Jujutsu Kaisen has taken the anime and manga world by storm, becoming a global phenomenon. Originally created by Gege Akutami, this dark fantasy series blends thrilling action with supernatural horror and relatable characters, captivating fans across the world. Since its manga debut in 2018 and the subsequent anime adaptation by studio MAPPA in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen’s popularity has skyrocketed internationally. It won Anime of the Year at the 2021 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Viewers were instantly drawn to its unique story about cursed spirits and sorcerers, as well as its dynamic animation and compelling heroes and villains. The anime was so beloved that it quickly became one of the most-watched series on streaming platforms in multiple regions, even topping Crunchyroll’s charts in some areas upon release. The series’ mix of intense battles, humor, and heartfelt moments has resonated with millions, establishing Jujutsu Kaisen as a flagship title of modern shonen anime. In this article, we will explore Jujutsu Kaisen’s global revenue achievements, highlight its talented voice cast, and delve into its memorable characters. By the end, it will be clear how Jujutsu Kaisen has made such a massive impact worldwide, all in a few short years – without ever feeling too complicated or “inside baseball” for newcomers to enjoy.
Jujutsu Kaisen Global Revenue
It’s no exaggeration to say that Jujutsu Kaisen is not just a hit – it’s a juggernaut in terms of revenue and sales. The franchise earns money through many channels: manga volumes, anime television rights, a blockbuster film, merchandise, and more. Let’s break down some of the key figures and see how it stacks up against other top anime franchises.
- Manga Sales: The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has been a best-seller from the moment the anime boosted its popularity. In fact, Jujutsu Kaisen became the #1 best-selling manga series of 2021, with about 30.9 million copies sold that year alone, narrowly beating the previous champion Demon Slayer (which sold 29.5 million). This was a remarkable achievement, considering Demon Slayer’s own massive popularity. Overall, by September 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen reached a milestone of 100 million copies in circulation (including digital copies). To put that in perspective, it hit the 100-million mark in just around six years since serialization began – a pace comparable to other modern hits like Demon Slayer (which has ~150 million total) and even rivaling long-running series like My Hero Academia (also around 100 million). These manga sales figures firmly place Jujutsu Kaisen among the top-selling manga franchises of all time.
- Anime Series and Streaming: The television anime, produced by MAPPA, not only earned high TV ratings in Japan but also attracted huge streaming viewership overseas. While exact revenue from streaming rights isn’t public, it’s known that Crunchyroll simulcast the series internationally, and platforms like Netflix picked it up in certain regions – deals that likely brought in substantial licensing fees. Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime became one of the most-viewed series on Crunchyroll in 2020-2021, introducing countless new fans to the franchise. Its success led to a quick greenlight of Season 2 (which aired in 2023) and has kept viewers subscribed and engaged on streaming services. This kind of demand gives Jujutsu Kaisen significant leverage in earning profits from streaming and home video sales (DVD/Blu-ray) worldwide. The anime’s critical acclaim (winning awards and topping fan polls) further boosted its profile, making it a must-watch show that streaming platforms were eager to have.
- Movie Box Office: In December 2021, the franchise’s first film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, hit theaters – and it was a global box office triumph. The movie serves as a prequel story and it drew massive crowds in Japan and abroad. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 went on to gross about $196.2 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films in history. In Japan, it was the #1 film at the box office for 2021, and overseas it set records as well (for example, earning over $34 million in the U.S., which briefly made it the 4th highest-grossing anime film in U.S. box office history). To compare, the only recent anime film with significantly higher earnings is Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (~$500 million globally, the current record-holder). Jujutsu Kaisen 0’s performance even surpassed other famous anime films like many Studio Ghibli releases and nearly matched One Piece Film: Red (which was around $246 million). This goes to show the extraordinary drawing power of Jujutsu Kaisen’s story – fans around the world were willing to buy tickets in droves. For the franchise, the movie’s success meant not only direct revenue from ticket sales but also increased sales of related merchandise and a boost in manga interest (since the film’s story is based on Volume 0 of the manga).
- Merchandise and Other Revenue: Beyond manga and anime viewership, Jujutsu Kaisen has a thriving merchandise empire. Walk into any anime shop and you’ll find Jujutsu Kaisen figures, apparel, accessories, and collectibles featuring characters like Gojo and Yuji. In 2022, these efforts culminated in Jujutsu Kaisen becoming the top-earning media franchise in Japan for the year. According to Oricon’s annual report, Jujutsu Kaisen generated over 10 billion yen (around USD $77 million) in franchise revenue in 2022, beating longtime giant One Piece (which earned ~7 billion yen) for the top spot. This revenue includes everything from books and movie tickets to character goods. It’s an impressive feat for a relatively new series to outpace One Piece, which has been a merchandising powerhouse for decades. Jujutsu Kaisen also out-earned other hits like Tokyo Revengers and Spy x Family that year, underscoring how it dominated the market. Merchandise sales are bolstered by the series’ rich cast of characters, each with distinctive designs that fans adore – meaning there’s high demand for plushies, cosplay costumes, and even high-end collectibles (like limited-edition statues of Sukuna or Gojo). The franchise has also extended to video games (a mobile game “Phantom Parade” reportedly surpassed $100 million in sales shortly after launch) and collaborations (from food products to theme park events), all adding to the revenue stream.
- Comparisons with Other Franchises: Jujutsu Kaisen’s swift ascent is often compared to that of Demon Slayer – both had relatively modest starts in manga form, then exploded globally once their anime adaptations aired. Demon Slayer’s manga ended in 2020 but had phenomenal sales that year (~82 million copies in 2020 alone) and a record-breaking film, putting it slightly ahead in total impact. However, Jujutsu Kaisen has shown more sustained multi-channel success – continuing to lead in manga sales beyond just one year and branching into new media while still ongoing. Traditional long-runners like Naruto or Dragon Ball have higher lifetime grosses (spanning many years of content and nostalgia-driven sales), but Jujutsu Kaisen is part of the new generation bringing fresh energy to the industry. In a short time, it has joined the conversation with titans like One Piece, which has over 500 million manga copies sold and a vast empire of games/merch; while Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t there yet, being #1 in yearly franchise earnings in Japan indicates it’s on a fast track. Importantly, Jujutsu Kaisen’s global appeal – especially among younger anime fans worldwide – gives it an edge to potentially become a lasting franchise with long-term profitability, even after the main story concludes.
In summary, Jujutsu Kaisen’s global revenue profile is incredibly strong. From tens of millions of manga sold, to a hit anime that drives streaming subscriptions, to a nearly $200M grossing film, to topping merchandise charts – it checks every box. This broad success not only fills the coffers for publishers and producers, but also cements the series’ legacy. Jujutsu Kaisen has proven it can stand alongside the biggest names in anime in both popularity and profitability, all while still feeling fresh and exciting to fans. It’s a franchise firing on all cylinders, with each new release (whether a chapter, episode, or product) fueling a cycle of enthusiasm that leads to even more growth.
Jujutsu Kaisen Voice Cast
One of the secret ingredients behind Jujutsu Kaisen’s success is its talented voice cast. The anime’s characters are brought to life by an ensemble of experienced and popular Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) who each deliver memorable performances. Fans often praise how perfectly the voices match the personalities on screen – from the villain’s menacing drawl to the protagonist’s passionate shouts. Let’s look at some of the key voice actors in Jujutsu Kaisen, their roles, and what they bring to the table:
Kenjiro Tsuda (Kento Nanami)
Kenjiro Tsuda’s deep, smooth voice gives life to Kento Nanami, the ex-salaryman turned jujutsu sorcerer who acts as a mentor to Yuji. Tsuda is renowned for portraying cool, mature characters, and he nails Nanami’s no-nonsense attitude and dry humor. Many fans love how Tsuda’s delivery can make even a simple line like “ratio 7:3” sound epic. You might recognize Tsuda’s voice from other popular roles as well – he’s voiced characters like Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh! and Overhaul in My Hero Academia. As Nanami, Tsuda conveys a calm authority and underlying warmth, making the character feel reliable and oddly comforting whenever he’s on screen. His performance turned Nanami into a fan-favorite, proving that a “serious businessman” type sorcerer can be just as beloved as the flashier heroes.
Yuichi Nakamura (Satoru Gojo)
Voicing the charismatic Satoru Gojo (the most powerful sorcerer – and goofiest mentor – in the series) is veteran actor Yuichi Nakamura. Nakamura’s voice is often described as cool and collected, which fits Gojo’s breezy confidence perfectly. He can sound playful and cheeky when Gojo is teasing his students or colleagues, then seamlessly switch to intense and commanding in high-stakes fights. This balance has helped make Gojo’s scenes incredibly entertaining. Yuichi Nakamura is a household name in anime (he’s known for roles like Gray in Fairy Tail and Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure). As Gojo, he arguably delivers one of his most iconic performances – fans swoon over Gojo’s irreverent one-liners as much as they cheer for his power-ups, thanks to Nakamura’s delivery. He’s even mentioned in interviews how portraying Gojo requires him to keep a certain lightness in tone, so that the character’s laid-back insanity (and genuine care for his students) both shine through. Without a doubt, Nakamura’s voice work has contributed to Gojo’s status as one of the most popular characters in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Asami Seto (Nobara Kugisaki)
Asami Seto provides the voice for Nobara, the feisty and confident female lead of the series. Nobara’s character is all about being bold and unapologetic, and Seto’s performance captures that spirit. She gives Nobara a slightly husky, strong-willed voice that can turn snarky or fierce in an instant – exactly what’s needed for Nobara’s brash personality and comedic moments. Asami Seto has voiced other notable characters (like Raphtalia in The Rising of the Shield Hero and Mai Sakurajima in Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai), showing her range from gentle to tough roles. For Nobara, Seto leans into a tone that’s energetic and empowering. Many fans appreciated how she delivered Nobara’s famous lines about self-worth and being true to oneself with such genuine emotion. In battle scenes, Nobara’s screams of determination (for example, when using her Straw Doll technique) are full of grit and passion, thanks to Seto’s acting. It’s safe to say Nobara’s character would not be as impactful without Asami Seto imbuing her with that fiery soul.
Koki Uchiyama (Toge Inumaki)
Toge Inumaki is a unique character who mostly speaks in limited words (ingredients of rice balls, to avoid cursing others with his voice), so voicing him could be a challenge. Enter Koki Uchiyama, known for taking on characters that are quiet or mysterious. Uchiyama uses a soft-spoken, monotone style for Toge’s odd vocabulary (“Salmon,” “Bonito flakes”), which actually makes those moments humorous and endearing. But when Toge does unleash his cursed speech power, Uchiyama’s voice dramatically shifts – echoing and powerful, conveying the strain and intensity of the technique. This contrast shows Uchiyama’s skill in voice control. He’s quite a celebrated seiyuu as well, famed for roles like Shigaraki Tomura in My Hero Academia and Meruem in Hunter x Hunter, often playing antagonists or anti-heroes. With Toge, he gets to do something very offbeat. Fans have commented on how expressive Uchiyama manages to be with so few words – a grunt here, a sigh or a single word there, yet we always understand Toge’s mood. It’s a subtle performance that adds depth to a character who literally can’t speak normally. Uchiyama turns what could have been a gimmick into a lovable trait, making Toge’s rare full phrases (like “Don’t move”) hit even harder when they occur.
Junichi Suwabe (Ryomen Sukuna)
The primary villain and the infamous “King of Curses,” Ryomen Sukuna, needed a voice that exudes menace, arrogance, and a touch of allure. Junichi Suwabe delivers exactly that. Suwabe’s rich baritone is well-known in the anime world – he’s voiced suave or sinister characters such as Archer in Fate/stay night and Shota Aizawa (Eraserhead) in My Hero Academia.As Sukuna (who speaks through Yuji’s body most of the time), Suwabe uses a deep, disdainful tone that makes every word drip with contempt for others. He manages to sound both regal and demonic, fitting Sukuna’s status. What fans particularly enjoy is how Suwabe can convey Sukuna’s dark humor; for instance, when Sukuna taunts Fushiguro or mocks Yuji internally, there’s a sardonic smirk you can hear in the voice. And in explosive moments – like Sukuna’s evil laughter or angry roars – Suwabe’s powerful voice truly makes you feel the sheer terror of this ancient curse. It’s the kind of performance that can give you chills. Many viewers have said that when Sukuna speaks, you know things are about to get intense. That impact is largely thanks to Junichi Suwabe’s commanding portrayal, which has cemented Sukuna as one of the most memorable anime antagonists in recent years.
Yuma Uchida (Megumi Fushiguro)
Yuma Uchida voices Megumi, the stoic and talented first-year student from the Fushiguro clan. Megumi is often calm, soft-spoken, and serious, and Uchida reflects that with a measured, slightly reserved voice. There’s a certain gentleness in Uchida’s tone when Megumi is interacting with friends or talking about his ideals, which makes those moments feel sincere. Yet, he can also bring intensity when Megumi gets fired up (like during a tough fight or when he yells out his shikigami summoning chants). Yuma Uchida, despite being younger in the industry compared to some others on this list, has risen quickly in popularity – he’s known for roles like Ash Lynx in Banana Fish and Kyo Soma in the 2019 Fruits Basket. In 2017 he even won a Seiyuu Award for Best New Actor, a testament to his talent. As Megumi, Uchida strikes a nice balance: he doesn’t make the character overly cold; you can sense the compassion and determination under Megumi’s reserved exterior. This has made Megumi very relatable to fans who see him as the “normal” guy among louder personalities. Uchida’s performance especially shines in scenes where Megumi must confront his own limits – the emotional strain, fear, and resolve all come through in the voice, helping the audience connect with the character’s growth.
Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori)
At the heart of the story is Yuji Itadori, the energetic and kind-hearted protagonist, voiced by Junya Enoki. Enoki does a fantastic job capturing Yuji’s youthful enthusiasm and sincerity. His voice for Yuji is bright, friendly, and full of emotion – whether Yuji is cracking a goofy joke, expressing empathy for others, or screaming in combat, it always feels genuine. As the main character, Yuji goes through a rollercoaster of moods, and Enoki seamlessly transitions through them. When Yuji is devastated or angry, Enoki’s usually cheerful tone can dip into raw intensity that really tugs at your heartstrings, reminding everyone that Yuji is still a teenager facing horrific situations. Junya Enoki is building a solid resume (he voiced characters like Nasa in Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You, and even did the Japanese dub voice for Peter Parker/Spider-Man in some Marvel films). His portrayal of Yuji has arguably become his breakout role – it’s not easy to carry a show as the lead, but Enoki’s performance makes Yuji instantly likable. He also has great comedic timing (like Yuji’s fangirling over tall idols or his banter with Todo), bringing a natural humor to the character. Overall, Junya Enoki infuses Yuji with warmth and spirit, anchoring the series with a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Nobunaga Shimazaki (Mahito)
Mahito, one of the series’ main villains (a human-looking cursed spirit with a very cruel streak), is voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki. Interestingly, Shimazaki often plays nice characters – he’s known for roles like Haruka Nanase in Free! (the swimmer protagonist) and Yuki Soma in Fruits Basket, who are gentle or heroic types. As Mahito, however, Shimazaki flips the script and delivers a chilling performance. He gives Mahito a light, almost pleasant voice on the surface, which makes the character’s casual cruelty even more disturbing. There’s a eerie calmness in how Shimazaki speaks as Mahito – as if Mahito views all his evil deeds as playtime. When Mahito gets excited about hurting humans or learning new twisted things about souls, Shimazaki adds a childlike glee to the tone that sends shivers down your spine. It’s very effective in making Mahito a truly hateable villain. Yet, he can also snap into bloodthirsty rage during fights, with a raspier, dangerous edge to his voice. This complexity in performance shows Shimazaki’s range. He has effectively convinced many viewers that the same actor who voices lovable heroes can also voice an antagonist as merciless as Mahito. The result is a villain you love to hate – every time Mahito speaks, you’re on edge, and that tension is a credit to Nobunaga Shimazaki’s nuanced work.
Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu)
The protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (the prequel movie) is Yuta Okkotsu, voiced by Megumi Ogata. Ogata is a legendary voice actress with a career spanning decades – notable for voicing young male characters in particular. Perhaps her most famous role was Shinji Ikari in Neon Genesis Evangelion, and she’s also known for Kurama in Yu Yu Hakusho and Nagito Komaeda in Danganronpa. In Jujutsu Kaisen 0, she brings her expertise to portray Yuta’s emotional journey. At the start, Yuta is shy, traumatized, and afraid of his own cursed powers; by the end, he grows determined and courageous. Ogata’s voice brilliantly conveys this development. She begins with a very soft, timid delivery – Yuta sounds like he could break at any second. As the story progresses and Yuta forms bonds with his classmates and resolves to protect others, Ogata gradually infuses more strength and confidence into his voice. By the film’s climax, when Yuta is unleashing powerful techniques and standing up to the villain, you can hear the transformation – Ogata makes Yuta sound resolute and heroic, yet still the kind-hearted soul he always was. It’s the kind of performance that can make audiences tear up at the pivotal moments. Many fans were thrilled to have Megumi Ogata on this project, given her stature in the industry, and she did not disappoint – her portrayal added depth to Yuta Okkotsu, helping carry the movie’s emotional core.
Mikako Komatsu (Maki Zen’in)
Mikako Komatsu voices Maki Zen’in, the fierce glasses-wearing sorcerer who is weapon-savvy and determined to prove herself despite lacking cursed energy. Komatsu gives Maki a tough, no-nonsense voice that perfectly suits her personality. There’s a blunt firmness in Komatsu’s delivery – Maki often speaks in a somewhat brusque manner, reflecting her straightforward and confident nature. Yet Komatsu also allows slight warmth or sarcasm to come through when Maki interacts with her friends or twins sister, showing Maki’s more caring side beneath her rough exterior. Mikako Komatsu has a range of roles (she voiced characters like Seishiro Tsugumi in Nisekoi and Rebecca in Edens Zero), but she tends to excel at strong female characters. As Maki, she really shines in scenes where Maki asserts herself, such as telling off the Zen’in clan or encouraging her junior students – Komatsu’s voice carries authority and resolve that make those moments powerful. Additionally, in action sequences, she makes Maki sound thrilled and driven in battle, which is contagious for the audience. For example, when Maki is swinging her spear Playful Cloud or fighting an enemy head-on, Komatsu might add a fierce grin to the tone of voice, as if Maki is truly in her element. It rounds out the character nicely. Komatsu’s portrayal has made Maki an inspiration to many fans who admire the character’s strength and attitude.
Takaya Kuroda (Masamichi Yaga)
Takaya Kuroda provides the deep, booming voice of Masamichi Yaga, the principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High. As the eldest-sounding member of the cast, Kuroda brings a gravitas to Principal Yaga. His voice is authoritative and gruff, which is fitting for the strict but caring leader of the school. Kuroda is famously the voice of Kazuma Kiryu (the main character of the Yakuza video game series), and that same tough-guy timbre is present in Yaga’s characterization. One fun aspect is that Yaga can be quite comedic too (like when he’s dealing with Gojo’s antics or showcasing his puppet “Panda” as a cute mascot). Kuroda switches between stern lecturing and deadpan humor effortlessly, making Yaga feel like a real mentor figure who has seen it all. Also, in the anime, Yaga often yells (for example, scolding Panda or announcing tournament rules), and Kuroda’s booming shouts definitely command attention – you feel like the students would snap to order when he raises his voice. Despite limited screen time, Takaya Kuroda gives Yaga a memorable presence. You sense the character’s wisdom and experience through the weight of his voice. It’s another case of perfect casting aligning with a voice actor’s strengths. Kuroda’s involvement also excited some gaming fans, who recognized his voice instantly and enjoyed seeing him in an anime role.
These are just some of the key voice actors in Jujutsu Kaisen’s Japanese cast – each has contributed greatly to making the characters as iconic as they are. The chemistry among the cast is evident, especially in ensemble scenes where timing and reactions are crucial (like the banter in the exchange event arc, or emotional group moments). The English dub and other language dubs also feature talented actors, but the original Japanese voice cast has been widely praised for adding nuance and energy to the show. From Kenjiro Tsuda’s authoritative Nanami to Junya Enoki’s heartfelt Yuji, the voices have become inseparable from the characters for many fans. It’s fair to say Jujutsu Kaisen’s storytelling was elevated by these performances – after all, a great story with mediocre voices might fall flat, but a great story with excellent voice acting becomes an immersive experience. The cast’s contributions ensure that whether it’s a quiet character moment or a high-octane battle, viewers are fully engaged and emotionally invested.
Jujutsu Kaisen Characters
Jujutsu Kaisen boasts a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities, personalities, and significance to the story. From heroic sorcerers to sinister curses, the characters are a big part of why fans love this series. In keeping with a simple, conversational overview, let’s introduce the key characters and what makes them stand out (without drowning in too much technical jargon):
Satoru Gojo
Gojo is often the first name that comes up when talking about Jujutsu Kaisen. He’s the mentor figure of the series and is renowned as the strongest jujutsu sorcerer alive. Gojo is instantly recognizable by his spiky white hair and blindfold (or dark sunglasses) which he wears because his eyes possess a special power called the Six Eyes. His primary ability is the Limitless curse technique, which basically lets him manipulate space at the atomic level – creating an “Infinity” between himself and any attacker, so nothing can touch him unless he allows it. In practice, this means Gojo is nearly invincible, effortlessly stopping assaults and doling out devastating attacks like his Hollow Purple energy blast or domain expansion Unlimited Void, which overwhelms an opponent’s senses. But beyond his powers, Gojo is hugely significant for his personality: he’s playful, cocky, and cares deeply about changing the jujutsu world. He mentors the first-year students (Yuji, Megumi, Nobara) and genuinely wants the newer generation to break the outdated traditions. Fans adore Gojo because he’s a fun blend of goofy and badass – one moment he’s making jokes or acting like a big brother to his students, and the next moment he’s utterly dismantling a top-tier curse without breaking a sweat. His presence is a game-changer in any conflict (enemies either fear him or specifically plot to seal him away because fighting him head-on is almost impossible). In short, Satoru Gojo is the cool, powerful teacher everyone wishes they had, and he plays a pivotal role in both the plot and the training of the main protagonists.
Yuji Itadori
Yuji is the main protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, a high-schooler with extraordinary physical abilities and a heart of gold. At the story’s start, Yuji has no cursed power; he’s just unnaturally strong and fast (think world-class athlete level). His life changes when he eats a cursed object – a withered finger of the ancient curse Ryomen Sukuna – to save his friends, and becomes the vessel for Sukuna. This gives Yuji the ability to use cursed energy (since Sukuna’s curse resides in him) and also puts him in constant danger, as Sukuna’s soul is now sharing his body. Despite this, Yuji remains remarkably positive and selfless. His core driving belief is helping others – his grandfather’s dying wish was for Yuji to lead a life where he helps people so he won’t die alone. This drives Yuji to risk himself in fighting curses and protecting strangers whenever possible. In terms of abilities, Yuji learns to control his cursed energy to enhance his punches and speed. He develops a move called Divergent Fist, where his superhuman punch is followed by a delayed blast of cursed energy, catching opponents off-guard. Eventually, he learns the Black Flash – a super-powerful strike that warps space for an instant (a rare feat that even experienced sorcerers struggle to achieve). Yuji doesn’t have fancy inherited techniques or domain expansions, but his raw strength, extreme stamina, and quick learning make him a formidable fighter. He’s also got Sukuna inside, which is a double-edged sword: at times Sukuna might lend power or revive him from death, at other times Sukuna might seize control if Yuji is weakened. Throughout the series, Yuji’s significance lies in his humanity. He struggles with the moral weight of killing curses (who often resemble humans) and experiences deep grief and guilt when innocent lives are lost. These emotional layers make Yuji a very relatable and sympathetic hero. He’s not just a battle machine; he’s a teenager grappling with heavy questions of right and wrong. His journey is about finding purpose in a cruel world, and he’s surrounded by friends and mentors who help him shoulder that burden. Yuji’s upbeat nature (he can be goofy, fanboying over movies or making faces) and his brave resolve make him the heart of the story.
Megumi Fushiguro
Megumi is a first-year student alongside Yuji and Nobara, and he comes from the esteemed Zen’in (now Fushiguro) clan, though his relationship with that clan is strained. He’s a serious and reserved character, often providing a calm contrast to Yuji and Nobara’s more fiery personalities. Megumi’s signature ability is the Ten Shadows Technique, an inherited sorcery of his clan. This technique allows him to summon and command shikigami – essentially familiars or shinigami-like creatures – that emerge from his shadows. He usually forms a shadow hand sign to summon creatures like divine dogs (wolf-like beasts), Nue (a giant lightning bird), Toads, and more. Each shikigami has different capabilities (offense, defense, tracking, etc.), and Megumi can use them in combination or even fuse them for stronger effects. One of his most impressive shikigami is Mahoraga, an extremely powerful and uncontrollable entity that only the most skilled Ten Shadows user could tame – invoking it is risky but it hints at Megumi’s potential. Megumi can also merge his own fighting style with his shikigami (like summoning weapons from shadows or using his frogs to bind someone while he attacks). He’s tactical in battle, often outthinking curses by using the environment and clever Shikigami combos. A key aspect of Megumi’s character is that, despite his stoic demeanor, he has a compassionate core somewhat similar to Yuji’s. Gojo comments that Megumi is someone who “desires to save people unequally” – meaning he’ll save good or innocent people without hesitation but has little mercy for bad people, which contrasts with Yuji’s desire to save everyone he can. Megumi’s personal arc involves learning to believe in himself and occasionally take risks. He initially holds back, aiming for what he thinks is a “proper” death for himself (a stoic self-sacrifice mindset), but characters like Gojo and Yuji push him to value his own life and unleash his full potential. Megumi’s significance also lies in how he intrigues Sukuna – the King of Curses has shown unusual interest in Megumi’s abilities, implying Megumi might play a crucial role in future events involving Sukuna. Overall, Megumi Fushiguro is the cool-headed strategist of the trio, with powerful summoning magic and a quiet determination to protect those he cares about.
Ryomen Sukuna
Known as the King of Curses, Sukuna is the main malevolent force looming over the series. He is a legendary cursed spirit who was so powerful that after his defeat in the past, his 20 fingers (housing his cursed energy) were preserved as special grade cursed objects. In the present storyline, Sukuna exists inside Yuji Itadori, after Yuji consumed one of Sukuna’s fingers. Each additional finger Yuji consumes restores more of Sukuna’s strength and presence. Sukuna is essentially an evil spirit of unmatched power – arrogant, sadistic, and extremely intelligent. He looks like a demonic version of Yuji (when manifesting, he gives Yuji’s body distinct markings and a second set of eyes). What makes Sukuna particularly scary is that he’s ruthless and unpredictable. He cares only for his own interests and treats humans as insignificant. However, he won’t act unless certain conditions are met (since Yuji can suppress him most of the time). In rare moments, Sukuna takes over Yuji’s body (such as when Yuji is unconscious or makes a Binding Vow with him). When he does, the carnage is extreme – for example, Sukuna single-handedly wiped out a special-grade curse and then, for his own amusement, brutally attacked Megumi just to test him. Sukuna’s abilities are awe-inspiring. He has vast cursed energy, superb skill in hand-to-hand combat, and his own Innate Technique presumed to be related to slashing and cutting. He demonstrated a slashing attack (later known as “Dismantle” and “Cleave”) that can dice up enemies or even buildings from a distance with invisible force. Sukuna’s Domain Expansion is called Malevolent Shrine, which differs from others in that he can manifest it without a full barrier – essentially affecting a large area around him with a guaranteed onslaught of his slashing attacks. Within his domain, it’s almost impossible to survive as everything is sliced precisely. The fact that Sukuna can use a domain at all speaks to his high level, as only the most advanced sorcerers/curses can. Sukuna is significant not just as a power threat, but as a character dynamic with Yuji. Yuji and Sukuna’s relationship is antagonistic; Sukuna mocks Yuji’s ideals and waits for a moment to fully emerge. Yet, interestingly, Sukuna sometimes bargains or upholds certain deals (like healing Yuji in exchange for conditions). There’s a constant tension: will Sukuna break free, and what chaos will that bring? In the lore of the series, Sukuna also has a mystique – curses fear him, some worship him, and sorcerers consider him a calamity on legs. In summary, Ryomen Sukuna is the ultimate villain within Yuji, essentially a ticking time bomb of overwhelming evil. His presence ensures that even when external threats are handled, Yuji and friends carry a potential catastrophe with them, adding an ever-present suspense to the story.
Maki Zen’in
Maki is a second-year student at Tokyo Jujutsu High (one grade above Yuji’s trio), and she’s known for her exceptional physical prowess and weapon skills. What makes Maki stand out is that she was born with almost no cursed energy – a rare condition in the jujutsu world called a “heavenly restriction,” which in her case granted her superhuman physical strength and senses in exchange for innate cursed power. Coming from the prestigious Zen’in clan (one of the big sorcerer families), Maki faced discrimination for her lack of cursed energy; her own family treated her as failure. In response, Maki left the clan to carve her own path, vowing to become a great sorcerer through hard work and talent with tools, essentially proving the clan wrong. Maki’s abilities revolve around mastery of cursed tools (weapons infused with cursed energy). She is proficient with spears, swords, naginata, and other weapons stored in the school’s armory. Thanks to her enhanced strength and reflexes, Maki can go toe-to-toe with curses that normally require sorcery to defeat. She might not be able to blast energy from her fists, but give her a cursed katana and she’ll cleave a monster in two. She also wears special glasses that allow her to see curses (since normally one needs a bit of cursed energy to see them; the glasses are imbued to compensate). In battle, Maki is fearless and extremely tactical. She’s often seen coordinating with her classmates, using hand signals and quick thinking to outmaneuver opponents. Her personality is tough-love; she can be blunt and harsh as a senior toward first-years (she puts Yuji and Panda through intense training), but it’s because she genuinely wants them to improve. Maki values strength and has a bit of a chip on her shoulder due to her upbringing, but over time it’s clear she also deeply cares about her friends and sister. Maki’s significance lies partly in her commentary on the sorcerer world’s flaws – her struggle against the Zen’in clan’s traditionalism highlights the theme of new generation vs old ways. Plus, fans find Maki inspiring: she fights without the advantages most sorcerers have, essentially representing human effort and skill triumphing in a supernatural arena. Without spoiling, it’s worth noting that Maki’s journey takes some dramatic turns later on, further amplifying her power and resolving her conflicts with her clan. She essentially becomes an indomitable force through sheer determination. Many compare her to a “female Rock Lee” (from Naruto) because she’s the hardworking physical specialist in a magic-filled world. In short, Maki Zen’in is the badass weapons expert whose presence proves that talent and hard work can rival any innate power.
Yuta Okkotsu
Yuta is the protagonist of the prequel Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (and later joins the main series storyline). He’s a special case in Jujutsu Kaisen: a special grade sorcerer student. When we first meet Yuta, he’s a very meek and depressed young man haunted (literally) by a powerful cursed spirit – his late childhood friend Rika. Yuta’s backstory is tragic: he and Rika were inseparable friends who promised to marry each other when they grew up, but Rika died in a car accident right before his eyes. In that moment, Rika became a vengeful cursed spirit attached to Yuta. Initially, Yuta has no control over Rika, and she would violently attack anyone who she perceived as a threat to Yuta. This led Yuta to isolate himself, until Gojo brings him to Jujutsu High to learn to manage this power. Over the prequel, Yuta transforms from a scared boy who doesn’t want to live, into a determined sorcerer who cherishes life and friendship. He learns to channel Rika’s power through a ring, effectively “taming” the curse. With Rika’s boundless cursed energy at his disposal, Yuta can perform incredible feats. For instance, he can copy curse techniques (something seen when he mimics another student’s speech curse in the prequel) and release massive blasts of energy. Rika often manifests as a grotesque powerful spirit that fights alongside Yuta – you could say Yuta’s ability is basically having an all-powerful guardian spirit. Yuta also becomes skilled with a katana, focusing Rika’s energy through the sword for enhanced slashing attacks. By the end of the prequel, Yuta is recognized as one of the few special-grade sorcerers, putting him in the same tier as Gojo (talent-wise, if not experience-wise). Yuta’s character is very kind-hearted and gentle, somewhat like Yuji, though more soft-spoken. He deeply values his friends (Maki, Toge, Panda) who accepted him, and he’s willing to sacrifice himself to protect them. His significance in the story is huge: not only is he an immensely strong ally for the good guys, he’s also narratively an example of love and curse being two sides of the same coin – his cursed powers stem from love (a twisted form of it, in Rika’s case). Yuta represents how a curse can be harnessed for good purposes. Also, as a relative of a famous sorcerer family (he’s hinted to be a distant relative of Gojo’s line), he has some ties to the jujutsu world’s history. In the main series, when Yuta reappears, fans were excited because he brings that special-grade might and a new dynamic with the main cast. In summary, Yuta Okkotsu is the gentle warrior with the “Queen of Curses” Rika by his side – a hero forged from tragedy, carrying one of the series’ most overwhelming powers, and yet remaining humble and compassionate.
Nobara Kugisaki
Nobara is the third member of the main trio (alongside Yuji and Megumi) and serves as Jujutsu Kaisen’s bold and brash heroine. She’s a first-year student from the countryside who came to Tokyo to be both a jujutsu sorcerer and a fashionable city girl – a combination that encapsulates her character’s dual nature of being tough as nails yet refreshingly herself. Nobara’s abilities rely on her Straw Doll Technique, a form of sorcery that uses voodoo-like methods. She carries a hammer, nails, and a straw doll. In combat, Nobara can imbue nails with cursed energy and launch them at enemies (or embed them into objects or bodies). By hammering a nail into her straw doll that’s linked via her cursed energy to an opponent (often by using a piece of the target, like flesh or hair), she can inflict damage remotely – this is her “Resonance” ability, essentially injuring the curse from the inside. It’s a clever and rather fearsome technique; for example, if Nobara gets a piece of a curse and uses Resonance, the curse will feel intense internal pain as she hammers the doll. Nobara also uses a skill called Hairpin, where she plants a bunch of nails connected with cursed energy into a target and then triggers them to all explode (detonate) at once, dealing widespread damage. What’s notable about Nobara is how fearless and fierce she is in battle. She doesn’t hesitate to hurt herself if it means taking down the enemy – a famous moment is when she willingly drives a nail into her own arm (which was linked to the enemy via a curse) to exorcise a curse in a sort of mutual damage move. That gutsy move exemplifies her “victory at any cost” mentality. Personality-wise, Nobara is confident, loud, and very proud of who she is. She’ll unabashedly go shopping for makeup one moment and beat a curse’s face in the next. She rejects any notion that she has to be demure or fit some stereotype – she fights and lives on her own terms. This makes her a refreshing female lead in a shonen series. Her significance also lies in the balance she brings to the team: if Yuji is the heart and Megumi the brain, Nobara is the grit. Together they form a really cohesive unit. Nobara’s interactions are always fun – she bickers with Yuji like siblings and teams up with Megumi with unspoken coordination. She also represents the theme of staying true to oneself; Nobara is doing sorcery her way. In sum, Nobara Kugisaki is the fiery hammer-wielding sorcerer who isn’t afraid of anything or anyone, a character who shows that femininity and ferocity can go hand in hand. Fans admire her for being unapologetically tough and cool.
Suguru Geto
Suguru Geto is one of the primary antagonists in Jujutsu Kaisen (especially in the prequel and the “Hidden Inventory” flashback arc). He was once a student alongside Satoru Gojo at Jujutsu High – in fact, they were best friends and the strongest duo of their time. But Geto became disillusioned and took a dark path, essentially becoming a villain who hates non-sorcerers. Geto’s ideology is that the world should be cleansed of non-jujutsu users (whom he calls “monkeys”), leaving only sorcerers, whom he views as superior. This twisted philosophy led him to massacre over a hundred ordinary people in one night (an infamous event in the story) and get branded as the worst kind of curse user criminal. Geto’s ability is the Cursed Spirit Manipulation technique – he can absorb and control cursed spirits. Essentially, whenever Geto exorcises a curse, he doesn’t destroy it; instead, he seals it in a small black orb and later can unleash that curse to do his bidding. This means Geto always has an army of curses at his disposal. By the time we see him as a full-fledged villain, he has collected thousands of cursed spirits, including some very powerful ones. He can, for example, release two giant rainbow dragon-like curses or combine multiple curses into a flying orb that shoots blasts. His ultimate move in the prequel movie is releasing a horde of curses in one massive attack. As a former top student, Geto is also physically proficient and tactically sharp, but his ace in the hole is definitely his collection of curses. Geto’s calm and charismatic demeanor makes him an intriguing bad guy – he presents himself almost like a messiah for sorcerers. In the prequel (JJK0), he is the main villain who orchestrates an attack on Jujutsu High to try to capture Rika (Yuta’s curse) for himself. His clash with Yuta and the other students is intense, and it’s personal for Gojo as well, seeing his old friend become this foe. Without diving into heavy spoilers, it’s worth noting that in the main series (after the prequel events), the “Suguru Geto” we encounter is not exactly who he appears to be – there’s a mystery involving a brain-stealing sorcerer named Kenjaku who has a connection to Geto’s body. But the important part for this overview is: Suguru Geto is the face of the villains’ side for a significant portion of the story, representing a dark mirror to Gojo. He is incredibly significant because his actions catalyze many events (like the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons incident in the prequel and later schemes in the Shibuya Incident). Plus, his past friendship with Gojo adds a layer of tragedy to his villainy. Fans find Geto to be a compelling antagonist because, in a way, he’s a fallen hero – someone who could have been a great force for good but chose hatred instead. His presence raises the philosophical question that hovers in the series: how do sorcerers view non-sorcerers, and is might truly right? In any case, whenever Geto (or the thing wearing Geto’s face) is on screen, you know the stakes are high, as he’s one of the few people cunning enough to challenge Gojo Satoru.
Kento Nanami
Nanami is a grade 1 sorcerer (one of the elite sorcerers) and a mentor-like figure to Yuji, though he’s quite different from Gojo. Nanami is a former “salaryman” – he left a normal job in finance to return to jujutsu sorcery, and he brings a very work-like attitude to fighting curses. He’s serious, efficient, and treats curse-hunting as overtime drudgery. That’s exactly what makes him so endearing and cool in the story. Nanami’s ability is the Ratio Technique, which allows him to see and create weak points by dividing his target into ten parts. Specifically, he can force any opponent or object he sees into a 7:3 ratio grid – striking at the critical point along that ratio line massively amplifies damage. In simpler terms, Nanami basically has a guaranteed critical hit if he hits the right spot. He typically uses this with his weapon of choice: a blunt sword (like a reinforced machete). He’ll run his hand along the blade (activating the technique) and then strike at the 7:3 point of a curse, often slicing them clean or dealing huge blunt-force trauma. Nanami can use this technique in creative ways too, like targeting the environment (e.g., slicing through a concrete floor at the weak ratio point to cause a collapse). Additionally, Nanami has an ability called Overtime – since he genuinely treats sorcery as a job, if a fight drags past the normal working hours, he (humorously) “activates” Overtime which actually boosts his power as he gets slightly mad about working late. In that state, his cursed energy flows more fiercely, making him even stronger for a short period. Character-wise, Nanami is calm, stern, but also deeply caring in his own way. He initially comes off as cold to Yuji, but later Yuji realizes Nanami is one of the adults he can fully trust. Nanami’s significance is that of a grounded adult in a story where many sorcerers are eccentric. He represents a more relatable perspective – he left the jujutsu world because he found more meaning in small life pleasures and normalcy, but returned because he knew someone had to do the dirty work of protecting people. He has a memorable philosophy of only wanting to save “the people he likes” (which later evolves as he mentors Yuji). His reliability and skill make him a key asset in battles against curses like Mahito. Fans often describe Nanami as the “cool businessman” or “uncle” of the group – dependable, strong, and someone you’d want watching your back. His no-nonsense approach and occasional sardonic humor (often deadpan) add a nice flavor to the character interactions. In essence, Kento Nanami is the diligent sorcerer who treats exorcising curses like clocking in for work, and in doing so, he became one of the most respected and beloved characters in the series.
Toge Inumaki
Toge is a second-year student at Tokyo Jujutsu High, alongside Maki and Panda. He’s easily identified by the unique markings on his tongue and around his mouth, as well as his habit of speaking only in ingredients of rice balls (like “salmon”, “tuna mayo”, “bonito flakes”). The reason behind this strange speech is Toge’s Cursed Speech technique. Toge’s voice carries powerful cursed energy that forces anyone who hears him to obey his commands. It’s an incredibly strong ability – if Toge says “Stop,” an enemy will physically be compelled to stop; if he says “Blast away,” they’ll be blown back, and so on. However, this power comes with the risk of harming himself if he overuses it (his throat and body suffer recoil depending on the strength of the command and the target’s resistance). To mitigate accidental activations, Toge speaks in harmless code words (the rice ball ingredients) in daily life. Thus, only when he needs to use cursed speech does he utter real commands. In battle, Toge is a support-type sorcerer: his presence can completely turn the tide because he can freeze an opponent or make them vulnerable with a single word. For example, during the exchange event, he famously immobilizes a semi-grade 1 curse by simply saying “Don’t move,” allowing others to finish it off. Toge can also put more power into his words for stronger curses – shouting “Sleep!” or “Get crushed!” with enough energy to affect even high-grade targets, though it strains him. In terms of personality, Toge is actually a pretty chill and friendly guy underneath the quiet exterior. He often communicates with nods or hand signals and cares about his friends (bringing cough drops for his throat, etc.). Since he doesn’t speak normally, there’s a running humor that others have to interpret what “salmon” or “mustard leaf” means based on context (apparently “salmon” is affirmative for him, and “takana (mustard leaf)” is negative, as per one fan book, adding a cute layer to interactions). Toge’s significance comes from both his strong technique and the way he highlights creativity in jujutsu. His clan (Inumaki clan) engraved the cursed speech sigils on him at birth, so it’s an inherited ability and considered quite rare. He shows that not all combat is about punching or flashy energy blasts – sometimes it’s about one well-placed word. Despite being soft-spoken (or rather rarely spoken), Toge is popular among fans for his distinct quirk and the badass moments when he does unleash his voice. Plus, there’s an inherent cool factor to a character that usually says nonsense words but is actually one of the most dangerous people in the room if he chose to speak normally. He adds diversity to the cast’s powers and has saved the day on more than one occasion using his unique cursed speech.
Aoi Todo
Aoi Todo is a third-year student from Kyoto Jujutsu High (the sister school) and is introduced during the Goodwill Exchange Event arc. Physically, Todo is imposing – tall, very muscular – and his personality is larger than life. He loves fighting strong opponents and has an almost maniacal obsession with his peculiar tastes: he often asks people, “What type of girls do you like?” as a litmus test for their character. (His own answer: a tall woman with a big butt like the celebrity idol Takada-chan, which became a fandom joke.) Todo’s character initially comes off as brash, battle-crazy, and a bit of a buffoon, but he’s extremely skilled and intelligent in combat. His grade is Grade 1 sorcerer, indicating how powerful he is for a student. Todo’s signature technique is called Boogie Woogie, a hilariously named but incredibly effective ability. Boogie Woogie allows Todo to swap the positions of any two things with enough cursed energy with a clap of his hands. Usually, he swaps himself with his opponent or with another person or even with a cursed object. This teleportation-like swapping happens in an instant as soon as he claps. In a fight, this is disorienting to opponents – one second they’re about to hit Todo, he claps, and suddenly they’re hitting their own ally or striking empty air because Todo swapped to behind them. He can spam this technique rapidly, confusing even very perceptive fighters. Todo uses this along with his raw strength (he’s an immensely strong close-combat fighter) to dominate battles. A great example is his tag-team with Yuji against a special grade curse: Todo keeps clapping to swap Yuji and himself in and out, creating a perfect rhythm that the enemy cannot keep up with, all while coaching Yuji mid-fight. Beyond fighting, Todo is actually quite smart – he strategizes on the fly and observes his enemy’s techniques to find counters, showing he’s more than just brawn. His character development is interesting too. After initially trying to pummel Yuji (when they were opponents in the school event), he ends up essentially becoming Yuji’s best friend because Yuji gave a satisfactory answer about liking tall girls with big butts (an absolutely ridiculous bonding moment). Todo then imagines an entire friendship history between them in his mind. This gag aside, he genuinely mentors Yuji, teaching him about using one’s environment and the concept of “brotherhood” in battle. He affectionately calls Yuji his “brother” and sticks by him. Todo’s significance is partly comic relief (his flamboyant personality and fantasy sequences are very funny), but also thematic: he’s another example of not judging by initial impressions. At first he seems a violent meathead, but he values emotional connections (idolizing an idol’s quote, cherishing his friendship with Yuji) and he fights for what he believes is right, even if his methods are headstrong. He’s also an example of a top-tier sorcerer who doesn’t hail from a noble clan – he’s just insanely talented and hardworking. For fans, Todo is memorable for his incredible confidence (“I, Aoi Todo, am not stupid!” he proclaims while formulating strategy) and his flashy team-ups. Simply put, Aoi Todo is the musclebound senpai who might smash your face in, but also give you the motivational speech you didn’t know you needed, all while clapping his way through enemy lines.
Masamichi Yaga
Yaga is the principal of Tokyo Jujutsu High and the creator of the Cursed Corpses (like Panda). He’s a middle-aged man often seen wearing sunglasses and a loose Hawaiian shirt under a lab coat (a bit of an eccentric style for a principal!). Yaga’s special ability is Cursed Corpse technique – he can create and manipulate cursed corpses, which are essentially puppets infused with cursed energy that allows them to move and act. The most notable example is Panda, who is actually one of Yaga’s creations (not a real panda, as surprising as that was for Yuji to learn!). Yaga’s technique is advanced; Panda isn’t just an animated doll but has emotions and independent thought, meaning Yaga achieved something extraordinary in giving a cursed corpse self-awareness. Yaga also animates other dolls – early in the story he tests Yuji by sending a small cursed doll to attack him (which Yuji has to defeat to get Yaga’s approval). Yaga can control these dolls remotely, making them speak his thoughts or fight according to his will. In terms of combat, we don’t see Yaga fight much in the anime initially, but as principal and a former sorcerer himself, he’s definitely capable. It’s hinted that he’s a strong sorcerer (likely grade 1) given his role and inventions. Yaga’s significance is more on the mentorship/administration side – he is the one who accepted Gojo’s request to admit Yuji as a student (with some reservations). He’s shown to be a stern but caring educator, wanting his students to grow. He also has a bit of comedic side, like when he somewhat theatrically introduces Panda during the Kyoto exchange event or when he deals with Gojo’s antics (Yaga often sighs at how unserious Gojo can be). Yaga is deeply invested in the well-being of the students and listens to Gojo’s ideas about changing the jujutsu world even if he doesn’t always openly agree. Being principal, he often is tied up in the politics of the jujutsu higher-ups. Yaga’s relationships include being Panda’s sort-of father (as Panda calls him “pops”) and having known the Kyoto school principal (Principal Gakuganji) from their own student days, albeit they have different philosophies. While Yaga doesn’t steal the spotlight often, his role is crucial as the backbone of the Tokyo school. He keeps things running and protects his pupils as much as he can from behind the scenes. His ability also underscores the idea of creation of life from cursed energy, which is a fascinating concept (Panda’s existence asks the question: can curses have hearts and souls?). In summary, Principal Masamichi Yaga is the puppet master with a heart – the guy who might send a cute cursed doll to punch you in the face if you slack off, but ultimately is looking out for the next generation of sorcerers.
Kasumi Miwa
Miwa is a second-year student from Kyoto Jujutsu High, part of the group of students we meet during the exchange event. She’s a blue-haired girl with a very polite and earnest personality, often seen as the most normal and sweet among the Kyoto sorcerers. Miwa openly admits she considers herself kind of useless compared to her peers – which, ironically, makes her quite endearing. She got into jujutsu sorcery because she needs to earn money to support her family (her younger siblings), so she’s very hardworking and diligent, if not exceptionally talented. Miwa’s weapon of choice is a sword (katana). She practices the New Shadow Style, a sword-fighting technique that non-clan sorcerers can use to compensate for not having inherited fancy techniques. One of her moves is the Simple Domain, a defensive technique of New Shadow Style which creates a small barrier that neutralizes any enemy technique within its confines – it’s a way to counter someone else’s Domain Expansion or Innate Technique on a limited scale. Miwa attempts to use a Simple Domain in the exchange event battle, though it doesn’t end up saving her from getting knocked out by Maki. Speaking of which, Miwa unfortunately is a bit outclassed in power by characters like Maki (who took her sword at one point and beat her with ease), but Miwa’s charm is in her attitude. She’s humble and extremely nice – famously, when Gojo appears, Miwa fangirls because she’s a huge fan of his (even asking for a selfie). That moment is pretty humorous and humanizes the Kyoto students beyond their “we must win” mindset. Miwa’s significance in the story is relatively minor in terms of plot impact; however, she represents the everyday sorcerer who isn’t a prodigy or from a big clan. She’s doing her best and often apologizes for things. In the Kyoto Goodwill arc, she has a moment where she’s left depressed after being defeated and hearing some harsh realities (she later wakes up lamenting that she didn’t contribute much). This resonates with a lot of people because not everyone in a shonen can be a superstar, and Miwa is that relatable “B-team” character who is lovable anyway. Interestingly, later in the manga, Miwa does get more serious development due to some tragedies, showing that even the gentlest characters can be drawn into the darker parts of the sorcery world. In any case, Miwa provides a kind presence among the Kyoto team and serves as a foil to some of the more aggressive ones like Mai or Noritoshi. She just wants to be a good swordswoman and help her family – a simple, noble goal. And hey, in terms of ability, Miwa with a blade is still nothing to scoff at; she might not have had her grand moment yet, but her determination could see her grow stronger in time. For now, she’s often remembered as the girl who politely said “I’m useless, sorry!” which ironically made everyone love her more.
Momo Nishimiya
Momo is another Kyoto Jujutsu High second-year student. She’s distinctive with her witch-like aesthetic: she literally rides on a flying broom and dresses somewhat like a fairy-tale witch (complete with a cape). Momo’s curse technique appears to be Tool Manipulation or Wind that lets her fly on her broom and possibly control wind. She’s never deeply showcased in extended combat in the anime’s first season, but we see her flying around for recon and using her broom offensively as well (swinging it to create gusts). Momo acts as a sort of support fighter, staying at mid-range in battle. During the exchange event, she confronts Nobara in an aerial fight: Momo flings sharp broom bristles and wind attacks, while Nobara counters from the ground. Eventually, Nobara outsmarts her with a trick, and Momo gets taken down by Nobara’s technique. Personality-wise, Momo is a bit of a complainer and has a sharp tongue. She gives a speech during her fight with Nobara about how female sorcerers have it tough – expected to be both strong and beautiful, whereas male sorcerers just need strength. This actually offered some insight into the subtle sexism in jujutsu society (likely a reflection of certain real-world expectations). Nobara vehemently responds that she doesn’t let those expectations define her, which was a cool thematic exchange. Momo’s stance suggests she’s a bit resentful of those pressures, possibly because she’s close with Mai (who definitely has issues with the expectations placed on her as a Zen’in female). In fact, Momo is seen being a loyal friend to Mai Zen’in. When Mai is emotionally hurting (due to Maki or the situation), Momo comforts her – they seem to have a close friendship. Momo’s significance lies in being a voice for the struggles female characters face within the story’s context, and also representing the Kyoto school’s perspective. Although she fights against our Tokyo protagonists, Momo isn’t truly villainous; she’s a student with her own opinions and loyalty. After the exchange event, there’s a sense of camaraderie formed (e.g., she’s later seen not bearing ill will; the event’s purpose is partly to bond the schools too). As a combatant, Momo’s flying ability is fairly unique, giving the series a touch of aerial combat. She might not be as flashy as others, but she’s competent and her analysis was trusted by her team (she did surveillance and strategy communication in the event). Fans find her broom-riding concept fun – it’s like mixing a classic witch trope into a modern jujutsu setting. Overall, Momo Nishimiya is the broom-flying sorcerer who’s candid about the challenges of being a girl in the jujutsu world, and she brings a unique support role to the Kyoto team.
Noritoshi Kamo
Noritoshi Kamo is a third-year student and essentially the leader of the Kyoto team during the exchange event. He’s from the Kamo clan, one of the three great sorcerer families (like Zen’in and Gojo’s clan), which means he carries a lot of expectations and a traditional upbringing. Noritoshi is very proper, serious, and at first comes off as rather cold or elitist – he talks about sorcerer responsibilities and has a stiff politeness to him. His appearance is notable with his hair in a traditional style (he has a kind of Heian era vibe) and always carrying a bow and arrows. Kamo’s inherited technique is Blood Manipulation, a powerful ability that lets him control his own blood as a weapon. With Blood Manipulation, Noritoshi can do things like: increase his physical abilities by boosting blood flow, harden his blood into projectiles, or even create tricky techniques like Flowing Red Scale (enhancing his body’s speed/reflexes) and Crimson Binding (using blood to restrain a target). In combat, he uses a bow to shoot blood-tipped arrows that he can redirect in mid-air by manipulating the blood on them, making his arrow attacks unpredictable and hard to dodge. He can also imbue cursed energy into his arrows. Because using blood can lead to anemia or blood loss, Noritoshi carries blood packets so he can add additional blood without harming himself too much – he’s got little capsules of blood to fuel his tech. Noritoshi’s fight with Megumi during the exchange event showed his tactics: he’s very analytical and controlled. Their fight was a clash of two old families’ techniques (Zen’in shadows vs Kamo blood). Noritoshi displayed how versatile Blood Manipulation is, at one point even using Blood Meteor (a big coalescence of blood as a bullet). While that battle got interrupted, it was clear Kamo is a skilled combatant, worthy of being a clan heir. Character-wise, Noritoshi holds a burden: as the eldest son of the Kamo clan, he must not show weakness. It’s revealed his motivation to excel is tied to gaining the approval of his mother (who was ostracized) by proving himself useful to the clan. This adds a human layer to him – he’s not just a rigid clan poster boy; he’s a son trying to honor his mother in a harsh family system. Noritoshi’s significance extends beyond the students’ competition. Interestingly, there is a notorious sorcerer from the past also named Noritoshi Kamo (considered one of the worst in history), which is a plot point suggesting connections (though the current Noritoshi is clearly different in personality). The name link hints at deeper story relevances with the brain-possessing villain Kenjaku, but that’s another story. For the scope of the character intro, Noritoshi Kamo represents tradition vs new era themes. Initially, he even agrees with the Kyoto principal’s plan to eliminate Yuji (because Sukuna is in him), showing he follows orders for the greater jujutsu society’s perceived good. However, by the end of their interactions, Noritoshi shows flexibility and honor – he acknowledges the Tokyo students and isn’t portrayed as malicious. In essence, Noritoshi Kamo is the archer with bloodbending powers, a disciplined heir carrying the weight of legacy while quietly yearning for acceptance. He’s someone who might one day have to choose between the old ways and what he personally feels is right.
Kiyotaka Ijichi
Ijichi is a staff member at Tokyo Jujutsu High, basically Gojo’s assistant and the school’s administrator for missions. He’s a fairly plain-looking adult with glasses and a suit, the type who carries a clipboard and drives the students around. While not a front-line fighter, Ijichi’s role is important: he coordinates logistics, sets up barriers around mission sites to keep civilians away, and handles communication between the school and jujutsu higher-ups. Ijichi does know some cursed techniques, primarily Barrier Techniques. For example, when sorcerers go on a mission, Ijichi often stays at the entrance maintaining a curtain (a barrier curtain that hides the area from non-sorcerers or traps curses inside). This sort of background support is crucial for jujutsu operations, and Ijichi is trained for it. In terms of personality, Ijichi is nervous, diligent, and often stressed because, let’s face it, working under Gojo Satoru would give anyone gray hair. Gojo tends to bully or tease Ijichi a bit (nothing too cruel, but Gojo’s carefree nature clashes with Ijichi’s cautiousness). For instance, Gojo will disappear or not follow protocols, leaving Ijichi exasperated. There’s a recurring gag where Ijichi feels underappreciated (like when Gojo neglects to credit him or threatens to replace him with a mannequin jokingly). Despite that, Gojo does trust Ijichi with important tasks, and Ijichi in turn is loyal to the school and students. He’s the one who escorts and monitors Yuji during the early missions. Ijichi’s significance comes to light in a particular incident: he gets targeted and hurt by enemy forces trying to weaken the school’s defenses (since taking Ijichi out impairs communication/barrier deployment for the Tokyo team). This shows that the villains recognize his key support role. Also, through Ijichi we sometimes get insight into the jujutsu bureaucracy – he attends meetings with the principals, deals with paperwork, etc. He represents the everyman sorcerer in a way: not flashy, not especially powerful, but keeping the wheels turning. Many fans find Ijichi relatable and sympathetic; he’s a bit cowardly in direct confrontation but brave in the sense he continues doing this scary job anyway. Also, in quieter moments, Ijichi genuinely cares about the students’ well-being. He’s there in the aftermath of tough events, helping where he can. So while he won’t be taking down a special grade curse anytime, Kiyotaka Ijichi is a character who ensures our heroes can do what they do by handling the unglamorous stuff. Think of him as the mission control guy – stressed, often sweating bullets, but competent. And yes, perhaps silently wishing Gojo would be a tad more serious.
Shoko Ieiri
Shoko is another one of the adult characters, and she occupies a vital role: she is the doctor for Tokyo Jujutsu High. A classmate of Gojo and Geto back in their student days, Shoko is now the school’s resident medical expert, specifically using Reverse Cursed Technique to heal. Shoko has a very cool, detached demeanor. She’s often seen in a lab coat, smoking a cigarette, exuding an exhausted medic vibe. Her personality is a bit sardonic and blunt, but she clearly cares in her own way. Shoko’s ability with Reverse Cursed Technique is extremely important – reverse cursed energy basically allows a sorcerer to heal injuries by converting cursed energy into positive energy (since cursed energy is normally negative). It’s a very complex ability that few can master; Shoko is one of them, which is why she’s the go-to doctor for injured sorcerers. For instance, after Yuji’s “death” early in the series, Gojo brings his body to Shoko for autopsy (and later, when Yuji returns to life, Shoko handles his medical exam and clearance). She’s able to mend wounds and even conduct tough operations like dissection of curses if needed. Shoko doesn’t engage in fights generally, but back in school she was a sorcerer on the field too (though we’ve yet to see her fight in present time). Now she stays in the morgue/medical office most of the time. Shoko’s significance comes partially from her past: she was friends with Gojo and Geto, and she bears witness to how things changed (like dealing with their friend’s turn to the dark side and the aftermath of tragedies). She’s sort of the mature, world-weary presence among the faculty. She’s also one of the only people Gojo completely trusts – he relies on her to cover things up when needed (for example, they faked Yuji’s death on paper so the higher-ups wouldn’t execute him immediately, with Shoko signing off on the death report). That indicates she’s willing to bend rules for the greater good, unlike some more rigid jujutsu superiors. Shoko often provides a bit of dark humor too – like making deadpan comments about corpses or poking at people’s dramatics. Since her appearances are usually around grim situations (injuries or casualties), her dry humor and no-nonsense attitude provide some levity or at least a break from melodrama. In essence, Shoko Ieiri is the invaluable healer keeping our heroes patched up. She may not get as much screen time, but whenever someone is hurt, we’re glad she’s around. Her skill underscores a theme that battles aren’t the only important thing – healing and recovery are crucial in a dangerous profession. And Shoko’s been through a lot, making her somewhat jaded but also reliable as a rock for the younger sorcerers. If you had a rough day fighting curses, Shoko’s the person you go to for medical attention (though she might tell you off for being reckless, likely while exhaling a puff of smoke).
Mahito
Mahito is one of the central antagonists in the series, a cursed spirit with a chilling philosophy. He embodies the fear and hatred humans have towards each other, essentially a manifestation of human malice. Mahito appears as a patchwork-faced young man, often playful in speech but absolutely cruel in action. He views life and humans as toys or art for him to reshape. Mahito’s cursed technique is Idle Transfiguration, which is terrifying – it allows him to reshape souls. Since the body is a reflection of the soul, by touching someone, Mahito can distort their soul directly, thereby disfiguring or mutating their body into monstrosities or instantly killing them. He can also use this on himself, freely changing his form, healing injuries, or morphing limbs into weapons. This makes Mahito incredibly hard to kill; even if you damage him, he can alter his soul’s shape to regenerate or avoid fatal hits. Mahito’s power essentially means if he grabs you, he can warp you into a twisted creature or a blob – a fate worse than death that he inflicts on several unfortunate humans, showing just how vicious he is. Thematically, Mahito is fascinated by the concept of the soul and growth – he treats fights as learning experiences to understand his own soul and increase his power. He’s relatively “young” as a curse, so he grows rapidly through conflicts (such as his battles with Yuji and Nanami). Mahito’s personality is very childlike but in a malicious way. He’s curious, laughs a lot, teases his opponents, but he has no empathy. He kills without remorse, seeing humans as nothing more than “walking souls” to experiment on. This puts him in direct ideological conflict with Yuji, who values human life deeply. In their encounters, Mahito becomes a personal enemy for Yuji (Mahito is responsible for some heart-wrenching losses that Yuji experiences, fueling Yuji’s resolve to exorcise Mahito no matter what). Mahito’s significance is huge as he drives much of the early plot’s tension – he’s the one pulling strings in the cursed spirits’ plans alongside Geto (pseudo-Geto). He learns and adapts, nearly killing Nanami and Yuji in their first big fight until Sukuna intervenes (Mahito even tries to transfigure Yuji’s soul, touching Sukuna’s soul in the process, which backlashes badly on Mahito – one of the few times we see him rattled). But Mahito keeps coming back stronger. He eventually learns to do a Domain Expansion called Self-Embodiment of Perfection, which is basically trapping someone inside his domain where physical contact with his soul is guaranteed – a death sentence to most. That makes Mahito one of the first curses of his generation to manifest a domain, underlining him as a major threat. As a villain, Mahito represents the dark consequences of negative human emotions and serves as a sinister mirror: he’s what curses truly are at their worst – merciless and born from humanity’s own evils. Many fans appreciate Mahito as a well-written villain because while you hate him for what he does, his role in pushing protagonists to their limits and his twisted charisma make every encounter with him intense. His childlike taunting (“Isn’t killing people just part of growing up?” he says at one point) makes him uniquely creepy. In summary, Mahito is the smiley face of horror in Jujutsu Kaisen – a shape-shifting curse who delights in mutilating souls, and one of the biggest challenges our heroes have to face both physically and morally.
Akari Nitta
Akari is a staff member at Tokyo Jujutsu High like Ijichi, essentially another assistant/manager. She’s a young woman with short hair, seen a few times coordinating missions. Akari is basically the Tokyo school’s junior office clerk, handling things when Ijichi isn’t around or needs help. She’s first properly introduced when accompanying Nanami and Yuji on a mission (she’s the driver who takes them to the site). Akari doesn’t have a lot of screen presence, but her personality comes off as more upbeat and spunky compared to the nervous Ijichi. She tries to be helpful and professional. There’s a humorous scene where she’s trying to reach Gojo on the phone and he’s dodging her calls, to her irritation – implying she often has to chase down the errant teachers for administrative stuff. As for abilities, Akari isn’t shown fighting; she likely has some cursed technique (maybe similar barrier skills or basic cursed energy use), but she’s not a frontliner. Her role is logistics and support. For example, during the goodwill event, she’s working behind the scenes. Akari’s significance is relatively minor, but she adds to the notion that there’s an operational team behind jujutsu society. Not everyone is out exorcising curses; some are making sure the cars are fueled, paperwork is filed, and the right people get to the right place. Also, being a female staffer, she’s a bit of an “office lady” archetype in a sorcery context, which is a funny blend. She’s efficient but also a bit bossy when needed (she even scolds Itadori to stick to Nanami’s instructions on a mission). In terms of personality glimpses, she’s protective too: when some nasty cursed corpses corner her and Ijichi during an enemy invasion, she bravely tries to shield Ijichi despite not being a combatant, showing courage. That scene gave depth to both her and Ijichi as more than just background characters – they truly care about each other as colleagues and about the students. Akari Nitta may not be a household name in the series, but her presence makes the Jujutsu world more realistic. It’s not just superhumans running around; there are regular-ish folks keeping the organization together. And every so often, they too are thrown into dangerous situations. So, think of Akari as the helpful dispatcher/secretary of Jujutsu High – don’t underestimate her, though; she can be feisty if things go awry.
Takuma Ino
Ino is a younger Grade-2 sorcerer who works under Nanami (kind of like Nanami’s protege in the field). You might recall him as the guy with a bandana or ski-mask that covers his face up to the nose. Ino has a bit of a delinquent or punk fashion sense – when he gets serious, he styles his hair into a pompadour (which he believes boosts his strength, a fun quirk). Ino looks up to Nanami a lot, emulating his work ethic, and Nanami trusts Ino to handle tasks. In terms of abilities, Takuma Ino’s innate technique is called Auspicious Beast Summon. It’s a pretty interesting technique that draws on the four auspicious beasts of Chinese legend (Seiryu, Byakko, Suzaku, Genbu – Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, Black Tortoise). By covering his face with his cloth mask (which has eyes drawn on it), he can temporarily channel the characteristics of these beasts through himself. This might sound abstract, but practically, it boosts his physical capabilities in different ways. For example, channeling one beast might give him extreme speed (dragon), another might boost defense (tortoise), another brute strength (tiger), etc. We see a glimpse of this when he fights in Shibuya: he invokes the spirit of the General Mahoraga (though note, “General Mahoraga” is something else related to Megumi’s shikigami lore, Ino’s technique might not directly be Mahoraga but rather the concept of the four beasts including some term confusion – but essentially, he has a multi-faceted summoning buff technique). Ino’s pompadour thing is that he believes when his hair stands up like that, it’s invoking the “General” power and he gets fired up. Whether that’s placebo or real is comedic, but he does display notably more confidence and strength in that mode. In terms of combat style, Ino uses a sword and is a melee fighter who enhances himself with his technique. Personality-wise, Ino is earnest, a bit hot-blooded, and idolizes Nanami (he literally thinks Nanami is super cool). He’s younger and thus sometimes a bit cocky or eager to prove himself. He’s also one of those sorcerers who chose this life rather than being born into it – he’s like a junior staff trying to climb the ranks and make a name. Ino’s significance becomes more pronounced in the Shibuya Incident arc, where he engages in some serious battles. He shows the growth of a secondary character stepping up in a crisis. Also, through him we get Nanami’s softer side; Nanami mentors Ino somewhat, indicating Nanami’s influence on the next generation beyond just the main trio. Fans appreciate Ino because he’s kind of like “one of us” – not a genius, but a guy putting in effort, and who can fangirl about Nanami as we do. Plus, the whole pompadour power-up is a nod to Japanese yankii (delinquent) culture, adding a fun flavor to his character. All in all, Takuma Ino is the up-and-coming sorcerer who’s got some funky techniques, a lot of heart, and a desire to be as dependable as his senior (Nanami). He fills out the supporting cast of sorcerers nicely, showing that beyond the super prodigies like Gojo, there are regular Joes and Janes fighting the good fight too.
Ultimate Mechamaru
Ultimate Mechamaru is the code name for a construct operated by Kokichi Muta, a second-year student of Kyoto Jujutsu High. Kokichi Muta was born with a Heavenly Restriction that left his body frail and in constant pain (his skin is extremely sensitive to moonlight, and his limbs are all but immobilized). Essentially, Kokichi cannot move or go outside in his real body; he spends his life in a tub of special fluid in a secret room. However, the flip side of this heavenly restriction is that he was blessed with vast cursed energy. Kokichi uses that cursed energy to remotely control puppet-like proxies, the most notable being “Mechamaru.” Mechamaru appears as a large robotic puppet (like a tall, angular doll with one glowing eye and mechanical limbs). Through Mechamaru, Kokichi can attend classes (via a camera and speaker on it) and fight. There are multiple puppet bodies, but the Ultimate Mechamaru is a specially prepared, high-grade one that Kokichi can unleash under certain conditions – it’s basically a giant, powerful robot puppet, armed with massive attacks (like a laser cannon of cursed energy, shields, etc.). In the exchange event, we mostly see a smaller version of Mechamaru which Nobara and Panda fight against. Mechamaru’s abilities include shooting cursed energy blasts, extending its limbs, and generally being a versatile remote weapon. Panda ended up defeating that Mechamaru unit, which was being piloted by Kokichi from afar. Later, the storyline delves deeper into Kokichi’s situation: he had secretly made a deal with Mahito and Geto’s faction, hoping to get his body healed in exchange for information (since Kokichi desperately wanted to have a normal life and feel sunlight on his skin). This put him in a conflicted position. Without spoiling outcomes, the Ultimate Mechamaru is indeed activated in a later confrontation where Kokichi pulls out all the stops. Inside the Ultimate Mechamaru, Kokichi essentially sits in a cockpit, turning the battle into something like a mecha anime fight – it’s quite the spectacle, and he proves to be very formidable, using techniques named after simple names like “Puppet Manipulation: Ultra Cannon” etc., utilizing his huge reserve of cursed energy. As for personality, Kokichi (Mechamaru’s pilot) is bitter due to his condition, but also earnest in his longing for companionship – he particularly shares a bond with Miwa (they talk by phone, and he has a crush on her, which is touching). He puts on a bit of a tough front as Mechamaru, but that’s partly a mask (pun intended). His significance is tied to themes of isolation and desire. He’s someone who literally can’t physically be with his peers, leading him to questionable choices. Mechamaru, as a character, represents how he found a way to contribute despite his limitations. Fans often feel sympathy for Kokichi (Mechamaru) because of how tragic his situation is, and his arc is a mixture of heart-wrenching and epic. The puppet-fighting aspect adds a cool tech-like element to Jujutsu Kaisen’s mostly spiritual/martial battles. In sum, Ultimate Mechamaru is both the name of a powerful puppet fighter and the alter-ego of a young sorcerer who’s trying to overcome a cruel fate. It’s a reminder in the story that not all sorcerers are physically gifted or living a glamorous life; some are literally broken but still fighting in whatever way they can.
Those are the major characters and what makes each of them special. Each brings their own flavor to the story – whether it’s Gojo’s unbeatable swagger, Yuji’s compassionate bravery, Nobara’s fierce independence, or even Mahito’s chilling villainy, the cast covers a wide spectrum. Abilities like domain expansions, cursed techniques, and innate talents make battles in Jujutsu Kaisen fresh and unpredictable, but it’s the personalities and ideals of these characters that truly hook fans. We see characters grow: Yuji confronting the value of life, Megumi learning to unleash himself, Nobara proving her worth on her own terms, Maki smashing through the barriers of her clan, Yuta overcoming grief with love, etc. We also see relationships: deep friendships, mentor-student bonds (like Gojo with the kids, or Nanami with Yuji/Ino), sibling dynamics (Maki and Mai, Yuji and his grandfather’s memory), and rivalries (Yuji vs. Mahito as pure good vs pure evil in a sense). All of this elevates Jujutsu Kaisen from just a cool action series to a story with heart and meaning.
Another strength of the series is that even side characters (like the Kyoto students or staff members) get moments to shine and become likable or at least understandable. For example, Todo might seem like a brute at first, but he turns out to be a pretty awesome ally. Or someone like Principal Gakuganji (Kyoto’s principal) who initially seems like an antagonist due to his rigid views – we later see different sides of him too. The world-building via these characters – the clans, the jujutsu school system, the curse user’s ideology – all come together to create a vibrant tapestry.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, the characters often grapple with moral questions: What lives are worth the most? How far should one go to achieve peace? Is it okay to bend rules for the greater good? Each character tends to have a stance on these, implicitly or explicitly, which drives their actions. That’s why the clashes feel meaningful. It’s not just sorcerer vs curse, it can be tradition vs change (like with some clan heirs vs outcasts), duty vs empathy (like when Yuji is ordered to be executed for having Sukuna, and others stand up for him), or revenge vs justice (as seen in certain arcs).
By exploring each character’s abilities and significance, we get a glimpse of how teamwork and conflict play out. For instance, in the Sister School Event, seeing the Tokyo and Kyoto students square off (and later cooperate against actual curses) highlights their different strengths and the importance of unity against bigger threats. In serious arcs like Shibuya, multiple characters’ storylines converge, showing how everyone has a part to play. Readers/viewers often pick their favorites, but what’s great is that almost every character has a fandom because they’re all distinct and fleshed out enough to be interesting.
From a simple viewpoint: if someone new to Jujutsu Kaisen learns about these characters, they can easily find at least one that resonates with them. There’s the inspiring teacher (Gojo), the relatable everyman (Nanami or Ijichi), the fiery heroine (Nobara), the noble friend (Megumi), the lovable talking panda (Panda, of course, who we touched on with Yaga’s section), the anti-hero (maybe Yuta in his struggle or Geto in his fall), the tragic villain (Mahito or others), and so on. This rich cast is the backbone of Jujutsu Kaisen’s storytelling.
Conclusion
Jujutsu Kaisen has swiftly risen to global prominence, and looking back through its facets, it’s easy to see why. As an anime and manga series, it delivered a perfect storm of compelling story, striking animation, and a world that feels both fresh and familiar to shonen fans. It shattered records and claimed top spots – from selling over 100 million manga copies to outgrossing veteran franchises in yearly revenue, to producing a movie that ranks among the biggest anime films worldwide. These numbers tell a story of worldwide influence: Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just a local hit in Japan; it’s a franchise that has crowds cheering in North America, Europe, Asia – essentially everywhere anime has a foothold. Financial success aside, its cultural impact is seen in how fans have rallied around its characters and themes. Cosplayers dress up as Gojo with his blindfold or carry Nobara’s toy hammer and nails; phrases like “Itadori my best friend!” (Todo’s famous line) become inside jokes; and Sukuna’s sinister grin is instantly recognizable in fan art and memes.
Crucially, Jujutsu Kaisen has managed to balance dark, horror elements with humor and heart, making it accessible and engaging. It doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions or portraying loss, which has earned it a reputation as a shonen that can hit you in the feels just as hard as it wows you with fights. This maturity, combined with fun, eccentric moments, appeals to a broad audience – teens who see themselves in characters like Yuji and Nobara, young adults who appreciate the more philosophical undercurrents, and even older viewers who enjoy the expertly crafted action and the nods to earlier genre classics.
The voice cast we discussed plays a significant role in that popularity, as their performances in Japanese (and the dub actors in other languages) turned each character into someone fans feel they “know.” When Kenjiro Tsuda’s Nanami gives life lessons or when Junya Enoki’s Yuji cries out in anguish, it sticks with the audience. It’s like the voices echo beyond the screen, contributing to why these characters often trend on social media after an episode airs. People aren’t just watching some generic fight – they’re emotionally invested in these individuals.
Meanwhile, the characters themselves drive an ongoing conversation among the fandom: Who’s the strongest? (Gojo? Sukuna? Or maybe an eventual Yuji?) Who has the coolest technique? Who’s best girl or best boy? But beyond those fun debates, the characters invite discussions about the story’s messages. For example, fans reflect on Nanami’s perspective of adult responsibility vs. Gojo’s more rebellious approach, or they debate the ethics shown by characters like Geto and the jujutsu higher-ups. In that sense, Jujutsu Kaisen’s cast elevates it from mere entertainment to something that sparks thought – akin to how classics like Naruto got people contemplating peace and cycles of hatred, Jujutsu Kaisen gets people pondering the value of life and death in a cursed world.
As of now, Jujutsu Kaisen’s continued success seems assured. The manga continues to enthrall readers with new developments, the anime’s second season (and likely future seasons) keeps the buzz high, and more projects (games, merchandise, possibly stage plays) expand the franchise’s footprint. Each major milestone – say, a new volume release or a movie announcement – reverberates globally, trending on Twitter and lighting up fan communities. It’s also fostering the next generation of anime enthusiasts; many newcomers cite Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the series that got them hooked on anime in the 2020s, much like Naruto or Bleach did for earlier generations.
In wrapping up, it’s clear that Jujutsu Kaisen’s influence is global and multifaceted. It has achieved a rare trifecta: critical acclaim (award-winning and highly rated by fans), commercial triumph (with revenue figures that rival the top shonen franchises), and a passionate fanbase that’s growing by the day. The story of cursed spirits and those who fight them has resonated far beyond its Japanese origins, speaking to universal themes of fear, courage, and friendship. Whether you came for the spectacular fights, stayed for the lovable (or hatable) characters, or found yourself drawn in by the emotional depth, Jujutsu Kaisen offers something for everyone.
The adventure is still ongoing – both on the page and on screen – and its legacy is still being written. But one thing’s for sure: in the realm of modern anime and manga, Jujutsu Kaisen has firmly secured its place among the greats, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As fans, we get to witness this phenomenon unfold, eagerly anticipating each chapter or episode to see where the story goes next. And with the solid foundation it has built – rich characters, an engrossing narrative, and remarkable success – the future of Jujutsu Kaisen looks incredibly bright (or perhaps we should say, full of cursed energy).
In conclusion, Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just an anime/manga series; it’s a global experience at this point – one that continues to unite fans around the world in excitement, tears, laughter, and awe. Whether you’re tuning in to watch Yuji and friends take on the next formidable curse, or you’re listening to an opening song for the hundredth time, you’re part of a worldwide community that has been touched by this story. And that’s the real magic (or should we say sorcery?) of Jujutsu Kaisen.
