Unveiling the Dark Mysteries of Jujutsu Kaisen: A Deep Dive into Society, Despair, and the Triumph of Adulthood

Highlights

Jujutsu Kaisen's "adult" feel stems from its depiction of life and adulthood, which may resonate more with older viewers.

Taking inspiration from Bleach and Hunter x Hunter, the series skillfully brings occult elements into the context of contemporary society. Central to the storyline is the theme of despair, as portrayed through the characters' perspectives on work and the trials of adulthood.

Warning: Minor spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen may follow. Stream now on Crunchyroll.

There's something undeniably mature about Jujutsu Kaisen, even though it's worth mentioning that shōnen anime also touch upon dark and mature concepts. However, when we say "mature," we're referring to how the series presents its world, writing, and atmosphere in a way that resonates deeply with older viewers and their perspectives on life and adulthood.

Written by Gege Akutami,

Society

Undoubtedly, the essence of Jujutsu Kaisen lies within its horror aspects. Although the show may not explicitly aim to frighten its viewers, it simply cannot exist without its extraordinary creatures. Nevertheless, these monstrous beings owe their eerie existence to the very environment they emerge from. This series skillfully employs a distinct brand of horror deeply embedded in Japanese pop culture - the embodiment of urban legends derived from the darkest corners of human nature.

The presence of somber news broadcasts, hushed conversations in classrooms, online speculation, and society operating as if all is normal, despite the provoking violence, serve as the foundation for a multitude of visual novels, light novels, and anime popularized during the late 90s and early 00s. These narratives, exploring morbid tales, possess a universal appeal in the era of the internet. Their existence is intricately tied to the vastness of the online world.

In the Season 2 premiere, set in 2006, Mei Mei highlights how the internet's growth has facilitated the rapid spread of rumors regarding ghosts and urban legends. This heightened dissemination leads to more victims and stronger curses, necessitating the presence of more powerful sorcerers to combat them. As a result, the current storyline takes on a new perspective, indicating that the nature of the threat has evolved alongside the changing times.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, cursed spirits are the manifestation of negative human emotions. The most malevolent spirits, however, arise from horrifying incidents and deaths that surpass the bounds of imaginable suffering. Nevertheless, gruesome deaths are not the sole source of these curses. Negative emotions alone suffice, and such emotions are abundant in every facet of life. These chilling tales transform ordinary horrors into legendary myths.

One cursed spirit lures its victim with an unsettling closeness, almost like an unwelcome and disturbing act of intimacy. Another spirit, known as the Kuchisake-Onna in Japanese folklore, takes on the form of a girl wielding scissors, asking her victim if they find her attractive, regardless of their answer, ultimately leading to brutal dismemberment. This legend revolves around a vengeful spirit seeking retribution for past mutilation, hinting at instances of physical and sexual assault.

Moreover, rather than hurling insults or screaming, low-level curses simply mutter seemingly random and nonsensical words, resembling a creature reciting items from a grocery list. The storyline does not delve into the individual histories of every spirit depicted, nor does it require to do so. These underlying characteristics are readily recognizable and contribute to the richness of the series' mythology, emphasizing how the accumulation of even minor instances of despair can eventually reach a breaking point that cannot be ignored.

Despair

Referring to "accumulation," it strongly resembles the words of Kento Nanami, a beloved character whose perspective on life undeniably resonates with fans. His appearance alone demands respect, but what truly endears him to viewers is his genuine disdain for work. He chose to leave the path of a sorcerer to become a salaryman, only to return when he realized that regardless of the occupation, work is ultimately unsatisfying. Nanami's relatable attitude towards work captures the sentiments of many, solidifying the portrayal of jujutsu sorcerers as individuals engaged in a perilous profession. While Jujutsu Kaisen showcases countless thrilling moments and ingeniously crafted action, it seldom romanticizes the life of a sorcerer. Nanami fully comprehends the arduousness of the job at hand.

He is protective of Yuji Itadori not because he underestimates him, but because he believes it is his duty as an adult to ensure the well-being of the younger generation. Additionally, his perspective on adulthood aligns with the central theme of the story - the gradual accumulation of despair. This philosophy portrays him as a realist and highlights the parallel between his present self and his younger self in terms of maturity and personal growth. The distinction between childhood and adulthood is not clearly defined; it is a continuous process of development over time. As one becomes independent and takes on adult responsibilities, it can often feel like pretending or imitating an idealized version of adulthood. However, Nanami's perspective sheds light on the true nature of adulthood in this context.

Furthermore, this ideology intertwines with the core conflicts of the storyline. Although Nanami played a minor role in the Hidden Inventory arc, he, along with Geto, intimately encountered the anguish associated with being a sorcerer. Nevertheless, their reactions to this adversity were drastically distinct. Nanami initially renounced sorcery after completing his studies, only to later return, whereas Geto completely relinquished everything and forever lost himself.

Jujutsu Kaisen & Adulthood

If adulthood is characterized by the collection of numerous disappointments, and curses represent those disappointments materialized, then Jujutsu Kaisen explores the struggle to resist allowing those disappointments to tear us apart. Suguru Geto found himself torn between embracing a cause he wanted to believe in and nurturing a deep-seated hatred for the society that his cause aimed to protect. Ultimately, he chose the path of hatred because he failed to envision any resolution to his despair.

On the other hand, Kento Nanami decided to become a jujutsu sorcerer once again because he believed that evading the mounting worries and letdowns of life was equivalent to abandoning it altogether. This strong link between the central conflict and the underlying philosophies of the story lends itself to a noticeably melancholic sense of nostalgia, particularly evident in the anime adaptation.

There's a reason why the opening and ending credits often showcase numerous candid moments of the cast simply being themselves - not engaged in sorcery battles, but rather enjoying life and having fun. The second ending theme of Season 1, titled "Give it back" by Cö shu Nie, serves as a veritable anthem to the fleeting exuberance of youth, and the accompanying visuals only intensify the poignancy of the sequence.

Drawing inspiration from classic shōnen works and infused with elements of horror films and urban legends, Jujutsu Kaisen presents a contemporary fantasy that embodies the spirit of the present era. Through its unique atmosphere, the story explores a refreshing perspective on life that resonates particularly with viewers grappling with the challenges of adulthood. Catch Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll for a captivating streaming experience.