Satoru Gojo’s Death in Jujutsu Kaisen: Analyzing Gege Akutami’s Execution of the Concept

Satoru Gojo’s Death in Jujutsu Kaisen: Analyzing Gege Akutami’s Execution of the Concept

Jujutsu Kaisen made headlines when Ryomen Sukuna killed Satoru Gojo in chapter 236, making it one of the most talked-about events in the anime and manga industry in 2023. Discussions about this shocking moment continue, with one of the most debated topics being the execution of Gojo’s death, which, while logical from various angles, lacked a strong portrayal.

Considering Gojo’s immense popularity in the Jujutsu Kaisen community and the high expectations for his battle against Sukuna, the moments leading up to his demise felt rushed. Author Gege Akutami crafted a specific outcome for Gojo’s fight, but many fans feel it was not articulated well, leading to ongoing discussions in the fandom.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Analyzing the Execution of Satoru Gojo’s Death in Jujutsu Kaisen

Sukuna killed Gojo (Image via MAPPA).
Sukuna killed Gojo (Image via MAPPA).

From a storytelling perspective, Satoru Gojo’s death is somewhat justified. He was an overwhelmingly powerful character, often portrayed as a solution to the sorcerers’ significant challenges. Consequently, Akutami’s decision to have him sealed during the Shibuya Incident arc, only for Sukuna to ultimately kill him, allowed the remaining protagonists, particularly Yuji Itadori, to have their moments in the spotlight.

In addition, Sukuna’s approach to battle strategically involved utilizing Mahoraga to adapt to Gojo’s Infinity technique, granting him the advantage he needed to seize victory. This starkly contrasted with Gojo, who improvised throughout the fight, which ultimately led to Sukuna gaining the upper hand in critical moments.

However, a significant drawback of chapter 236 is that it depicts Gojo’s death offscreen, with Sukuna providing an explanation of his tactics. This decision felt like a betrayal to fans, especially after the previous chapter suggested that Gojo would emerge victorious. The absence of critical panels illustrating Sukuna’s execution of his strategy made the climax feel shallow and unearned.

Further Consequences of Gojo’s Death

Satoru Gojo's fate in the manga (Image via Shueisha).
Satoru Gojo’s fate in the manga (Image via Shueisha).

Moreover, Akutami’s handling of Sukuna’s superiority during the battle is another point of contention. While Sukuna emerged as the undeniable victor, there were numerous moments where Gojo appeared dominant, creating a sense of forced resolution that felt inconsistent with the story’s build-up.

This critique has been echoed by many fans regarding the conclusion of Satoru Gojo’s arc. While it’s clear that his death was essential for the narrative’s progression, the manner of its execution failed to meet expectations. The impact of chapter 236 was not solely due to the shock of his demise, but also the execution itself, giving rise to feelings that Akutami may have rushed the outcome rather than allowing for organic development.

Final Reflections

Satoru Gojo’s death remains one of the most significant moments in the narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen due to its context and the reaction it generated among fans. Nonetheless, the implementation of this pivotal event has left many dissatisfied, even if they agree that Gojo’s character arc necessitated his death.

  • The official translation for Gojo’s letter in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268 showcases the sorcerer’s dark humor.
  • Yuji recalls Mahito’s Shibuya moment against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268.
  • Gojo’s letter to Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268 serves as a poignant farewell.
  • In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268: Yuji faces Sukuna as a new destiny for Yuta is foreshadowed.

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