Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
It is almost an ironclad rule of the Shonen genre that protagonists need to stand out from the rest. Otherwise, where is the fun and thrill? And why would readers continue the series? Gege Akutami, on the other hand, has created a protagonist who is often overshadowed by other characters.
Of course, Yuji’s physical strength, as well as determination, has always set him apart from the rest. But isn’t that true for every Shonen hero? In an interview at aJujutsu Kaisenexhibition, Gege Akutami answered some questions about Yuji that will change your entire concept about the character.
Gege Akutami States Yuji’s Flexibility Can Make Stories Bland
Inthe interview,Gege Akutamiexplained that Yuji Itadori is a straightforward main character. His idea was to use other characters to pave a defined path while a universal protagonist was portrayed.
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.
Itadori is indeed a flexible character, asyou can fit him into any story, and he will act as any other protagonist. Yuji is hardworking, straightforward, says what he thinks, and is kind. He is also extremely energetic, friendly, and outgoing, like most Shonen heroes. Doesn’t this sound like a hundred other heroes that you have already encountered as an anime fan? No wonder Gojo stole the spotlight inJujutsu Kaisenas soon as he debuted.
Gege Akutami Did Something with Itadori Yuji in Jujutsu Kaisen that Even Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto Couldn’t with Luffy and Naruto
In other words, Gege Akutami admits that Yuji Itadori is a bland character. But this revelation is not great news to fans, especially just a few chapters beforeJujutsu Kaisenends. There are already speculations that claimYuji might dieby the end of the manga. If Akutami considers him a bland character, it would not take long for him to dispose of Itadori.
Yuji Itadori as a Reflection of theJujutsu KaisenAudience
Gege Akutami further explained that when Itadori does an action, like saving someone or any other morally just deed, there doesn’t have to be a real reason behind it. As a universal protagonist, it’s just what is expected of his character. However, in return for the story moving forward easily, the mangaka has to pay the price as readers might not get a good taste of the protagonist’s actions, thus resulting in an inability to relate to the series.
Another aspect of his versatility is being able to react to things in the story alongside the reader’s perspective.
Gege Akutamiconstructed Yuji in such a waythat his reactions almost always match those ofJujutsu Kaisenreaders. In a way, he is an extension of the audience in the manga world. So when Itadori encounters something new, his reaction matches with that of the readers, thus making fans feel more attached to the series.
There are several extremely difficult concepts inJujutsu Kaisen. From the Culling Game setup to Cursed Techniques, which can only be understood by scholars as Akutami did not hold back on the lengthy explanations. But, when the rules are explained to Itadori, and he reacts like he doesn’t understand them, readers will also feel that it’s ok for them not to get everything. If the protagonist himself is winning battles despite not knowing the rules, then readers feel a lot more at peace.
“He absolutely is destined to be the next King of Curses”: Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Point Out 1 Hidden Detail That Proves Gege Akutami is Hiding Yuji’s Yet to Go All Out
Jujutsu Kaisenis available to read on Viz Media, and the anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Aaheli Pradhan
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :1558
Aaheli is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with 1300+ published articles. With five years of experience under her belt, she is a living, breathing encyclopedia for anime and manga. From Shonen and Shojo to the most niche anime, nothing escapes her radar. Her poisons of choice are Assassination Classroom, Gintama, Ouran High School Host Club and every Ghibli movie ever. She believes in living a slow life, surrounded by incomplete art projects and her beloved cats.
More from Aaheli Pradhan
Japan’s 10 Most-Watched Anime of 2025: Naruto Not Even in Top 5
Top 5 Best Time Skips in Anime
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Recommended
17 Years Later, This Iron Man Scene Was the Darkest MCU Moment No One Realized
When Is Absolute Flash #6 Coming Out? Release Date, Plot Prediction & Everything We Know
‘The Serial Killer’s Apprentice’: How Dean Corll Was Murdered by His Own “Friend”
Is Apple TV+’s Carême Renewed for Season 2? Details Inside
Chris Pratt Thriller Dominates Global Streaming Amid Pro-RFK Jr Stance
“Oh I f**king love her”: Margaret Qualley’s Dad Made an Aubrey Plaza Confession That Stunned Her
Gege AkutamiJujutsu KaisenYuji Itadori
