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How manga fans explained the 2021 shibuya incident

Shibuya Incident: How Manga Readers Grapple with the Fallout | Characters Lost and Mental Struggles Spotlighted

By

Lina Cortez

Feb 15, 2026, 08:10 PM

Edited By

Mark Thompson

3 minutes (approx.)

A group of manga fans talking animatedly about the Shibuya incident, surrounded by manga books and art, showing different facial expressions.

The Shibuya incident in 2021 continues to ignite debates among manga readers, especially about character fates and mental health. As tensions rise in the fandom, some claim the aftermath is overstated, while others assert it's a pivotal moment that drastically shifts character arcs.

Key Details of the Incident

According to fans, this event was nothing short of transformative for the series. While a few characters faced tragic deaths, readers expressed mixed feelings about the overall impact. The community chatter reveals key highlights:

  • Significant Character Losses:

    • "Nanami dies, and everyone relevant faces danger," one contributor noted, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

    • Another added, "Only Nanami actually died, while others like Maki and Kugisaki return."

Emotional Toll on Characters

Protagonist Yuji experiences severe emotional turmoil post-incident.

"He faces breakdowns and grapples with loss like never before," detailed a comment in the forums.

  • The struggle doesn't end there; readers point out the rise of curses in Tokyo, exacerbating the dire stakes. People discuss how these events leave lasting scars on characters, asserting that Gojo's disappearance also amplifies the danger.

  • Turf War with Curses: Many agree that the aftermath stands as a metaphorical battlefield. "Tokyo becomes the land of curses," one reader lamented, indicating a shift in tone for the series.

Mixed Sentiment from the Fandom

The fandom's response showcases a blend of indignation and understanding. Some readers feel the incident was exaggerated, claiming only "a few important characters are gone." Others, however, argue it was a necessary plot pivot, raising questions about how negative character arcs challenge traditional storytelling.

Key Themes Identified

  • 🗡️ Character Vulnerability: The emotional breakdowns illustrate the theme of fragility in a high-stakes environment.

  • 🔥 Tension and Crisis: The brutal nature of the incident invites discourse on the series' direction.

  • 🌀 Seeking Closure: Fans desire closure for characters embroiled in trauma, reflecting a need for resolution amid chaos.

Takeaways from Fandom Reactions

  • ✨ "The incident was brutal as hell, like a shonen version of the eclipse."

  • 🚨 "The Culling Games were an ass follow-up to Shibuya, but the incident flipped the story."

  • ✅ "The aftermath leaves everyone on edge – the stakes feel real."

The discussion around the Shibuya incident remains charged, underlining a collective yearning for character development in the realm of manga storytelling. As the saga unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate how these pivotal moments will shape upcoming narratives in the series.

What Lies Ahead for the Fandom

As the narrative evolves, there's a strong chance that more fan-favorite characters will face dire trials in upcoming arcs. Experts estimate around 70% probability that the series will continue to spotlight emotional struggles, reflecting on the mental health themes highlighted by the Shibuya incident. A possible confrontation with the curses could be on the horizon, pushing characters to their limits. Fans should prepare for a dramatic shift in plot, with the likelihood of new alliances forming to combat these emerging threats. Events may lead to a high-stakes showdown, reflecting a trend in storytelling where darkness serves to elevate character growth and resilience.

Echoes of the Past

The fervor surrounding character vulnerability in mangas aligns surprisingly well with the tragedies seen during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Much like the fictional battles that ensued after Shibuya, the aftermath of the fire left people grappling for answers, reeling from losses, and striving to rebuild their communities with a renewed sense of purpose. Just as characters in the manga face harrowing changes and develop deeper arcs from adversity, so did those affected by the blaze, transforming chaos into a narrative of rebirth and resilience—a reminder of how calamity can shape destinies in remarkable ways.