Unraveling the Mystery: Yuta's Exclusion from the Jujutsu Kaisen Anime

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime introduces a wide array of fascinating characters with unique powers and Cursed Techniques. Yuta Okkotsu, the protagonist of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime's prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, is one such character. Despite being mentioned several times in the anime, he has yet to make an appearance. As the events in Shibuya take a dire turn, fans are left wondering about his current whereabouts and why he has chosen to remain behind the scenes rather than joining his fellow sorcerers in the front lines.

Where is Yuta Okkotsu during the events of Jujutsu Kaisen anime?

Yuta Okkotsu, a student in his second year at Jujutsu High in Tokyo, stands out as one of the most formidable sorcerers in the entire series. Even Gojo, the most powerful sorcerer of the current era and Yuta's teacher, has taken note of his exceptional abilities. In fact, Gojo has gone as far as to suggest that Yuta has the potential to one day rival or even exceed him as a sorcerer.

Yuta's current whereabouts

Yuta first made his appearance in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie, which is set before the events of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime. The movie delves into Yuta's backstory, uncovering the origins of his sorcerer journey. Moreover, it reveals that Yuta is a descendant of Michizane Sugawara, one of the Big Three Vengeful Spirits, establishing him as a distant relative of the Gojo Clan.

In the climax of the film, Yuta and Geto engage in a final battle, ultimately resulting in Geto's downfall and ultimate demise. In a post-credits scene, Yuta is seen enjoying traditional African cuisine alongside Miguel, a foreign sorcerer who had clashed with Gojo during Geto's assault on Tokyo in what became known as the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons.

After studying and training under Miguel in Africa, Yuta made a cameo in the second opening of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 with Miguel. As one of Gojo's top disciples and one of the four Special Grade Sorcerers, Yuta returns to Tokyo following Gojo's sealing and the unfolding tragic events in Shibuya. These events are currently being depicted in season 2 of the show.

Yuta's debut in Jujutsu Kaisen anime is near

Yuta's first appearance in the manga (Image via Akutami Gege/Shueisha)

Yuta's debut in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga occurs in chapter 137 during Yuji Itadori's Extermination Arc. Upon his return to Tokyo, Yuta is tasked by the Jujutsu society's leaders to eliminate Itadori. Bound by a Binding Vow with the leaders, Yuta engages in a battle with Itadori and fatally wounds him by stabbing him in the heart. However, it is later unveiled that the entire conflict was a deception orchestrated to shield Itadori from the conservative leaders.

The epic battle between Yuta and Yuji in the pages of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Akutami Gege/Shueisha)

As the leaders of the jujutsu community were hell-bent on eliminating him as Sukuna's vessel, the King of Curses and the primary antagonist of the series, this was Yuta's only chance to save himself.

In chapter 143 of the manga, Yuta reveals that Gojo had previously entrusted him with the responsibility of looking after the first and second-year students, particularly Itadori, in case something happens to Gojo. Subsequently, Yuta apologizes to Yuji for subjecting him to this ordeal.

It is expected that Yuta will make his first appearance in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime following the conclusion of the Shibuya Arc. Fans can anticipate seeing Yuta on screen towards the end of season 2 of the anime or at the beginning of season 3.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm thrilled to witness the unraveling mystery surrounding Yuta Okkotsu's absence in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime. The prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, provided a captivating glimpse into his character and abilities, leaving fans eager for his appearance in the main storyline. Yuta's exceptional abilities and potential to rival Gojo have generated considerable excitement within the fandom.

The anticipation for Yuta's debut in the anime is palpable, especially considering the pivotal events unfolding in the Shibuya Arc. With Gojo's sealing and the tragic consequences that followed, Yuta's return to Tokyo as one of the Special Grade Sorcerers adds a new layer of intrigue to the narrative. The clash between Yuta and Yuji in the manga was a thrilling display of their powers and highlighted Yuta's determination to protect his fellow sorcerers.