Gege’s Decision to Portray Jujutsu Kaisen Sorcerers as Positive Characters

Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami made a number of commendable choices during the series, one of which was portraying the overwhelming majority of sorcerers as fundamentally noble individuals grappling with the harsh realities of their world. While there are certainly villains within the Jujutsu community, exemplified by characters like Naoya Zen’in and Mei Mei, most of the ensemble are essentially good-hearted individuals striving to make a positive difference.

Even some of the series’ most iconic characters, such as Satoru Gojo, often seen as morally ambiguous, display their inherent goodness, particularly through their commitment to saving lives during critical moments like the subway incident in Shibuya. Notable figures such as Yuta Okkotsu and Yuji Itadori truly embody kindness and integrity within the sorcerer realm.

Note: This article contains spoilers from the series.

The Wisdom of Akutami’s Character Choices in Jujutsu Kaisen

Satoru Gojo illustrates the complexity of Jujutsu society (Image via MAPPA).

It’s hard to overlook the negative aspects of Jujutsu society, where figures like Naoya Zen’in exhibit blatant sexism and greed, while Mei Mei has shown abusive tendencies. However, Akutami chooses to spotlight the vast majority of sorcerers as virtuous, with the strongest of the modern age, Satoru Gojo, serving as a prime example.

While Gojo undoubtedly has his flaws, notably his overly relaxed attitude and arrogance, he remains a fundamentally good individual who prioritizes the safety of his students and the broader community. His encounter with the Disaster Curses in Shibuya emphasized his commitment to protecting civilians, which ultimately led to his sealing by Kenjaku using Suguru Geto’s body.

The world of Jujutsu Kaisen is undeniably brutal, showcasing numerous innocent lives lost and well-meaning sorcerers meeting untimely ends. However, what truly distinguishes these characters is their response to such adversity. Sorcerers like Nanami Kento, Kusakabe, and Utahime demonstrate their strong moral fiber by consistently striving to support both society and their students.

Yuta and Yuji as Symbols of Societal Progress

Yuta and Yuji in an emotional moment (Image via MAPPA).

One of the early motifs in Jujutsu Kaisen is the emergence of younger sorcerers with a heightened sense of morality, distinctly represented by Yuji Itadori and Yuta Okkotsu. It’s fitting that they take center stage, as they herald a new era of integrity within the Jujutsu society, managing to retain their kindness despite facing numerous challenges.

Of course, this portrayal does not imply that every sorcerer embodies goodness. Some, such as Suguru Geto, have succumbed to madness. Instances of difficult ethical decisions arise, including the controversial use of Gojo’s corpse in the confrontation with Ryomen Sukuna, but it’s important to recognize that such dire measures were a last resort in a world teetering on the brink of annihilation.

Significantly, Yuji’s ultimate victory over the King of Curses, while also saving Megumi Fushiguro, reinforced the theme that he didn’t need to sacrifice his moral principles. This outcome serves as a powerful affirmation that his approach was the right one.

Conclusion

Like any community, the realm of sorcerers in Jujutsu Kaisen grapples with its share of corruption and malevolence. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the characters within this narrative have been portrayed as genuinely good individuals devoted to aiding others.

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