Who Voiced Pikachu In 'Jujutsu Kaisen' Crossover?

I’ve been knee-deep in anime crossovers for years, and the 'Jujutsu Kaisen' x Pokémon collaboration had me grinning like a kid. Pikachu’s voice in that special crossover is actually a fun little detail—it’s handled by Ikue Otani, the same legendary seiyuu who’s been voicing Pikachu since the original 'Pokémon' series. Her iconic high-pitched 'Pika pika' is instantly recognizable, even in the darker tone of 'Jujutsu Kaisen.' It’s wild how she manages to make Pikachu sound both adorable and oddly fitting in a universe full of curses and sorcery. The crossover episode plays with this contrast brilliantly, throwing Pikachu’s cheerful energy into the grim world of jujutsu sorcerers, and Otani’s performance keeps the character’s essence intact while adapting to the moodier setting.

What’s even cooler is how the crossover doesn’t just slap Pikachu into the story without thought. The voice direction leans into Pikachu’s usual playful tone, but there are moments where Otani dials back the energy, letting Pikachu sound almost… unnerving when surrounded by cursed spirits. It’s a testament to her skill that she can shift the character’s vibe without losing what makes Pikachu iconic. The episode also plays with Pikachu’s Thunderbolt in creative ways—imagine those electric attacks being used against curses instead of Team Rocket. Otani’s voice work ties it all together, making the crossover feel like more than just a gimmick. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s a blast hearing how seamlessly Pikachu’s voice fits into a world where cute and creepy collide.