Mei Mei, a supporting character in Jujutsu Kaisen, is a Grade 1 jujutsu sorcerer known for her independence, skill, and controversial personality.
Unlike other sorcerers who are motivated by a sense of duty or morality, Mei Mei’s driving force is money.
This pragmatic approach to sorcery, coupled with her powerful abilities, makes her a standout character, but also one shrouded in moral ambiguity.
Background and Role in the Story
Mei Mei first appears in Jujutsu Kaisen as a former upperclassman to key characters like Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto during their time at Jujutsu High.
Her role grows more significant during the series’ Shibuya Incident arc, where her expertise in battle, strategic mindset, and unique cursed technique take center stage.
Her cursed technique, Black Bird Manipulation, allows her to control crows to perform reconnaissance and attack enemies.
She is particularly deadly in battle due to her Bird Strike, a kamikaze-like attack where the bird’s impact is amplified significantly, making her a versatile combatant.
Despite her combat prowess, her dispassionate view on life and the world of sorcerers sets her apart from other characters.
Mei Mei’s Pragmatic Philosophy
Mei Mei is a sorcerer driven by self-interest, contrasting with the altruistic ideals of many in her world. Motivated solely by profit, she views sorcery as a means to financial gain, even admitting that money is the only thing she can trust.
Her pragmatic approach, devoid of emotions, has earned both respect and criticism. While she accepts the risks of sorcery, she charges exorbitant fees for her services, creating tension with traditional values.
Her willingness to abandon anyone for personal gain has made her a divisive figure, with some admiring her independence and others condemning her selfishness.
Controversial Scene in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
Mei Mei’s relationship with her younger brother, Ui Ui, became a point of contention in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. A scene involving their intimacy in a hotel room sparked heated debate.
While some saw it as a dark reflection of their complex relationship, others criticized it for its disturbing implications. The scene hinted at an exploitative dynamic, further tarnishing Mei Mei’s image.
Many viewers argued that the scene was unnecessary and contributed to a negative portrayal of Mei Mei’s character. While it highlighted her lack of ethics, it also generated backlash due to its sensitive content.
Mei Mei’s Battle in the Shibuya Incident Arc
Beyond her controversial personal dynamics, Mei Mei’s abilities shine through during the Shibuya Incident arc. One of her most impressive moments occurs during her fight against a special-grade curse, the Smallpox Deity, summoned by Kenjaku, a key antagonist in the series. Mei Mei uses her cunning, combat skills, and willingness to endanger even her brother to secure victory.
This fight showcases Mei Mei’s tactical mind and physical prowess, emphasizing that despite her lack of offensive cursed techniques, she remains one of the strongest sorcerers in the series.
She demonstrates that strategy, precision, and well-placed risks can compensate for a lack of raw power, further establishing her as a formidable force in the jujutsu world.
Mei Mei’s Relationship with Ui Ui
Mei Mei’s relationship with Ui Ui is complex and controversial. While she is protective of him to an extent, she also views him as a tool for her personal gain.
This dynamic is a key factor in their battles together, with Mei Mei often placing her brother in harm’s way to further her own objectives.
The relationship has been interpreted as one of emotional manipulation, where Ui Ui’s loyalty is secured through a mix of dependency and admiration for his older sister. This manipulation is a recurring theme throughout their interactions.
Despite this, Ui Ui remains fiercely loyal to Mei Mei, obeying her without question. Whether this loyalty stems from genuine affection or deep-seated manipulation remains a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.
Fan Reactions and Interpretations
The reception of Mei Mei’s character is mixed, with fans divided over her actions and motivations. Some fans appreciate her complexity, recognizing her as a character who operates in a morally gray area, driven by personal gain rather than traditional heroism.
Others, however, are uncomfortable with her manipulative tendencies and how her relationship with Ui Ui is portrayed.
The controversial scene in Season 2 intensified this debate, with many questioning the necessity of including it in the anime adaptation. While some argue that it adds depth to her character, others feel it crosses a line, portraying her in an unnecessarily negative light.
FAQs
Q: Who is Mei Mei in Jujutsu Kaisen?
A: Mei Mei is a Grade 1 jujutsu sorcerer known for her cold, self-interested nature and her powerful abilities. She works as a jujutsu sorcerer purely for profit, making her a pragmatic and often morally ambiguous character. Her cursed technique, Black Bird Manipulation, allows her to control crows for reconnaissance and combat, making her a versatile and dangerous sorcerer.
Q: What is Mei Mei’s cursed technique?
A: Mei Mei’s cursed technique is Black Bird Manipulation, which lets her control crows. Her signature move is Bird Strike, where she commands a crow to perform a kamikaze-like attack, amplifying the bird’s impact. This allows her to use the crows as both surveillance tools and offensive weapons.
Q: Why is Mei Mei obsessed with money?
A: Mei Mei believes that money is the only thing that won’t betray her, which drives her obsession. She’s unapologetically motivated by financial gain and charges high fees for her sorcery services. Her philosophy is one of self-reliance, and she values wealth as a means to maintain control over her own life, unbound by others’ expectations or allegiances.
Q: What is Mei Mei’s relationship with her brother Ui Ui?
A: Mei Mei has a complicated relationship with her younger brother, Ui Ui. She raised and trained him to assist her in battle, but their relationship is often viewed as exploitative. While Ui Ui is fiercely loyal to her, Mei Mei uses him as a tool, sending him into danger to serve her own goals. This dynamic has sparked controversy among fans, especially after a provocative scene in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2.
Q: Why is Mei Mei’s scene with Ui Ui in Season 2 controversial?
A: In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, a scene between Mei Mei and Ui Ui in a hotel room drew significant backlash. The scene depicts an unsettling dynamic between the siblings, leading some viewers to interpret it as manipulative and exploitative. Fans were divided on whether the scene was necessary to depict Mei Mei’s moral ambiguity, with many expressing discomfort over its implications.
Conclusion
Mei Mei stands out in Jujutsu Kaisen as a powerful and self-serving sorcerer whose moral ambiguity challenges traditional views on heroism.
Her pragmatic approach to sorcery, combined with her controversial relationship with Ui Ui, makes her one of the most intriguing and divisive characters in the series.
Whether she is seen as a morally complex anti-hero or a manipulative and selfish figure, Mei Mei continues to provoke thought and discussion among fans of the series.
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