Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, has become incredibly popular due to the success of both the manga and the anime series. Despite his fame, Akutami remains a mystery as he has never revealed his face to the public. This has led to speculation and rumors, including the mistaken belief that he was a woman. It has been confirmed, however, that Gege Akutami is a man, though the reason for his anonymity remains unclear. While some public figures value their privacy, Akutami's extreme level of secrecy has left fans, especially those in the West, curious. It should be noted that Akutami is not the first mangaka, and likely won't be the last, to conceal their identity in this manner.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series.
Jujutsu Kaisen author Gege Akutami and why he hides his face
Gege Akutami has risen to global fame thanks to the massive success of his Jujutsu Kaisen manga series. Despite his widespread popularity, he has deliberately kept his appearance hidden from the public eye, leaving most people unfamiliar with his true face. In his manga volumes, he often portrays himself as a cat with a third eye, a choice that echoes the likes of Koyoharu Gotouge, the creator of Demon Slayer, who also depicted herself as a crocodile.
However, it is fairly clear and logical that Akutami's decision to maintain privacy is rooted in the common humility and gratitude of manga authors. Many authors choose to remain anonymous or not show their face in public, and given Akutami's significant popularity, it is understandable why he would want to avoid potential risks by not making his identity public. This decision may have been further reinforced by the threatening response he received after a controversial storyline in his manga, which could understandably lead to concerns about his safety.
Akutami's legacy
Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna, Akutami's most popular characters (Image via MAPPA).
The Jujutsu Kaisen series has solidified Gege Akutami's status as one of the top manga authors of the past decade. With its worldwide success, characters like Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna have become industry icons. From a storytelling perspective, Akutami has fearlessly taken bold risks, such as killing off popular characters and staging the Zen'in Clan massacre, resulting in captivating and thought-provoking developments for the fanbase.
Final thoughts
The concept of Cursed Energy and its functioning in the battle system is truly intriguing. It goes to the extent of characters justifying the explanation of their abilities to their opponents because it ultimately makes them stronger. This illustrates Akutami's deep understanding of the medium and its dynamics.
Jujutsu Kaisen has garnered widespread praise, thanks to the work of Gege Akutami. While fans may be curious about the creator's appearance and wish to express their gratitude, it's important to respect Akutami's decision to remain private.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I find the hidden identity of Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, to be intriguing and mysterious. Akutami's choice to conceal his face has sparked speculation and rumors among fans, adding to the allure of his persona. While some may argue that his extreme level of secrecy is unnecessary, I believe it is a personal choice that should be respected. After all, Akutami is not the first mangaka to conceal their identity, and he likely won't be the last.
Akutami's decision to remain anonymous has led to a sense of curiosity and fascination among fans, particularly in the West. It is understandable that people would want to know more about the person behind such a successful manga series, but it is important to remember that Akutami has the right to maintain his privacy. As fans, we should respect his decision and appreciate his work for what it is, rather than focusing on his personal identity.