10 Anime Characters Who Endured Greater Torment Than Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen

The online discussion about anime characters who have endured more suffering than Yuji Itadori has gained traction due to the events of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen. Without delving into specifics, the main character has experienced the loss of several friends and comrades, prompting fans to consider the extent of his suffering.

Undoubtedly, there are other anime characters who have endured greater hardships than Yuji Itadori. However, it is challenging to objectively measure their pain, grief, and tragedy. The online discourse on the latest season of Jujutsu Kaisen has sparked a lighthearted exercise in comparing fictional characters' suffering.

10 anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori

1. Guts (Berserk)

Definitely one of those anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori (Image via Young Animal)

Guts is undeniably one of the most tormented anime characters, surpassing even Yuji Itadori in suffering. His life in the Berserk manga has been one of pure anguish from the moment of his birth. Born from his mother's corpse and betrayed by his father figure, he endured sexual abuse and manipulation by the psychopath Griffith. As if that wasn't enough, he was also sacrificed to the Godhand, resulting in a life filled with tragedy and suffering, with only a few fleeting moments of reprieve.

This is intentional, undoubtedly, and that is why Skull Knight refers to him as a "fellow struggler." Guts' quest revolves around defying the odds and persisting in the battle against all the adversities life has presented to him. This is why he has emerged as a source of inspiration for countless individuals worldwide.

2. Nagato Uzumaki/Pain (Naruto)

Nagato is another compelling contender for anime characters who have endured more than Yuji Itadori (Image via Studio Pierrot)

What makes Nagato's character so heartbreaking, beyond the parallels with Yuji, is that his trauma is something that can happen in real life, setting aside all the special powers typical of shonen anime and manga.

Born in a small country torn apart by war, he lost everything - his parents, his home - and was forced to live on the streets after an attack by the people of Hidden Leaf Village. Finding solace in his friendships with Yahiko and Konan, he began to rebuild his life under the guidance of Jiraiya. As he embraced the teachings of pacifism and dreamt of a better world with the Akatsuki, he faced opposition from the likes of Hanzo, Obito, and Danzo, leading to the destruction of his life. Nagato's story is one marked by the devastation of war and the relentless pursuit of power by others, making him one of the most tragic characters in anime, even more so than Yuji Itadori.

3. Denji (Chainsaw Man)

Another good choice among anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori (Image via MAPPA)

Yuji Itadori is not the only anime character to have suffered greatly. Denji from Chainsaw Man had a strikingly similar fate in his series. The key difference is that Denji started with very little.

Denji endured mistreatment and abuse from his father, and was made to work awful jobs to pay off his father's debt. He had no access to education or friends, and was exploited by Makima because of his connection to Chainsaw Man's heart. Later, the bonds he formed with Power and Aki were cruelly severed by Makima when she no longer had any use for them.

The fact that the most recent chapters of the manga show his mascots being burnt alive shows he is one of those anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori.

4. Jonathan Joestar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Jonathan shares some similarities with Yuji (Image via David Production)

It could be argued that Jonathan experienced similar hardships to Yuji, but on a larger scale. Much of the suffering they endured was inflicted by the same individual (Mahito and Dio Brando, respectively), yet it is undeniable that Jonathan had it worse than Yuji.

Dio became a part of Jonathan's life during their childhood, and he cruelly killed Jonathan's dog. He also damaged Jonathan's relationship with his father, kissed his girlfriend, Erina, and orchestrated the poisoning of Jonathan's father in order to inherit his wealth. Additionally, Dio attempted to murder Jonathan multiple times after transforming into a vampire. Eventually, he stole Jonathan's body and used it for more than a century.

When it comes to anime characters who have endured great suffering, Jonathan is certainly one of the top contenders, alongside Yuji Itadori.

5. Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Another one among anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori (Image via Mappa)

Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan shared a similar situation with Yuji from Jujutsu Kaisen, but with even more responsibility. In his universe, Levi embodies the challenges faced by Satoru Gojo and Yuji in their series. Like Gojo, Levi was hailed as the strongest and had to lead the charge in facing the Titans, carrying a heavy burden of responsibility. Additionally, similar to Yuji, Levi witnessed his comrades dying repeatedly while striving to attain their shared dream of freedom.

6. Bartholomew Kuma (One Piece)

A very recent case (Image via Toei Animation)

Bartholomew Kuma's backstory is one of the most tragic in the One Piece series, making him one of the characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori. His unfortunate past includes being a slave of the World Government and being turned into a cyborg known as "Pacifista" in order to try to cure his daughter of a rare disease called Sapphire Scales. He also experienced the death of his parents, the loss of his romantic interest Ginny, and the sacrifice of his own free will.

7. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter X Hunter)

Another very prominent example (Image via Madhouse)

Yuji endured significant hardships due to his choice to become a Jujutsu sorcerer, while Killua Zoldyck faced his own trials as a member of the renowned assassin family. His traumatic upbringing and manipulation by his family heavily influenced his character development, particularly in his relationship with his brother Illumi.

This is an obvious choice among anime characters who have suffered more than Yuji Itadori.

8. Kaneki Ken (Tokyo Ghoul)

One of the anime characters who have endured even more hardships than Yuji Itadori is none other than Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul. Many fans have lamented the fact that Studio Pierrot's adaptation failed to fully showcase Kaneki's qualities as a protagonist and the extreme trials he had to face.

Kaneki undergoes the harrowing transformation into a Ghoul, battling the relentless urge to consume human flesh while sacrificing his own humanity in the process. Throughout the series, he endures the loss of numerous loved ones, experiences unimaginable torture, and faces events too horrific to articulate. His tragic story evokes profound empathy, and it is respectfully acknowledged that Yuji's suffering pales in comparison to his.

9. Hyakkimaru (Dororo)

Often overlooked (Image via MAPPA and Tezuka Productions)

Hyakkimaru from Dororo could be considered an underappreciated character in comparison to Yuji Itadori. This is largely due to the series' relative obscurity and lack of a massive fanbase. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that this wandering swordsman endured immense suffering throughout his journey.

From the moment he was born, Hyakkimaru was devoid of limbs and functioning organs, as they had been sacrificed by his father to demons in exchange for prosperity. Abandoned as a baby, he had to fend for himself, embarking on a harrowing journey to reclaim his body parts, filled with pain and tragedy.

10. Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)

A surprising yet logical choice (Image via Sunrise)

While Yuji Itadori may have faced significant challenges, it's important to consider the hardships that Lelouch has endured. As a child, he experienced the loss of his mother, the disability of his sister, and constant belittlement from his extended family due to his lack of royal blood.

Final thoughts

It can be argued that there are several anime characters who have endured more hardship than Yuji Itadori. This is not to diminish Yuji's suffering, but rather to highlight the extreme trials that other characters have faced in their own series.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I find the online discussion about anime characters who have endured more suffering than Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen to be both interesting and thought-provoking. It's true that Yuji has gone through a lot, but there are certainly other characters in the anime world who have faced even greater hardships and tragedies.

Characters like Guts from Berserk and Nagato Uzumaki from Naruto have experienced unimaginable pain and loss, and their stories are truly heartbreaking. Guts' life has been marked by constant struggle and suffering, while Nagato's trauma is all the more poignant because it's something that could happen in real life. These characters' resilience and determination in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, and they serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.