Jujutsu Kaisen has gained popularity for its dark and intense narrative, captivating fans with its escalating intensity. With the manga nearing its conclusion and the highly anticipated Season 2 of the anime currently airing, here is a compilation of the 10 most thought-provoking moments in the series.
The series has made significant progress since its inception, resulting in the gradual departure of beloved characters by fans. Although the plot of Jujutsu Kaisen is undoubtedly captivating, it also includes several contentious instances. Renowned creator Gege Akutami has gained fame within the fandom for his unrelenting treatment of characters, even those he favors personally. Take a deeper dive into the ten most controversial moments in Jujutsu Kaisen thus far. Caution: substantial spoilers ahead!
10. Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t hesitate to kill young kids
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The story opens with Yuji Itadori being taken captive for a secretive execution, as Satoru Gojo reflects on the events that led to this dire situation. The higher-ranking officials show unwavering determination to execute a mere 15-year-old without considering any alternative options. However, Gojo intervenes and compels them to postpone the execution.
Unfortunately, as soon as Gojo departs Tokyo temporarily, the first thing these superiors do is send the first-year students on an incredibly perilous mission, knowing full well that their chances of survival are negligible. While their primary objective is to eliminate Yuji, they also deliberately expose Megumi and Nobara to hazardous circumstances in order to exert pressure on Gojo. This pattern persists in the prequel movie as well, where they persistently push for the execution of another 15-year-old, Yuta.
Gojo's expertise in guiding Yuta to manage curses and restrain Rika is undeniable. However, the higher-ranking authorities exhibit a disturbing desire for the demise of the young boy. Such behavior contradicts their duty to safeguard others and goes against the very principles they uphold.
9. Sukuna uses a fire arrow without revealing his technique
One of the most standout moments in Jujutsu Kaisen is the epic showdown between Sukuna and Jogo during the Shibuya Incident. What sets this moment apart is the introduction of a never-before-seen technique by the King of Curses. In a series where fire abilities are rare, Sukuna's utilization of this element adds a touch of controversy to the battle, as he traditionally favors slashing and cutting techniques as his go-to arsenal.
The content fragment
Although the specifics of his innate technique remain a mystery, it enables him to harness multiple attributes. Prior to uttering the word "Open," he performs a chant, unleashing his fire abilities.
Sukuna affirms his refusal to divulge his technique, as it would amplify his strength and be perceived as cheating. Hence, his innate technique continues to elude comprehension. Despite his true form being revealed in the manga, fans still remain clueless about his actual capabilities.
8. Choso’s false memories still need an explanation
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The clash between Choso and Yuji in Jujutsu Kaisen is a highly popular moment. In Shibuya, the Curse Womb: Death Painting wastes no time in launching an attack on Yuji. Choso's sole motive is to avenge the deaths of his brothers, Eso and Kechizu, by eliminating Yuji.
The ensuing battle is short-lived yet incredibly intense. Choso effortlessly dominates Yuji, showcasing the immense power of his Blood Manipulation Technique. However, just as Choso prepares to deliver the final blow, a fabricated memory floods his mind. This memory depicts a joyous outing with all his siblings, including Yuji.
It takes some time for Choso to realize the falsity of the memory, yet he continues to regard Yuji as his brother due to their shared connection with Kenjaku. Nevertheless, the series does not provide an explanation for the origins of this memory, leaving it to our own imagination.
7. Eso’s manga design leaves little to the imagination
Introducing Manga Plus
Meet Eso, a secondary character in the series, who shares the same lineage as his brother Choso as one of the enigmatic Curse Womb: Death Paintings. Engaged in an epic battle against Yuji and his fellow classmates during the Death Painting arc, Eso showcases his extraordinary prowess in Blood Manipulation, just like his siblings.
In battle, he possesses a distinctive asset – a bizarre face on his back. However, Eso's manga appearance may be too revealing for fans of Shonen. He wears a band around his chest that supports suspenders attached to a one-piece garment consisting of a thong and leggings. According to Eso, this outfit is necessary to accommodate the face on his back and prevent discomfort. Fortunately, the anime altered his original character design by merging the thong and leggings into a unified attire.
6. Ogi Zenin volunteers to kill his daughters
Manga Plus
Even the most wicked creatures would think twice before harming their own offspring. However, Ogi Zenin is a deplorable individual who not only endorses the Zenin Clan's scheme to assassinate Maki and Mai but also willingly takes on the task himself.
The scene in which he forcefully carries away the twins and devises a plan to eliminate them is truly unsettling. Ogi holds the belief that he cannot ascend to the leadership of the Clan due to his daughters being deemed "failures" by the Zenin Clan. In the face of imminent death, Mai selflessly sacrifices her own life to save Maki.
5. Gojo’s words to Geto before killing him are still unknown
Maki is bestowed with a cursed artifact crafted by none other than Ogi's daughter herself. Unbeknownst to her, the demise of Mai reveals the full potential of her Heavenly Restricted physique. Finally, Ogi meets his rightful end as his neglected daughter, underestimated for her supposed feebleness, becomes his executioner.
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The act of Gojo killing his closest companion, Geto, remains an incredibly poignant and emotionally devastating moment in Jujutsu Kaisen. Throughout their time in high school, these two individuals stood as the unrivaled pinnacle of the Jujutsu realm, forming an indomitable alliance. However, their path diverged tragically, leading to their eventual separation.
Geto, the main antagonist of the prequel movie, meets his demise at the hands of Gojo, despite being defeated by Yuta. After requesting Geto's final words, Gojo imparts something undisclosed in both the manga and anime.
In response, Suguru graces Gojo with a saddened smile and utters, "At least deliver a curse to me in the end." The exact words Gojo says to his closest friend remain a mystery. Speculation suggests that Gojo may have expressed something along the lines of "You're my best friend," based on hints from Gege Akutami's interview about the prequel movie. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
4. The implication behind Naoya’s statement about Mai
Manga Plus
Naoya Zenin, a character in the Jujutsu world, represents the deeply ingrained misogyny and patriarchal values of society. He expresses his belief that women should always walk behind men and even suggests that those who don't should suffer harm. Ultimately, Naoya's demeaning attitude towards women leads to his downfall when Maki and her mother confront and defeat him. However, Naoya's malevolent spirit seeks revenge and targets Mai, subsequently pulling Noritoshi Kamo into the ensuing battle.
When Maki is taunted by the Cursed Naoya for being a child, Maki retaliates by questioning if Naoya has ever experienced adulthood. Naoya's response is a simple counter-question, "Why not ask Mai?" This remark infuriates Maki. Although the series does not delve deeply into this, the implication of sexual assault becomes evident. The situation becomes even more disturbing when considering the fact that Mai and Naoya are actually cousins.
3. Gojo gradually gets removed from the story
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Among the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbase, Gojo is undoubtedly the most adored character. While he holds significant importance in the storyline, it comes as a surprising revelation that he remains sealed in the manga for a duration exceeding three years. Despite merely 20 days having elapsed within the story, fans couldn't help but yearn for the presence of their beloved character throughout those prolonged years.
Gojo is sealed within the Prison Realm as a result of falling into Kenjaku's trap, causing his absence in multiple story arcs. Consequently, his role diminishes significantly and he is unable to compensate for it. Despite being released, he only reappears for approximately 15 chapters before succumbing to Sukuna's fatal blow.
The sudden removal and loss of significance of such a crucial character in the narrative is undeniably startling. However, Gojo's disappearance and demise create opportunities for other characters to take center stage and display their brilliance.
2. Nobara’s death remains unconfirmed to this day
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Nobara's alleged demise is a highly disputed event in the history of Jujutsu Kaisen. She is defeated by Mahito after sustaining a minor injury on her face. Upon touching her wounded face, the scene transitions to a flashback.
Following the conclusion of the flashback, Nobara instructs Yuji to inform others that her condition is not as severe as it may seem. However, she subsequently collapses due to the severity of her wounds. These hints strongly suggest her impending death. Surprisingly, Aoi Todo unexpectedly appears alongside Arata Nitta in that very moment.
Arata utilizes his technique to halt her bleeding and swiftly carries her to safety for rescue. While her survival is not assured, he makes every effort to provide her with treatment. Regrettably, this marks the final appearance of Nobara, with the series never addressing her fate. Given the significant passage of time, it appears improbable for Nobara to make a return.
1. Gojo’s death sparked fury in the fandom
Shueisha
Among all the events in Jujutsu Kaisen, none have generated as much emotional response from fans as the death of Gojo. For several months, fans relished in the epic confrontation between Gojo and Sukuna, witnessing the ultimate clash between these two formidable opponents.
Gojo never doubted his victory, while the King of Curses had a few tricks up his sleeve. The intense fight lasted for 13 chapters and ultimately resulted in the death of the most powerful sorcerer of the modern era. However, it is frustrating that Chapter 235 seemed to confirm Gojo's victory, only for Chapter 236 to suddenly reveal his off-screen demise. Additionally, the author even jokes about skipping a chapter in between. Despite the debate over whether Gojo's death was justified, it cannot be denied that the series caused a negative stir worldwide. Many fans went to the extreme of sending death threats to Gege Akutami. Although the situation has calmed down, fans remain deeply saddened by the loss of their beloved character and are hopeful for his potential return.
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Editor's P/S
As a die-hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I have a deep appreciation for the series' dark and controversial moments. These moments add depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just another shonen action series.
The scene where the higher-ranking officials send the first-year students on a perilous mission, knowing full well that their chances of survival are negligible, is one of the most infuriating moments in the series. It highlights the callous disregard for human life that is prevalent among some of the higher-ups in the Jujutsu world.
Another controversial moment that stands out is the battle between Sukuna and Jogo during the Shibuya Incident. Sukuna's use of fire abilities, which is a rare element in the series, adds a touch of controversy to the battle, as he traditionally favors slashing and cutting techniques. This moment also raises questions about the nature of Sukuna's powers and his true intentions.