of human nature:

“The ‘darkness’ in Jujutsu Kaisen feels less about fantasy and more about our reality—flaws and emotions we all have. That’s why it resonates.”

He especially appreciates characters who embody warmth despite their circumstances:

“I like Panda and Choso. They may seem annoying at times, but they’re compassionate and feel like good seniors. Despite being a Cursed Corpse and a Cursed Womb, they seem the most human and heartfelt to me.”

A Message to the Fans Awaiting the Movie Recap

Kitani encouraged fans to approach the recap with a fresh perspective:

“The content may come from the TV series, but the way it’s edited gives it a new texture. Watching it all at once—rather than in five episodes—changes the emotional flow. Even those who know the ending might discover something new. And with the acoustic version of Ao no Sumika, you’ll see a different emotional layer to the story. I hope everyone revisits the tale of Hidden Inventory / Premature Death with an open heart. I’ll be heading to the theater with the same mindset.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date of the Jujutsu Kaisen recap film?
The recap movie Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death - The Movie Recap Edition was released on May 30, 2025.

Who performs the theme song for the recap movie?
Tatsuya Kitani performs the theme song, a newly arranged Acoustic version of “Ao no Sumika.”

Where can I stream “Ao no Sumika (Acoustic ver.)”?
The song will be available for digital streaming starting May 30, 2025.

How is the Acoustic version different from the original?
The new version shifts its emotional focus toward sadness and melancholy, reflecting the story’s conclusion, unlike the more vibrant original used as the TV opening.

Which characters does Tatsuya Kitani like in Jujutsu Kaisen?
He mentioned liking Panda and Choso, for their emotional warmth and humane qualities despite their supernatural origins.

©Tatsuya Kitani
©MAPPA / Gege Akutami / Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee

“Ao no Sumika” by Tatsuya Kitani

Source : ORICON NEWS