Itadori Yuji, the well-meaning main character from Jujutsu Kaisen, often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves within the anime community. Surprisingly, even Gege Akutami, the creator of the series, appears to underestimate this resilient hero. When fans discuss their favorite characters from Jujutsu Kaisen, names like Satoru Gojo, Kugisaki Nobara, and Megumi Toji frequently arise, yet Itadori Yuji rarely gets mentioned.
While there are valid criticisms directed at Itadori Yuji, such as his relatively low power level throughout much of the series and his tendency to be overshadowed by other characters, Gege Akutami has identified a less commonly discussed issue that explains why fans may feel disconnected from this protagonist. This insight may also reveal why Yuji is likely to be remembered as one of Shōnen Jump’s all-time great heroes.
Gege Akutami’s Perspective on Yuji
Characterizing Yuji as “Bland”Deliberately
At a Japanese exhibition in 2024 dedicated to Jujutsu Kaisen, Akutami revealed his thoughts on Yuji’s character arc. He openly admitted that he has struggled with writing Yuji in the past, but his recent reflections illustrate his growth as a storyteller. As detailed by Comicbook journalist Evan Valentine, Akutami stated:
“Itadori’s versatility is in the sense that he’s easy to fit into shounen-type stories, but this can also make the stories a bit bland. When Itadori does something straightforward, like saving someone, there’s no real need for a reason behind it, so the story is easy to move forward but it also can lead to the reader not feeling much or not getting a good taste of his actions.”
“My idea was to use other characters to pave a defined path and portray a universal protagonist. I wanted Itadori to be a flexible character.”
Akutami’s reasoning presents an interesting perspective. He suggests that Yuji’s blandness allows for other characters to advance the narrative. This approach emphasizes the quality of the overall story, highlighting Yuji’s role as a “universal”character—a protagonist who is intentionally designed to be less unique.
Nevertheless, this characterization can undermine Yuji’s value as a protagonist. In truth, he serves as the ideal hero for the time and narrative context of Jujutsu Kaisen, playing a critical role in the series’ success.
The Deeper Themes of Yuji’s Character
Challenging Traditional Shōnen Hero Narratives
Yuji is notably defined by his sparse backstory, a fact that even Akutami has acknowledged. Early in the series, after the death of his grandfather, Yuji grapples with profound themes regarding meaningful existence—a motif explored as various characters face their own mortality, including Junpei, Nanami, and later, Gojo.
Constantly confronted with death, Yuji struggles to understand its significance within the larger context of life. This connection is similarly shared with Yuta, the original protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, yet Yuta does not grapple with death in the same way Yuji does, establishing a core thematic distinction that drives much of the series’ narrative.
During the notable Shibuya Incident, Yuji experiences horror as Sukuna seizes control of his body, leading to rampant destruction. The most shocking aspect for Yuji isn’t merely the chaos or quantity of death; rather, he is haunted by the meaninglessness of it all. This illustrates a thematic complexity that diverges from the usual binary of life and death in shōnen narratives, offering more depth to characters like Gojo, who exhibits a cavalier attitude towards civilian casualties.
Itadori Yuji: The Ideal Protagonist for Modern Audiences
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Perfect Lead
One of the pivotal moments in Jujutsu Kaisen occurs during Yuji’s confrontation with Sukuna, where he discovers that the essence of life—and by extension, death—is not defined by one’s impact on the world or how others remember them. He confounds expectations with the insight that true significance lies in the fragments one leaves behind.
Yuji ultimately dismisses the quest for a “meaningful”life, introducing a profound shift in perspective. His revelation—that the value of life and death is not strictly tied to their perceived meaning—underscores a major theme of the series.
Although it may appear that Yuji’s character is overshadowed by others, this is not attributable to weakness or blandness. In fact, he represents a unique kind of hero. Viewers often express frustration when Yuta steals focus or when Yuji’s strength seems inadequate compared to powerful characters like Gojo, yet these criticisms overlook Yuji’s intrinsic strengths.
Even though Yuji may lack the overwhelming power associated with traditional shōnen heroes, this does not diminish his worthiness as a protagonist. His character embodies an approach where traditional measures of success—with emphasis on power and grand objectives—are eschewed in favor of a more relatable journey focused on personal growth and emotional connection.
In a world that often pressures individuals to lead extraordinary lives, Yuji serves as a refreshing counterpoint. He embodies the idea that amid the chaos and struggle for meaning, it is entirely acceptable to seek joy in the moment and to live authentically.Jujutsu Kaisen ultimately invites audiences to consider that life doesn’t always have to be about grand meanings or missions; sometimes, the journey itself is enough.
Yuji stands out as one of Shōnen Jump’s greatest heroes because he encapsulates the series’ main theme: even when meaning appears elusive, the pursuit of self-fulfillment remains invaluable.
Source: Comicbook.com
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